Alejandro Bedoya Bio, Age, Height, Career, Philadelphia Union Captain, USMNT, Net Worth & Facts
Alejandro Bedoya is an American professional soccer midfielder who has long served as captain of the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. A former United States Menâs National Team player with 66 caps, he is known for his leadership, two-way midfield play, and off-field business ventures. Of Colombian descent, Bedoya has become one of the Unionâs most enduring figures since joining the club in 2016.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Alejandro Bedoya |
| Nickname | â |
| Profession | Professional Soccer Player (Midfielder), Captain |
| Birth Date | April 29, 1987 |
| Age | 39 (as of 2026) 39 years 3 months old |
| Birth Place | Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American (Colombian descent) |
| Known For | Philadelphia Union captain; USMNT midfielder; MLS veteran |
| Ethnicity | Colombian-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80â1.82 m) |
| Weight | 161 lbs (73 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown / black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Bachelorâs degree, Boston College Carroll School of Management; Harvard Business School Crossover into Business Program |
| Religion | Not publicly detailed |
| Marital Status / Spouses | Married to Beatrice (Bea) Hilland |
| Children | Son Santino and daughter Milena |
| Family Tree | Father Adriano (former professional player in Colombia with Millonarios); grandfather Fabio (played for Deportes QuindĂo); brother Santiago; sister Marcela |
| Hobbies / Interests | Real estate investing, angel investing, art collecting, family activities |
| Current Work | Midfielder / captain and player development / front-office specialist for Philadelphia Union (contract through 2026) |
| Years Active | Professional career since 2009 |
| Net Worth (est.) | Estimates vary; career earnings in MLS alone exceed $9â10 million plus investments |
Early Life & Education
Alejandro Bedoya was born on April 29, 1987, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Colombian immigrant parents. His father, Adriano, played professionally in Colombia for Millonarios, and his grandfather Fabio also competed at a high level for Deportes QuindĂo. The family later settled in Weston, Florida, where Bedoya grew up immersed in soccer.
He played youth soccer for local clubs including Weston Fury (AYSO) and FUTSOC. At St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, he helped win a Florida state championship in 2005 and earned Florida Player of the Year honors.
Bedoya began college soccer at Fairleigh Dickinson University before transferring to Boston College. At Boston College he earned First-Team All-American recognition and was named the 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He graduated from the Carroll School of Management with a bachelorâs degree and later completed Harvard Business Schoolâs Crossover into Business Program.
Career Journey
College and Move to Europe
After college, Bedoya chose the uncommon path of starting his professional career overseas rather than entering the MLS SuperDraft. He signed with Swedish club Ărebro SK in early 2009, making 65 Allsvenskan appearances and scoring 8 goals over three seasons.
In 2011 he moved to Scottish giants Rangers, where he made 12 league appearances and scored once. Following Rangersâ financial troubles, he returned to Sweden with Helsingborgs IF (2012â2013), contributing goals in the league and European competition (UEFA Champions League and Europa League).
Nantes and Return to MLS
In 2013 Bedoya joined French Ligue 1 side Nantes. Over three seasons he made 87 league appearances and scored 11 goals, establishing himself as a reliable midfielder.
On August 3, 2016, the Philadelphia Union acquired him as a Designated Player from Nantes for a reported $1 million fee. He quickly became a cornerstone of the team and was named captain in 2017âthe longest-tenured captain in club history.
Philadelphia Union Era (2016âpresent)
With the Union, Bedoya has become the clubâs all-time leader in MLS appearances (surpassing 268 matches by early 2026, with over 220 starts). He has contributed roughly 25 goals and 40 assists in MLS play. Under his leadership the Union won the Supportersâ Shield in 2020 and again in 2025, reached the 2022 MLS Cup final, and made multiple playoff appearances.
In recent seasons his on-field role has shifted toward a rotational and leadership capacity while he has taken on expanded responsibilities in player development and front-office work. The club re-signed him through the 2026 season.
International Career
Bedoya earned 66 caps and scored 2 goals for the United States Menâs National Team between 2010 and 2017. He debuted in a 2010 friendly against Honduras. Highlights include:
- Participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup (all four U.S. matches)
- CONCACAF Gold Cup winner in 2013 and 2017
- Gold Cup runner-up in 2011
He also featured in World Cup qualifying and various friendlies.
