From the GAA fields of Co Armagh to the bright lights of Miami.
Madden man Ryan Carmichael will soon be lining up alongside the world’s greatest ever soccer player – and current Ballon D’or holder – Lionel Messi, following the MLS draft on Tuesday.
The former Madden Raparees GAA and Portadown FC youngster was selected as the 24th first round pick in the annual draft for Major League Soccer sides to choose from the best collegiate talents in the US.
Carmichael, who is 22, is now contracted to the David Beckham-owned franchise and will also play alongside former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The former St Patrick’s Academy student, who was plying his trade in his teenage years at Shamrock Park, accepted a four-year soccer scholarship with Hofstra University in New York in 2019 and has been impressing ever since.
In 2022, Carmichael who scored 10 goals and assisted four times was named CAA Player of the Year.
And 2023 has been another remarkable year for the Co Armagh man twice capped at Under 19 level for Northern Ireland. He has massed 46 goals and 18 assists in his 75 matches to date with the university.
A bright international future could be on the cards…
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