11-08-2025
Marcelo Balboa on his Colorado Rapids jersey retirement
Yahoo Sports contributors Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros talk with MLS/Apple soccer analyst and former USMNT defender Marcelo Balboa about the significance of his #17 being retired by his former MLS club. Hear the full conversation on the 'The Cooligans' podcast - and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
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Video Transcript
You are in the US Soccer Hall of Fame as well, and then you're getting your jersey retired by the Colorado Rapids, getting celebrated by US Soccer, and being in the US Soccer Hall of Fame and now getting your number retired by the club, which is a fairly rare thing.
I mean, in soccer, this is not something that regularly happens.
The numbers are just mostly fans and most cultures are just like the numbers just passed on, but nobody will be wearing the number 17.
So what does that feel like for you to get honored by the club?
I feel like I was smart.
I didn't pick a prime number that they could retire like a 10 or a 9, you know what I mean, I feel pretty good, pretty good about that.
Smart move.
Thinking ahead.
I've been asked this question a few times and I'm a little lost right now, you know what I mean?
Cause when I played soccer, I played it because I love it, and I still love it now.
I'm 58, 50 going on 58, and I still play it.
I tore my shoulder up and I'm still playing.
So, you know, it's hard for me because it's not an individual sport.
The only reason I've been so successful is because of the wonderful players missing.
I've had Tony behind me for years.
I had Lexi to the side of me.
I've had John Hart, Taramos.
I mean, I've had wonderful teammates in Leon with Kalgo and Tita, you know what I mean?
So, I don't know, it's hard for me to understand my number being retired when I've had so many people in my life that have been teammates that have, and, and have done so much to make like the first goal that the Rapids scored.
Everybody says, oh, Marcelo scored.
Do you guys even remember who the first assist was from?
I ask everybody.
No one does.
But if that guy doesn't, Deane Harber doesn't do what he does, I don't score that first goal.
I'm in a position where they play it nice and easy in front of me.
All I have to do is tap it in the corner.
So I know, I have a hard time understanding the, individual side of it when this is a team sport.
So, I mean, my head's wrapping around it, but I mean, it's an honor and a half.
That they even thought about doing this, but I, there's so many people that I would have to thank for, for having my number retired because of all my teammates that have helped me get to, to the positions I've been.
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