Former Sporting Kansas City defender and MLS Cup MVP Aurelien Collin announced his retirement today after 11 seasons in Major League Soccer and 15 years competing across Europe and the United States.
Collin enjoyed the best phase of his storied career with Sporting from 2011-2014, establishing himself as a fan favorite and folk hero at Children’s Mercy Park. The dynamic center back played an instrumental role in Sporting’s ascendancy as a title contender, helping the club to the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title and the 2013 MLS Cup in addition to earning MLS Best XI (2012) and MLS All-Star (2012-2014) recognition as a lynchpin of Kansas City’s resolute defense.
“Kansas City was my first love and when I arrived at Sporting KC, everybody in the city embraced me,” Collin said. “Playing in front of the Cauldron for four years was an amazing opportunity because every game in that stadium felt like a final. Winning the MLS Cup in 2013 is the best moment of my career and something that the city and our fans deserved so much. I also had unbelievable experiences playing in Orlando, New York and Philadelphia. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for the last 11 years.”
"It was a pleasure to coach Aurelien because of his winning mentality and willingness to fight for everything," Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said. "He came to our club at the perfect time because we needed a destroyer on our backline, and I don’t think we could have found a better fit. Aurelien always gave 100% and always delivered in big moments. He had a great competitiveness to win every time he stepped on the field and helped us achieve lots of success. We wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his life."
A native of France, Collin began his professional journey with stops in Scotland, Greece, Wales and Portugal before signing for Sporting in 2011. This marked the start of a storybook stint that saw Collin record 16 goals and four assists with starts in 129 of 133 appearances for Sporting across all competitions. His 16 goals are the second most by a defender in club history.
Collin saved his best for the brightest of stages, nodding home the all-important equalizer in the 2013 MLS Cup against Real Salt Lake before converting what ultimately became the match-winning penalty kick in the decisive 10-round shootout at Children’s Mercy Park. His heroics resulted in MLS Cup MVP accolades and punctuated one of the greatest moments in Kansas City sports history. Collin bagged three goals in the 2013 playoffs while also scoring three times each in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 regular seasons.
During Collin’s most dominant stretch from 2011-2013, Sporting led MLS with a 0.95 goals against average in the regular season and posted 37 shutouts. In the same timeframe, the Frenchman also ranked among the MLS leaders in interceptions (third), clearances (fourth), duels won (fourth) and aerial duels won (first).
Away from the field, Collin immersed himself in the Kansas City community with heartfelt authenticity. He regularly participated in events tied to The Victory Project—Sporting's philanthropic foundation that helps children and families affected by cancer and other challenges—and in 2013 was named the club's Humanitarian of the Year. He also launched his AC78 men's clothing line in partnership with Paolini Garment Company, which was displayed among other successful brands at Halls Downstairs on the Country Club Plaza.
After making four consecutive playoff appearances with Sporting, Collin continued his MLS career with expansion side Orlando City SC in 2015 before starting a three-year stint with the New York Red Bulls from 2016-2018, where he made another three trips to the postseason and won the 2018 MLS Supporters’ Shield. He has spent his last three MLS seasons with the Philadelphia Union, picking up another Supporters’ Shield medal in 2020 and playing his final MLS match by starting in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals last December.
