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On Friday, January 25, the United States Soccer Federation announced that MLS and US National team veteran Tony Sanneh was eligible for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Minnesota Stars FC is proud to join the Minnesota soccer community in its support of Sanneh’s candidacy in his first year of eligibility.

The 41-year-old Sanneh started his youth career playing for the St. Paul Blackhawks club and St. Paul Academy high school team, where he was coached by the legendary Buzz Lagos. He went on to play for the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panthers.

His professional career took him to clubs around the world, but it started close to home. Sanneh’s playing résumé includes time with the Milwaukee Rampage, Minnesota Thunder, DC United, Hertha Berlin, FC Nuremberg, Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles Galaxy. Domestically, Sanneh was a part of two MLS Cup champions—scoring in both the 1996 and 1997 finals—and two US Open Cup winning sides. During his time in Europe, he also played in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup.

Manny Lagos, a teammate of Sanneh’s at youth, college and professional levels, said: “Tony’s contribution on the field to Minnesota soccer started at a very young age with some great years of youth soccer participation and continued into the beginning of his professional career, and he continued to be a source of pride in this state’s soccer community as his career flourished.”

His consistency and versatility at the club level helped him earn 43 caps with the US Men’s National Team. Sanneh was one of the best performers for the US at the 2002 World Cup. The US reached the quarterfinals before falling 1-0 in controversial fashion against eventual runner-up Germany, marking the best finish by the US in the modern era of the tournament.

Since retiring, Sanneh has continued to have an impact around the world, shifting his focus from the playing field to the community. He founded The Sanneh Foundation in 2003 while still playing, but has worked full-time at the St. Paul-based charity since 2009. The Sanneh Foundation uses soccer as a tool to cultivate leadership, fight racism, serve the community and prepare youth for success. The Sanneh Foundation is active in Minnesota through programs like College Prep 101, Community Outreach, Dreamline Corps and For All Youth while maintaining a global impact through the Haitian Initiative and Kick It Back program. To learn more about The Sanneh Foundation, visit its website, www.thesannehfoundation.org, or attend one of its events, including this Saturday’s Gala 4 Goals.

Of Sanneh’s community activism since retiring, Lagos said: “After Tony’s outstanding career, it’s great to see him come full circle and contribute off the field by using soccer and the lessons it taught him to help improve the lives of kids here in Minnesota and around the world.”