MAKING THE CASE: George Bello for Chipotle U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year
Nineteen-Year-Old Left Back Made USMNT In-Roads in 2021, Starting in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final and Featuring in two World Cup Qualifiers
After making his professional debut for Atlanta United FC at just 16 years old, George Bello earned his first senior USMNT call-up this January ahead of his fourth professional season and played a key role in the USA’s run to the 2021 Gold Cup this summer.
Before casting your ballot for U.S. Soccer’s 2021 Player of the Year awards, here’s a rundown of Bello’s body of work for country and club this year:
- After a decorated U.S. Youth National Team career, Bello made his senior debut as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago on Jan. 31.
- The left back started two of his three appearances during the USA’s successful run at the Gold Cup, including the team’s thrilling extra-time victory against archrival Mexico in the tournament final.
- The 19-year-old has already featured in two matches through the first eight games of the World Cup qualifying cycle.
- Amassed a total of five caps and helped keep two clean sheets during his debut year with the USMNT.
- The teenager firmly cemented himself as a fixture on Atlanta’s back line this season, playing 29 of 34 regular season games for the club and all four Concacaf Champions League matches.
- He netted his third professional goal in September while adding three assists on the year and his performances have started to garner the interest of major European clubs.
This is Bello’s first nomination for Young Male Player of the Year.