Meet cerebral palsy soccer legend Adam Ballou

Meet cerebral palsy soccer legend Adam Ballou

Author: US Soccer | Cumulus Podcast Network April 8, 2026 Duration: 44:44
Adam Ballou first started kicking a soccer ball when he was just 3-years old. And after that, he never looked back: Adam was first called into the U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team when he was 14. Since then the midfielder has amassed almost 100 caps and represented his country in two Paralympic Games. Adam was also a part of the CP team that won the 2025 Copa America for the first time.   In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, Adam down with host Meghan Klingenberg to discuss his joining the CP National Team, his proudest achievements representing team USA, and what soccer means to him.   2:25–  Meghan Klingenberg interviews Adam Ballou  6:03 – Adam discusses playing soccer in Spain  10:16 – Adam explains how he qualifies for the CP team  16:55 – Joining the team at just 15  25:19 – Adam’s proudest moment 31:18 – Adam discusses what soccer means to him  32:39 – Kling breaks out her story meeting Taylor Swift in 2015  36:33 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Adam Ballou  Producer: Matthew Nelson  Tickets are available now for the SheBelieves Summit presented by Deloitte in Seattle, Wash. on April 15! Key speakers include Haley Rosen, Emma Hayes, Domo Wells, and more. Get your tickets to the Summit and the USWNT vs. Japan match presented by Allstate at https://events.ussoccer.com/shebelievessummit.  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Each week, the U.S. Soccer Podcast opens up a direct line to the individuals shaping the sport across the country. Host David Gass guides these Wednesday conversations, which are less about formal interviews and more about genuine discussions with coaches, staff, and players from every corner of the American game. You’ll hear from figures connected to the senior national teams, of course, but the dialogue consistently extends to the youth setups and the broader ecosystem dedicated to development. This approach provides a unique, ground-level perspective on the efforts to advance soccer in the United States. These are honest and often uplifting chats that go beyond scores and tactics to reveal the personal stories and professional philosophies driving progress. Tuning into this podcast means getting a clearer sense of the people behind the programs, from emerging talents to the seasoned minds guiding them. It’s an ongoing series of conversations that collectively map out the present and future of U.S. soccer, delivered through a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the Cumulus Podcast Network with support from Henkel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

U.S. Soccer Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Daryl Dike’s Grit, Growth & Coming Home to Orlando City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:04
From Edmond, Oklahoma to England and back to Orlando, Daryl Dike has lived the full roller coaster of a modern striker’s career. In this episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast, host Megan Klingenberg interviews Dike to unpac…
Brad Guzan on USMNT-Mexico, MLS, Atlanta United & What's Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:57
USMNT goalkeeper turned podcaster Brad Guzan joins the show this week to reflect on his incredible 21-year career which included stints in MLS and the Premier League. Guzan shares what he's been up to since retiring from…
Meghan Klingenberg on Returning to Portland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
In this episode, the tables are turned and host Meghan Klingenberg takes the guest seat on the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel to talk her return to Portland to celebrate her retirement from professional soccer.…
Inside Mauricio Pochettino's New Contract [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
In this week’s episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast, we sit down with head coach Mauricio Pochettino following the announcement of his new contract. Pochettino reflects on his journey with the U.S. Men's National Team, wha…
JT Batson Reflects on the World Cup & What's Next for U.S. Soccer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:18
What comes next for U.S. Soccer after an incredible FIFA World Cup on home soil? U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson joins host Meghan Klingenberg on this week's episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented b…