Michael Lahoud a Sierra Leonean Footballer who played out his entire career as a footballer in the United States of America has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 years.
The Sierra Leone International, who was the 2005 Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year, was drafted in the first round (9th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA where he started his professional career.
Lahoud won the USL regular-season champions with FC Cincinnati during the 2017/18 season and also played for Philadelphia Union, New York Cosmos amongst others before finishing his career at San Antonio FC.
He said: “Having played professional football for 11 years, the time has come for me to announce my retirement from professional soccer.”
“I have appreciated every moment of this incredible journey which begin in my home country Sierra Leone and come to a close here in the United States.”
In a statement Lahoud went on to hail those people that scarificed for him throughout his professional journey.
Off the pitch, the retired central Midfield is known for his volunteer work. He is active with the charity Schools for Salone, an organization that supports education and builds schools in his native country of Sierra Leone, West Africa.
In 2015, he was a co-recipient of the FIFPro Merit Award for his efforts in bringing a school to children displaced by civil war. Miami supporters also partnered with him on several occasions to raise money for this cause.
In 2016, the NASL named Michael Lahoud Humanitarian of the Year.
Lahoud made his Leone Stars debut in a 3-2 victory over Equatorial Guinea during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
He was a pivotal player under former coach Johnny McKinstry playing in over four qualifying matches and was part of a 1-0 victory over Swaziland in Freetown 2014.
16/07/2020. ISSUE NO.: 7867