Personal Life
Bedoya is married to Beatrice (Bea) Hilland, a Norwegian physiotherapist he met while playing in Sweden. The couple has two children: son Santino (born during his Nantes years) and daughter Milena. The family has lived in the Philadelphia area (including Fishtown) and maintains strong ties to Florida.
He is an active investor with interests in real estate (through Brighthill Partners with his wife), startups, and ventures such as Padel Haus, and he serves as Co-Chairman of the Athlete Venture Group at SeventySix Capital. He has also been involved in coffee-related family business efforts and serves on community boards. Bedoya acted as an honorary co-chair of the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 bid committee that helped secure World Cup hosting rights for the city.
He has been outspoken on social issues, including gun violence (notably a 2019 on-field microphone statement after a mass shooting) and immigration matters.
Dating History / Relationships
Public information centers on his long-term marriage to Beatrice Hilland. No other high-profile relationships are widely documented.
Controversies
Bedoya has generally avoided major personal controversies. His 2019 on-field call for action on gun violence drew national attention but no league discipline. He has occasionally engaged in public political commentary related to immigration and social issues.
Awards & Achievements
- Philadelphia Union Supportersâ Shield: 2020, 2025
- MLS Cup runner-up: 2022
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2013, 2017 (winner); 2011 (runner-up)
- NCAA First-Team All-American: 2007
- ACC Offensive Player of the Year: 2007
- MLS Humanitarian of the Year: 2022
- Philadelphia Union all-time leader in MLS appearances
- Longest-tenured captain in Union history
- USMNT 2014 World Cup participant
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (1.80â1.82 m)
- Weight: Approximately 161 lbs (73 kg)
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Position: Central midfielder (also capable on the right or in attacking midfield roles)
Quotes
Bedoya has spoken frequently about leadership, family, and the immigrant experience. He has emphasized the importance of preparation both on and off the field and the value of representing both his Colombian heritage and the United States.
Favorites
Not extensively detailed in public profiles beyond his passion for soccer, family time, dining out, and art collecting.
Earnings / Net Worth
Career MLS earnings with the Philadelphia Union total roughly $9.9â10.1 million through 2025â2026 contracts. Earlier European salaries and Designated Player years added significantly. Combined with real estate holdings, startup investments, and other business interests, his overall net worth is estimated in the multi-million-dollar range, though exact public figures vary.
Interesting Facts
- Both his father and grandfather played professional soccer in Colombia.
- He chose Europe over the MLS SuperDraft after college.
- He is the Philadelphia Unionâs all-time leader in regular-season MLS appearances.
- He scored a memorable overhead-kick goal on his Helsingborg debut.
- He delivered an on-field microphone message calling for action against gun violence in 2019.
- He has completed business education at both Boston College and Harvard.
- He helped Philadelphia secure hosting duties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Did You Know Already?
- Alejandro Bedoya was born in New Jersey but raised in Florida.
- He has 66 caps for the U.S. Menâs National Team.
- He has captained the Philadelphia Union since 2017.
- He played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- His contract with the Union runs through 2026 and includes player-development and front-office responsibilities.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @alebedoya (primary public account)
- Official club pages and MLS profiles also feature updates on his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Alejandro Bedoya?
He was born on April 29, 1987, and is 39 years old as of 2026.
What is Alejandro Bedoyaâs height and weight?
He is 5 feet 11 inches (about 1.80â1.82 m) tall and weighs approximately 161 pounds.
Is Alejandro Bedoya married?
Yes. He is married to Beatrice (Bea) Hilland, and they have two children, Santino and Milena.
What team does Alejandro Bedoya play for?
He plays for (and captains) the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. His current contract runs through 2026.
How many caps does Alejandro Bedoya have for the USMNT?
He earned 66 caps and scored 2 goals for the United States between 2010 and 2017.
Conclusion
Alejandro Bedoya has built a distinguished career as a professional midfielder, captain, and leader both on and off the field. From his European journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Union and a United States international, he has combined athletic success with business acumen and community involvement. As he continues contributing to the Union through 2026 and beyond, his legacy as a durable, vocal, and multi-dimensional figure in American soccer remains secure. Share this biography if you found the details on his life and career informative.
