Marcelo Balboa in his playing days for the USMNT

This is the first episode in our series charting the path of professionals athletes from their childhood to their debut. We call it “Back Streets to Pro”.

Marcelo Balboa is a pioneer of US soccer. The goal-scoring centre-back represented his country in two World Cups and was the first player to earn 100 caps for the Stars and Stripes

His father was a professional player in Argentina and made the game a major part of Marcelo’s childhood.

He worked his way through the tough semi-pro leagues in the early 1980s, played in Mexico and would join Colorado Rapids when the MLS started in 1996.

But how did those formative years shape his later career?

Links and notes

Marcelo Balboa's career highlights at Colorado Rapids, including a bicycle kick that was MLS Goal of the Year in 2000

Marcelo Balboa on Twitter

How Marcelo Balboa became the first offensive defender in USMNT history