John O'Brien

John O'Brien is a retired American soccer player who primarily played as a midfielder. He was born on August 29, 1977, in Los Angeles, California. O'Brien is best known for his time playing for the United States national team and his performances in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

During his career, John O'Brien played for several clubs. He started his professional career with Ajax in the Netherlands, where he played from 1996 to 2005. After leaving Ajax, he joined ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivisie for a brief period in 2006. O'Brien later signed with Chivas USA in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2006 but was plagued by injuries and retired from professional soccer in 2007.

John O'Brien had numerous achievements with the United States national team. He represented his country in two FIFA World Cups, in 2002 and 2006. In the 2002 World Cup, he played a key role in the US's historic run to the quarterfinals. O'Brien scored a goal against Portugal in the group stage and provided an assist against Mexico in the round of 16. He also won a gold medal with the US team at the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

John O'Brien retired from professional soccer at the age of 29 due to persistent injuries. Throughout his career, he struggled with knee injuries, which significantly impacted his ability to stay fit and perform at his best. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and rehabilitation efforts, O'Brien's body could not withstand the physical demands of professional soccer, ultimately leading to his decision to retire.

After retiring from professional soccer, John O'Brien pursued a career in art and design. He attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he studied graphic design. O'Brien has worked as a designer and illustrator, collaborating with various clients and agencies. He has also shared his artwork publicly, showcasing his talent beyond the soccer field.