Steve Cherundolo

Advisor at Leftside Capital

Panellist

Steve Cherundolo is one of the most decorated American soccer players of all time. A right-back known for his consistency, discipline, and high soccer IQ, he built a legendary 15-season career with Hannover 96 in Germany's Bundesliga — playing all 415 of his club matches for a single team and setting the record for most appearances by an American for one club. His loyalty and stature earned him the affectionate nickname "The Mayor of Hannover."

Born in Rockford, Illinois and raised in San Diego, California, Cherundolo starred at Mt. Carmel High School and the University of Portland before signing with Hannover at age 19 in 1999. He helped drive the club's promotion to the Bundesliga's top tier in 2002 and went on to captain the side, leading it to consecutive Europa League qualifications.

Internationally, he earned 87 caps for the United States Men's National Team between 1999 and 2012, representing his country at the2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. In 2013 he was named to the USMNT All-Time Best XI, and in 2021 he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Cherundolo transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2014, developing talent in Hannover's youth system and serving as an assistant at Hannover and VfB Stuttgart before earning his UEFA Pro License in 2020. He took his first head coaching role with the Las Vegas Lights in 2021, then was named head coach of Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in January 2022. His debut season was historic: he became the only manager in league history to win the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup in his first season as head coach. He also won the 2024 U.S. Open Cup and reached six finals across all competitions, including the 2023 MLS Cup final and 2023 CONCACAF Champions League final — becoming the only MLS coach to reach both finals in the same calendar year. Over four seasons (2022–2025) he compiled an 87-43-26 record and finished his tenure as LAFC's all-time winningest coach, capping an era the club now calls "The Cherundolo Era."