DeAndre Yedlin: The Journey of a Dynamic American Right-Back
DeAndre Roselle Yedlin has established himself as one of the most resilient and versatile defenders in American soccer. Known for his pace and tactical discipline as a right-back (a defensive player positioned on the right side of the field), Yedlin's career has spanned the top tiers of Major League Soccer (MLS), the English Premier League, and the Turkish Süper Lig.
From his early days in Seattle to representing the United States on the world's biggest stage, Yedlin's trajectory reflects the growing global competitiveness of American talent.
Key Facts
- Full Name: DeAndre Roselle Yedlin
- Position: Right-back
- International Caps: 81 appearances for the United States senior team
- Major Honors: CONCACAF Nations League Winner (2021) and multiple MLS titles/shields
- Current Club: Real Salt Lake
- Career Highlight: Breakout performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Early Development and College Success
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Yedlin's youth career saw him develop through several clubs, including Emerald City FC, Crossfire Premier, and Northwest Nationals, before attending O'Dea High School. His path to the professional ranks took him through the University of Akron, where he played for the Zips under coach Caleb Porter from 2011 to 2012.
During his collegiate tenure, Yedlin was a standout performer, earning a spot on the College Soccer News Freshman All-American team in 2011. Over two years, he made 45 appearances and recorded 12 assists, helping the Zips secure the Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament titles.
Professional Rise in Major League Soccer
Yedlin's professional journey began with the Seattle Sounders FC. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming the first rookie since 2005 to be named to the MLS All-Star team in 2013. His impact was immediate, scoring his first professional league goal against the Colorado Rapids in July 2013.
By 2014, Yedlin had become a cornerstone of the Sounders' defense, contributing to a season that saw the club win the Supporters' Shield and the U.S. Open Cup. He was again selected as an MLS All-Star, starting in a victory over FC Bayern Munich.
Venturing into European Football
Following a standout performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Yedlin attracted significant interest from European clubs. On August 13, 2014, he signed a four-year contract with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. While his time at Tottenham was limited in terms of first-team appearances, it served as his entry point into English football.
To gain more playing time, Yedlin joined Sunderland on a year-long loan in September 2015. He made an immediate impact, providing an assist in his League Cup debut against Manchester City and becoming a regular starter in the Premier League.
In August 2016, Yedlin moved to Newcastle United for a fee of £5 million. This period marked his most consistent run in England, where he made 112 appearances over five years. He scored his first Premier League goal in September 2018 during a match against Manchester City and helped the club secure the EFL Championship title in the 2016–17 season.
Global Experience and Return to MLS
Seeking a new challenge, Yedlin moved to Turkey in February 2021, signing with Galatasaray. His time in the Süper Lig was marked by high drama, including a match against Çaykur Rizespor where he scored his first goal for the club but was later sent off. His contract was terminated by mutual consent in January 2022.
Yedlin then returned to the United States, joining Inter Miami in 2022. He played a pivotal role in the club's early years, including winning the 2023 Leagues Cup. His journey continued with a successful stint at FC Cincinnati before joining his current team, Real Salt Lake, in 2025.
International Career with the United States
Yedlin's international rise was meteoric. After debuting for the U-20 squad in 2013, he earned his first senior cap in February 2014. He was a surprise inclusion in Jurgen Klinsmann's 23-man roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he was labeled a "breakout star" by the New York Times for his performances against Portugal and Belgium.
Over the next decade, Yedlin became a fixture in the USMNT, earning 81 caps. He was a key part of the squad that won the 2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League and represented the U.S. in the 2016 Copa América Centenario. He also had the honor of captaining the national team in a 2019 friendly against Chile.
Career Summary Table
| Period | Club/Team | League/Level | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | Seattle Sounders FC | MLS | Supporters' Shield Winner |
| 2014–2016 | Tottenham / Sunderland | Premier League | Premier League Debut |
| 2016–2021 | Newcastle United | Premier League / Championship | EFL Championship Winner |
| 2021–2022 | Galatasaray | Süper Lig | European Experience |
| 2022–2024 | Inter Miami | MLS | Leagues Cup Winner |
| 2024–2025 | FC Cincinnati | MLS | Consistent Starter |
| 2025–Present | Real Salt Lake | MLS | Current Club |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs has DeAndre Yedlin played for in England?
Yedlin played for Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland (on loan), and Newcastle United.
When did DeAndre Yedlin make his FIFA World Cup debut?
He made his World Cup debut during the 2014 tournament in a match against Portugal.
What is Yedlin's primary playing position?
He plays as a right-back, focusing on defending the right flank and supporting offensive attacks.
How many caps has Yedlin earned for the United States national team?
As of July 12, 2023, DeAndre Yedlin has earned 81 caps for the United States.
Which major international trophy has Yedlin won?
He was a winner of the 2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League with the United States.