July 16, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – D.C. United captain and stalwart center back Steven Birnbaum has announced his retirement from professional soccer after 11 seasons with the Black-and-Red. D.C. United will honor the club legend on Saturday, June 20 during the Black-and-Red’s friendly against Celtic FC. The 33-year-old will represent D.C. United in his final match and will be recognized at halftime in front of fans. To purchase tickets for the Celtic FC friendly and to witness Birnbaum’s final game, click HERE.
“Steven [Birnbaum] was one of the first players I had a chance to build a relationship with after he joined us from the draft in 2014,” Jason Levien, D.C. United Co-Chairman and CEO, said. “I could tell right away that there was something special about Steven. It has been rewarding to watch him grow over the last 11 years as a player and person. He has been a pillar in our backline and more importantly he has been an exceptional leader and human being in our community. I want to congratulate Steven on a stellar playing career and thank him for his years of dedication to D.C. United on the field. I’m excited to keep Steven within the organization and look forward to watching him succeed in this next chapter in his life.”
Birnbaum was drafted second overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft and quickly established himself as a consistent figure in the backline for the Black-and-Red. He made his debut for D.C. United on June 7, 2014, in a 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew and would be a starter for all subsequent matches that season. In his rookie year, Birnbaum appeared in 23 total matches for the Black-and-Red, including two playoff matches, amassing 2,070 minutes with 146 clearances and 111 aerial duels. After an impressive debut season, Birnbaum was named a finalist for the 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year Award and solidified his place in the D.C. United defense.
“Steven is a true professional and is a captain who exemplifies the values of this city and club,” Ally Mackay, D.C. United General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, said. “He has been a pivotal part of this organization since 2014 when the club drafted him out of college, and he has been an elite defender in MLS over the last 11 seasons. We are truly going to miss a leader of his caliber in the locker room, but we are lucky to keep him within the organization in a different role. In my limited time with the club, I have gotten to know Steven well and I…
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