freddy-aduFreddy Adu was once the brightest star in soccer, not just in America but in the world.  He was a saucy little minx, outwitting defenders and attracting suitors such as Manchester United and Inter Milan.  He agreed to a five-year deal with D.C. United, delaying inevitable international stardom.  He was the savior.  But, six years later, his career has gone awry.  He can’t get a game in Portugal, and he’s an afterthought for the U.S. National Team.  He is drawing comparisons to Benjamin Button.  What happened?

Grant Wahl raved about Adu in a 2003 piece for Sports Illustrated.

How good is Freddy Adu, the prodigy of American soccer? Good enough that Ellinger (who helped develop U.S. World Cup stars Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley) says Freddy could play in MLS right now, at age 13. Good enough that one MLS coach predicts he’ll start for the U.S. in the 2006 World Cup — when he’s 17, the same age that Pelé was when he made his Cup debut. Good enough that some people have questioned whether he’s really 13. And good enough that Inter Milan, one of the world’s most storied clubs, offered Freddy’s family a six-figure package to oversee his development, an unprecedented show of interest in a U.S.-based youngster.

Adu’s early impression endured.  Even in 2006, he received a trial with Manchester United and was a rumored target of Chelsea.

Since arriving in Europe in 2007 he has destroyed these grandiose delusions.  He played sporadically for Benfica, scoring two goals.  The club brought in other players at his position and shipped him off to Monaco on loan.  He never started in Ligue I and never played more than 22 minutes in nine appearances.  With an option to buy this summer, Monaco sent him back.

Adu tried to leave for a Danish club, but Benfica loaned him to lesser Portuguese side Belenenses, where he has played once in five league matches.  Career professionals progress and mature rapidly from age 17 to 20.  Adu hasn’t.

There’s no known evidence of impropriety, but the age question is valid.  Like Latin American baseball players, African footballers commonly lie about their ages to enhance their value.  Freddy’s physique was impressive for a 13-year-old.  It could be genuine, but it also could be because he was 17.  Considering puberty, him being the same size now as he was then raises suspicions.

Pressure could have played a role.  He was the biggest American soccer star, playing professionally at 14.  His first game was nationally-televised.  He had a six-figure contract with MLS and a seven-figure deal with Nike.  He was the prodigy and the great American hope.  Anything except stardom was a failure.

Coaching may have stunted his development.  Freddy Adu can’t play a traditional position.  He’s an advanced central midfielder playing off a striker.  He’s too small to handle defensive responsibility.  Thrust straight into a competitive professional team, he was not good enough to entrust with a pivotal playmaking role.  MLS coaches shoved him on the left wing to minimize risk.  He rotted there, when he should have been developed in an academy.

Perhaps, Adu just needs an opportunity.  He has played well for the U.S. at the U-20 level, leading the team and scoring goals.  Portugal could have crippled his confidence.  Stability, if found, could foster a good run of form, but there’s no guarantee.

Freddy Adu was supposed to start for the U.S. in the 2006 World Cup.  In 2010, he may not make the team.  It’s hard to call someone purported to be 20 a failure, but he’s far more of a John than a walrus.  The dream is over.  The question is whether he can establish himself at all.