BRIDGEVIEW, Ill.(Nov. 28, 2018) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today (Wednesday) that the team has re-signed Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Designated Player for the 2019 MLS season.
“Let’s raise a trophy. I believe in this Club and I believe that we can be champions,” said Schweinsteiger. “This American journey has been very special for me and my family. I love being a part of the Chicago Fire and we appreciate how the city has embraced us with open arms. To the Fire fans, from my family to yours, I wish you a happy and safe holiday season and I will see you in Chicago next year.”
- MORE: Chicago-Fire.com/Basti
In two seasons with the Fire, Schweinsteiger has made 55 regular season appearances (53 starts), posting seven goals, 12 assists and a team-leading 77 chances created. In 2018, Schweinsteiger scored four goals and had a club-high six assists.
“In a lot of ways Basti has come to embody our Club, the prototypical Fire player and the spirit of Chicago: industrious, intelligent, enthusiastic, talented and world-class,” said Chicago Fire Soccer Club President and General Manager Nelson Rodríguez. “His return demonstrates our continuing effort to build a championship program, both on and off the field.”
On Aug. 28, 2018, the Chicago Fire played reigning German Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich in Schweinsteiger's FC Bayern Munich testimonial match at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Schweinsteiger captained the Fire for the first half and represented his former side in the second half. On a night celebrating his career, Schweinsteiger capped off scoring in the 83rd minute to give Bayern the win.
Originally joining the Fire on March 21, 2017, Schweinsteiger made an immediate impact in his debut season in MLS, helping the Fire to the league’s third-highest regular season points total and earning a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Additionally, Schweinsteiger was named captain of the 2017 MLS All-Star Team in a match against Real Madrid at Soldier Field in Chicago on Aug. 2, 2017.
A FIFA World Cup champion with Germany in 2014, Schweinsteiger’s decorated international career includes appearances in three FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and four UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). Schweinsteiger, who also served as captain of his national team, recorded 24 goals in 121 career appearances for Germany.
At the club level, Schweinsteiger helped FC Bayern Munich to the UEFA Champions League crown in 2012-13, a year in which he also earned Bundesliga Player of the Year honors. Schweinsteiger won eight Bundesliga titles during his time with FC Bayern Munich, while also winning seven DFB-Pokal (German Cup) championships. Overall, Schweinsteiger has been a part of 23 major domestic and international cups during his playing career.
Schweinsteiger has amassed 77 goals and 115 assists in 590 first team games during his 17-year club career. He signed his first professional contract in December of 2002, joining FC Bayern Munich after four years in their youth system. Schweinsteiger remained with the Bavarian side for 13 years before his move to Manchester United in July of 2015.
Transaction: Chicago Fire Soccer Club re-signs Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Designated Player on Nov. 28, 2018.
