Jozy Altidore Profile

One of the rising stars of the USA national football team, Jozy Altidore is certain to emerge as a crowd favourite during the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. The young striker will be tasked with adding pace and excellent positional awareness to the American forwards at the World Cup.

Playing Position: Striker
Club: Hull City
Jersey Number: 9

Jozy Altidore Bio

Jozy Altidore was born in Livingston, New Jersey on the 6th of November 1989. Born into a family of Haitian immigrants, Altidore spent most of his childhood in Boca Raton, Florida, where he developed his football skills, eventually securing a place in the Major League Soccer draft.

In 2006, at the age of 17, Altidore was scooped by the New York Red Bulls. He’d spend a year completing his high school diploma before making his professional debut in a match against Columbus Crew later that year.

Jozy Altidore Career

Altidore would spend the best part of two seasons playing with the New York Red Bulls, rapidly emerging as one of the team’s top scorers. Altidore’s performances aroused interest across the Atlantic, with La Liga club Villareal eventually requesting the youngster’s services on loan.

Altidore played only a handful of games for Villareal before being loaned out to second division side, Xerez. The move was intended to give Altidore more time on the park, as well as the opportunity to pick up the Spanish language and the rhythm of European football.

Altidore never made an appearance for Xerez. The young striker underwent an operation on his toe soon after his arrival at the club, and by the time he had recovered discovered that he would be moving on to Premiership club, Hull City.

While Altidore is still learning the ropes in European club football, he is an experienced international campaigner, having played in several age-level teams for the United States. The young striker played a major role in the USA’s qualification for the 2010 Football World Cup, scoring six goals during qualifying.

Jozy Altidore Playing Style

While playing for the USA football team, Jozy Altidore has proven himself to be a natural goal scorer, with a knack for finding space and the back of the net. His large stature gives him the physicality to hold his own against imposing defences, and his unselfish playing style has allowed him to contribute to a number of crucial assists at both club and international level.