Jamaica Reggae Boyz senior men’s team captain Andre Blake has become a naturalized United States citizen.
Blake passed his naturalization examination earlier this month, and was sworn in on Monday (July 24) and is now a dual citizen of the United States and Jamaica, along with his wife and two children.
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Blake said, “Becoming a US Citizen is incredible. It’s been my family’s home for the past 12 years. Our youngest was the only US citizen, and now all four of us become citizens. Having an American passport is a privilege, and I’m proud to be a US citizen, a Philadelphian, and of course, as always, Jamaican. It’s the best of both worlds, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Blake is a four-time MLS All-Star and won the 2022 John Wanamaker Athletic Award, presented to the athlete, team, or organisation that has done the most to reflect credit upon Philadelphia and the team or sport in which they excel. He is the first men’s soccer player to receive the award since it began in 1961.
Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin said, “Andre has been an exemplary athlete and person, both on and off the field. He’s a true Philadelphian already and has been for many years, and for him to now have official citizenship is special for him and his family. His leadership, commitment to his community, and incredible talent make him someone we want in our city and on our field forever. We extend a big congratulations to Andre, and we’re lucky to have him.”
He is the longest-tenured player, with 231 combined MLS regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearances since being drafted from the University of Connecticut in 2014.
