MLS coaching legend Sigi Schmid died Tuesday at the age of 65. Former players, colleagues and friends have gone to social media to share the impact that Schmid had on their lives, as well as the impact he had on soccer in the United States.
“Major League Soccer is devastated by the news of the passing of Sigi Schmid,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “Sigi will go down as one of the leading figures in the history of our league.”
Forever a legend.
Thank you, Sigi. pic.twitter.com/bz8ibnzjHl
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 27, 2018
Family 🖤💛 Thank you for everything, Sigi.
📸 https://t.co/CuJ8uf8nMF // #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/Itibt3LPtx
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 27, 2018
An American soccer icon. pic.twitter.com/B5JHanXj5Y
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 27, 2018
Major League Soccer is devastated by the news of the passing of Sigi Schmid. Sigi will go down as one of the leading figures in the history of our league. https://t.co/xki3MDQ5Ka
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) December 27, 2018
“Sigi Schmid was a long-time and valued member of United Soccer Coaches, and the entire coaching profession owes him a debt of gratitude for his service, his contributions to our sport, and his ability to unite people around the love of the game,” United Soccer Coaches president Lesle Gallimore said in a statement. “He still had so much to give and his coaching legacy lives on through his children and the countless others who learned from him as I did. Auf wiedersehen und ruhe in frieden lieber freund. Goodbye and rest in peace dear friend.”
Played for, played against and worked with Sigi Schmid since 1998. He loved his craft and loved the sport of soccer and was very successful while doing so. My heart goes out to his family in this difficult time. RIP Sigi #MLS
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) December 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/JasonKreis/status/1078077470685974529
Terribly saddened to hear the news of Sigi Schmid passing. I met Sigi in ‘87 as an opposing coach. He later became my coach, then my colleague and then a mentor and most importantly my friend. Always had time and knowledge to share. Thank you Sigi for your friendship. -RIP
— Tony Meola (@TMeola1) December 27, 2018
Very saddened to hear the news of the passing of my friend and respected rival Sigi Schmid. He gave so much to the game but he’d be first to say the game gave him more. A true soccer legend. My thoughts go out to his loving family. RIP Sigi.
— Dave Sarachan (@DaveSarachan) December 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/KevinEHartman/status/1078091799380422656
Sigi was really the most influential person in my professional career. I will miss him. A huge loss to @ussoccer and his family who I love.
— Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) December 27, 2018
A champion of the sport and a great coach. I consider myself blessed to have been one of his players.
My prayers for his family are for comfort and peace 🙏🏽
Rest In Peace Coach Sigi— Bradford Jamieson IV (@brjIV) December 27, 2018
Incredibly saddened by the loss of Sigi Schmid. It was a pleasure to play for such a legend in the sport. I will always be thankful for the opportunity he gave me. RIP, Coach.
— Perry Kitchen (@PerryKitchen23) December 27, 2018
Very sad and devastated for this news. Sigi was a great coach and even better person.He was like a father to me,he believed in me,trusted me and stuck with me for many years. His legacy will always be present, my condolences go to the whole Schmid family.Thankscoach foreverything pic.twitter.com/XZxAsCABd3
— Osvaldo Alonso (@OzzieAlonso) December 27, 2018
Sigi believed in me when most others had given up. His successful career and unwavering passion for the game will remain unrivaled. My deepest condolences to his entire and extended family. You are missed dearly Sig pic.twitter.com/AqDKZ6l2vI
— Stefan Frei (@Stefan24Frei) December 27, 2018
Losses affect you in different ways. This one hurts tremendously. Really can’t believe it. So influential to me and really was the reason I am here today. Thank you. https://t.co/25CT8YHgxA
— brad evans (@brad_evans3) December 27, 2018
Sigi,
Rest In Peace! You are the center of so many memories & great stories I have. You will forever be a #CrewSC legend, an #MLS legend & most importantly a great man. Condolences to the Schmid family, my wishes & prayers are with you.— Duncan Oughton (@Oughton8) December 27, 2018