From MLS Cup MVP to League Exec: Alecko Eskandarian on Legacy, Leadership & the Future of Soccer

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In this episode of The Technical Area, Andrea Lombardo and Luca Forno are joined by Alecko Eskandarian — former MLS Cup Champion 🏆, MLS Cup MVP ⭐, and current Vice President of Player Relations & Development at Major League Soccer ⚽.

Alecko shares his journey from growing up in a legendary soccer household — his father, Andranik Eskandarian, played alongside Pelé and Beckenbauer at the New York Cosmos 🇺🇸 — to making his own mark as a #1 draft pick and key figure in D.C. United’s 2004 MLS Cup run.

We talk:

• Playing alongside legends like David Beckham 🌟
• The emotional toll of career-ending injuries 🧠
• His transition from player to exec 👔
• Youth development, academy culture & keeping the game fun ⚽🎒
• How MLS is supporting the next generation on and off the pitch 🔄📈

This one’s for the players, coaches, dreamers & die-hards.
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