What Happened to Josmer Volmy "Jozy" Altidore?
Jozy Altidore is an American former professional soccer player who retired in 2023 after a distinguished career as a striker for clubs across Europe and Major League Soccer, as well as the U.S. Men's National Team. Since retirement, he has transitioned into a successful post-playing career, becoming a minority owner in professional sports teams, an investor in soccer training technology, and a soccer analyst for Telemundo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Quick Answer
Jozy Altidore retired from professional soccer in 2023 after his contract with the New England Revolution was bought out. Since then, he has embarked on a diverse post-playing career. As of August 2026, Altidore is a minority owner in the NFL's Buffalo Bills and the NWSL's Bay FC, an investor in soccer training technology company Sogility, and served as a soccer analyst for Telemundo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Professional Debut with New York Red Bulls
Altidore made his professional debut at age 16 with the New York Red Bulls in a U.S. Open Cup match.
Transfers to Villarreal CF
Altidore moved to Spanish La Liga club Villarreal for a reported $10 million, a record transfer fee for an MLS player at the time.
First American to Score in La Liga
He scored his first goal for Villarreal against Athletic Bilbao, becoming the first American international to score in Spain's top flight.
Scores in FIFA Confederations Cup Semifinal
Altidore scored the opening goal in the U.S. Men's National Team's stunning 2-0 upset victory over reigning European champions Spain.
Joins AZ Alkmaar
He signed with Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar, where he would enjoy a highly successful two-season spell.
Wins KNVB Beker with AZ Alkmaar
Altidore helped AZ Alkmaar win the KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup) and set a record for goals scored by an American in a European league with 31 goals in the 2012-13 season.
Returns to MLS with Toronto FC
After a period with Sunderland, Altidore returned to Major League Soccer, signing as a Designated Player with Toronto FC.
Wins MLS Cup MVP with Toronto FC
Altidore scored the winning goal and was named MLS Cup MVP as Toronto FC defeated Seattle Sounders FC to win their first MLS Cup, completing a treble.
Joins New England Revolution
Altidore signed with the New England Revolution after leaving Toronto FC.
Contract Buyout and Retirement
The New England Revolution bought out Altidore's contract, effectively marking his retirement from professional football.
Becomes Buffalo Bills Minority Owner
Altidore was announced as one of ten limited partners to acquire a minority ownership stake in the NFL's Buffalo Bills.
Invests in Bay FC and Sogility
Altidore confirmed his minority ownership stakes in NWSL's Bay FC and his investment in Sogility, a soccer training business.
Joins Telemundo as World Cup Analyst
Altidore announced he would serve as a soccer analyst for Telemundo's coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Discusses USMNT and World Cup Legacy
On this date, Altidore participated in interviews discussing the 2026 Leagues Cup, the USMNT's performance in the recent World Cup, and the future of soccer in the United States.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Josmer Volmy "Jozy" Altidore, born November 6, 1989, carved out a significant career as a powerful striker, making his professional debut at just 16 years old with the New York Red Bulls in 2006. His early promise led to a groundbreaking $10 million transfer to Spanish club Villarreal in 2008, where he became the first American to score in La Liga. While his time in Spain included several loan spells with Xerez, Hull City, and Bursaspor, it was his move to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in 2011 that truly saw him flourish. During two seasons with AZ, Altidore scored an impressive 51 goals in 93 appearances, including a record-setting 31 goals in a single European league season for an American player, and helped the club win the 2012-13 KNVB Beker.
After a stint with Sunderland in the English Premier League, Altidore returned to Major League Soccer in 2015, joining Toronto FC. This move marked a pivotal period in his career, as he became a cornerstone of a highly successful team. He played a crucial role in Toronto FC's historic 2017 season, which saw them win the MLS Cup (where he was named MVP), the Supporters' Shield, and the Canadian Championship. He remained with Toronto until 2021, becoming the club's second-highest goal scorer with 79 goals across all competitions.
Altidore's international career with the U.S. Men's National Team was equally impactful. He earned 115 caps and scored 42 goals, placing him third on the all-time scoring list for the USMNT. He represented the United States in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), four CONCACAF Gold Cups, and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he famously scored against Spain in the semifinals. He was also recognized as the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year twice, in 2013 and 2016.
His playing career concluded in 2023 after a spell with the New England Revolution, which included a loan to Puebla. While he never formally announced his retirement, the buyout of his contract in June 2023 effectively marked the end of his playing days. Altidore, who married professional tennis player Sloane Stephens in 2022, quickly transitioned into a new phase of his life, focusing on business and media ventures.
As of August 2026, Altidore is a prominent figure in the sports business world. In December 2024, it was announced that he had become a limited partner in the NFL's Buffalo Bills, joining a group of investors that included other notable athletes. He has also taken minority ownership stakes in the NWSL's Bay FC and invested in golf's TGL. Further demonstrating his commitment to soccer development, he is an investor and board member for Sogility, a technology-driven soccer training center. In June 2026, Altidore expanded his public profile by joining Telemundo as a soccer analyst for their coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he also unveiled the official tournament song. He continues to engage with the sport, offering commentary and insights, and remains involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in Haiti.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Josmer Volmy "Jozy" Altidore made different choices?