Net Worth
Alexi Lalas, a retired American soccer player turned sports broadcaster, has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million. Lalas accumulated his wealth through his successful soccer career as well as his ventures in broadcasting and music.
Highlights
– Alexi Lalas is best known for his standout performance as a defender on the United States national team in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
– He was the first American player to join Italy’s Serie A, playing for Calcio Padova after the 1994 World Cup.
– Lalas was a key player for the Los Angeles Galaxy, winning the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and the MLS Cup.
– In 2006, he was elected into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Early Life
Alexi Lalas, born as Panayotis Alexander Lalas on June 1, 1970, in Birmingham, Michigan, had a diverse background. His father, Demetrios Lalas, was a Greek national and the director of Greece’s national observatory, while his mother, Anne Harding Woodworth, was an American published poet.
Despite not taking an interest in soccer until the age of 11, Lalas excelled in the sport during his high school years at Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He was named the 1987 Michigan High School Player of the Year in his senior year and also played and captained the high school hockey team.
Lalas went on to attend Rutgers University, where he played on the men’s soccer team from 1988 to 1991. He achieved numerous accolades during his college career, including being named a two-time All-American and receiving the Hermann Trophy and the Missouri Athletic Club Player of the Year award in 1991. Though he left Rutgers in 1991 to join the U.S. national team, Lalas later completed his degree in English with a minor in music through online classes in 2014.
Career
After training with former Arsenal player Bob McNab in California, Lalas struggled to establish himself in the professional soccer scene. However, following an invitation from coach Bora Milutinovic, he joined the United States tryouts and ultimately stood out as a top player in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
After the World Cup, Lalas became the first American player in Italy’s Serie A, playing for Calcio Padova. He later returned to the United States and became a pioneer in Major League Soccer (MLS). Lalas played for various MLS teams, including the New England Revolution, MetroStars, and the Kansas City Wizards. However, he experienced his most successful period in the MLS while playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy, winning several championships.
Personal Life
Alexi Lalas is married and has two children. His younger brother, Greg Lalas, also had a professional soccer career and currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at United Soccer League.
In addition to his accomplishments in soccer and broadcasting, Lalas is also a passionate musician. He played in the band The Gypsies, which had the opportunity to perform as the opening act for Hootie & the Blowfish during their European concerts in 1998. Lalas has released seven solo albums over his music career.
Net Worth Over Time
Alexi Lalas’ net worth has evolved over time, influenced by his various career achievements and ventures. Starting from his successful soccer career, Lalas gained considerable financial stability through contracts with different teams, particularly during his successful stint with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Additionally, his endeavors in broadcasting, including working as an analyst for ABC Sports and Fox Sports, contributed to his overall net worth.
Furthermore, Lalas’ passion for music has added a unique aspect to his financial portfolio. Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success in music as in his soccer and broadcasting careers, his involvement in the music industry likely generated additional income.
Components of Net Worth
Alexi Lalas’ net worth is comprised of various components, including:
– Earnings from his professional soccer career, including salaries and bonuses from contracts with different teams.
– Income from his broadcasting career, including roles as an analyst for ABC Sports, Fox Sports, and his work during World Cups.
– Royalties and earnings from his music career, which includes his solo albums and performances with The Gypsies.
– Investments and other business ventures he may have pursued throughout his career.
These components collectively contribute to Lalas’ current net worth of $3.5 million.