LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 7, 2018) — First it was Clint Dempsey, now it’s Jermaine Jones.
The U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder announced his retirement from professional soccer on Friday. Jones, who was born in Frankfurt, Germany to an American father and German mother, most recently played for the LA Galaxy at the club level.
USMNT Midfielder Jermaine Jones Announces Retirement
However, after 19 years dedicated to the sport of soccer, Jones is wrapping up a star-studded, illustrious career.
Before joining the USMNT, Jones had featured for the German national team at youth level. He was called up to compete for the nation’s U-20,, U-21 and U-23 teams. However, his eventual goal came in 2006, when he received his first senior team call up.
He made three appearances for Germany.
However, all appearances were during friendlies. Because of that, when he was approached by former U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley — who is now in charge of Los Angeles FC — Jones made a show to switch alliegence.
He was cleared by FIFA to switch sides in October 2009. However, Jones eventually waited a whole year — due to injuries — to make his debut. He did so against Poland in October 2010.
His first national team goal came against Jamaica in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Throughout his international career, Jones made 69 appearances for the United States, scoring four goals.
His most noteworthy goal in the red, white and blue came against Portugal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. At the Arena da Amazônia in Manaus, Brazil, Jones scored the equalizer, stunning Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese.
A motor that never quit.
Here's to you, @Jermainejunior. pic.twitter.com/a7ydGoAIXC— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) September 7, 2018
A Memorable Bundesliga Career
Due to his upbringing in Frankfurt, Jones began his career in the fifth-biggest German city. He signed his first professional contract with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1999.
From 1999-2004, Jones featured for both the senior and Bundesliga II club. With the senior team, Jones made 46 appearances and scored seven goals.
He ventured through the Bundesliga, featuring for teams like Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04. Right before the FIFA World Cup, Jones left the Bundesliga for Turkish club Beşiktaş.
However, his most memorable Bundesliga stint will be his time with Schalke. Jones recorded 129 appearances and seven goals during his time in Schalke, which came during 2007-14.
Jones Heads Back Home & What’s Next
Despite being born in Frankfurt, Jones did live in Chicago for a short period of time. However, after his parents’ divorce, he went back to Germany with his mother.
In 2014, Jones returned to the United States, signing with the New England Revolution. He stayed for a season and a half, making 28 appearances and scoring two goals. After his time in New England, Jones spent one season in Colorado with the Rapids.
He only made nine appearances.
In 2017, Jones then departed for the big city of Los Angeles, signing with the LA Galaxy. Jones made 20 appearances, scoring one goal. He has made his voice well-known about wanting to coach after his career is over.
On an Instagram post made Friday, Jones said, “I have a clear vision, after I had a couple of months to concentrate on what comes next!”
“Thanks to all my teammates, coaches and clubs who stuck with me and believed in me through all of the years,” Jones wrote. “And a special thanks to all the fans who supported me all the way. See you all soon ✌???!!! Good luck for the game today.”
Jones is married to his wife, Sarah. They have five children together: Keanu, Liya-Joelle, Kenyon, Junius, and Jadee-Mae.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnbi1n2ncJe/?taken-by=jermainejunior
