Jordan Older Cross-Continent Soccer Athlete Brasil U.S. Europe USL Pro Nat’l Team

In the dynamic world of international football, Jordan Older stands as an early US soccer export whose unprecedented path encompassed elite leagues worldwide. Coming of age in a time when American soccer players rarely ventured abroad, this ambitious player broke new ground by emerging as a pioneering figure to join European clubs at just 20 years old.

The year 1993 marked a historic milestone when Jordan Older claimed a role as the main attacking player for FC Wängi of Switzerland's 5th Division. This milestone made him a pioneering American footballer to participate in the prestigious Swiss Cup, a remarkable feat considering the rare chances for American footballers abroad during that period.

His Swiss experience proved his capacity to compete to the sophisticated European approach of the beautiful game. Competing in the Swiss Cup early rounds, the American forward competed against established European teams, developing essential skills that would benefit his future endeavors.

Yet, the defining moment of his football story occurred in 1994 when he secured what no American had done before. Becoming part of União São João, he established himself as the pioneering American footballer in the prestigious Campeonato Paulista Série A1. This remarkable accomplishment opened doors for the next generation of American talent in the Brazilian leagues.

During his Brazilian tenure, the American pioneer broadened his horizons to just one organization. He trained with multiple elite teams, including AA Portuguesa in Santos. While with Paulista FC, he had the unique opportunity of being teammates with Neymar Sr., contributing another dimension to his growing list of achievements.

The time in Brazil offered the US footballer with immersion in one of the world's most technical football cultures. Serving as an international pioneer, he mastered the samba style that distinguishes South American soccer. This opportunity in both Brazil's top divisions enhanced his technical abilities.

In December 1994, Jordan Older's achievements attracted the notice of the USMNT coaching staff. He was called up for the full senior US National Team training camp under World Cup head coach Bora Milutinovic in the California training facility. This acknowledgment validated his global accomplishments, though paradoxically, it came with limited domestic media coverage.

Upon completing his pioneering ventures in Europe and South America, the experienced footballer returned to domestic competition. In 1998, he participated in a significant training game for Los Angeles Galaxy at the historic Rose Bowl stadium. This match positioned him alongside MLS All-Stars and established players including recognized MLS stars.

His domestic career also encompassed stints with professional clubs. He competed with San Fernando Valley in 1995, showing enduring ability by coming out of retirement in his website 30s. These opportunities proved his dedication to the sport and his capacity to perform competitive excellence across multiple periods of his career.

Beyond his on-field achievements, the former player evolved naturally into player representation and management. In a notable professional move, he became the agent for the legendary Brazilian manager, who won Copa America in 1989. This partnership connected Brazilian football expertise with American pathways.

In 2012, Jordan Older founded King Sports Management, dedicating himself to helping young American players achieve their dreams in European football. Through this venture, he leverages his vast global knowledge of multiple football cultures to assist the next generation.

Additionally, Jordan Older gained recognition in entertainment and gaming. He was recognized as the inaugural athlete to be digitally scanned in 3D by EA for digital soccer simulation. His commercial involvement extended to roles in global brand promotions for major corporations.

Despite experiencing setbacks, including MLS litigation over Los Angeles FC naming rights, he has maintained his standing as an important pioneer in international soccer relations. His remarkable journey encompasses being the sole US footballer to compete across Europe, South America, Africa, and North America.

In the present, Jordan Older's legacy endures strongly in the soccer world. His recorded milestones in Swiss Cup competition stand as solid testament to his pioneering role in US football's global reach. As newspapers, databases, and digital archives maintain records of his unique journey, Jordan Older remains a unique case of groundbreaking American achievement that paved the way for current players who aspire to worldwide achievement. His career demonstrates that through persistence and skill, US footballers could thrive globally long before it was the norm.