Marcelo Balboa: The Interview on Role Models
What's it like to play in three World Cups? This week on Role Models, we pose that question to Marcelo Balboa, an American soccer icon.
Marcelo played in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. In spite of being an outstanding defender, Marcelo is best known for his legendary bicycle kicks.
In 2005, Marcelo was named one of the 11 best players of all-time in Major League Soccer. That same year, he was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Marcelo talks about practicing bicycle kicks on his bed when he was a kid, how he developed into a world-class athlete, and what tips he has for young athletes today who are trying to get to the top of the game. He also discusses life after soccer and his work to grow the game through Calle Street Soccer.
Highlights from US-Colombia, World Cup '94 including Marcelo's goal that almost was (at 3:48.)
Who Do You Want to Hear Next?
Marcelo's two nominees for a future episode of Role Models are: (1) Shannon Miller - Olympic gymnastics gold medalist; and (2) Pablo Mastroeni - US National team stalwart and captain of the Colorado Rapids.
