Union Captain Bedoya Plans Retirement After 2026 Season
8 sourcesUpdated Nov 3, 20261 min read
Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya will retire after the 2026 MLS season, concluding a 17-year professional career. Since joining Philadelphia in 2016 and becoming captain the following year, he helped the club win Supporters’ Shields in 2020 and 2025 and reach its first MLS Cup final in 2022. Bedoya also became one of the Union’s most accomplished players, surpassing 300 appearances across competitions and contributing as a leader and mentor. With 66 U.S. national team caps, he played at the 2014 World Cup and won two Concacaf Gold Cups. The Union said his impact extended beyond the field, including his contributions to the club’s growth and Philadelphia community.
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His 66 national team caps show real consistency over the years. The team will need to find a new captain who can match that level of play.
Bedoya has been solid for the Union since joining in 2016 and helped get them to that first MLS Cup final. Respect for sticking it out through 2026.
