German-born midfielder Terrence Boyd has a similar story as fellow U.S. National Team player John Anthony Brooks.
They are two of four German born or raised players who chose to represent the United States in stead of Germany in the World Cup. Watch the video above to see some of Boyd’s highlights.
Here’s what you need to know about Boyd:
1. He Plays For Rapid Wien in Austria
Terrence Boyd celebrates his goal. (Getty)
Boyd signed a 3-year deal with Rapid Wien, an Austrian futbol club on June 11, 2012. Before that, he had been playing of the Hertha BSC youth team. Boyd stood out as soon as he joined as one of the youngest players on the team, scoring 13 goals, the second best on the Austrian Bundesliga who placed third in the UEFA Europa League. His first goal for the team was scored four minutes into his first game with another later in the game.
Click here to see his full stats.
2. He Attributes his Success to His Stepfather
Boyd plays midfield for Team USA U-23. (Getty)
Boyd’s parents met while his father was doing service in the U.S. Military, stationed in Munich, Germany where he met his mother. He was born in Munich, but the Boyds moved to Queens, New York immediately after. Soon after they came to the states, his parents got divorced and he moved back to Germany with his mother, losing touch with his father. His mother remarried later and Boyd looked up to his stepfather as a father figure.
The talented soccer player told media in 2012:
“I don’t think I would have become a pro without him because I am a lazy guy… He was really strict, but he helped me to stay out of the trouble and all the sh*t that could do some problems for you. I’m a guy who is trying to get better every day, and that focus, I got it from him.”
3. He Could Potentially Start in the World Cup
(Getty)
Boyd is fast, strong and talented, playing both in the front and the back. His former coach, Caleb Porter of the U-23 U.S. National Team said of Boyd to ProSoccerTalk:
“For me, he can hold the ball, he can stretch [defenses], he’s great around the box and he can score goals. … He’s a great kid, as well. He made a great impression on us in that Florida camp. He hasn’t been able to get into any of the other camps with us, but we’ve been monitoring his progress. Again, I think he fits the system we’re playing and brings some things to the table that we feel are important.”
4. He Has Dual Citizenship in the U.S. and Germany
(Getty)
Because of Boyd’s short time spent in the United States and his birth in Munich, Boyd had a harder time becoming a dual citizen.
He first became interested in becoming a dual citizen when teammate from the Hertha youth program, Bryan Arguez told his U.S. U-20 International team coach, Thomas Rongen that he should look at international players such as Boyd. Boyd was invited thereafter to the U-20 training camp which caused a problem for Boyd. In order for Boyd to obtain the necessary U.S. passport, he had to face the disconnection in his family that had torn them apart. He was unable to get a signature from his father but eventually got his father’s sister to sign the paperwork needed.
5. He Has a Tattoo of the American Flag on His Arm
Terrence Boyd added wings to his bald eagle tattoo and it is SO AMERICAN. http://t.co/buaWIRbFaJ pic.twitter.com/edksgPsFCB
— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) May 6, 2014
Although Boyd only lived in Queens until shortly after his birth, he takes pride in being an American. He instagrammed a picture when he got his tattoo, saying “show some love for your country” and “represent” and although he was raised in Germany, he is one of the most patriotic players on the USMNT.