Players, peers mourn Sigi Schmid's death
Few individuals are responsible for the growth of soccer in the United States and the development of MLS like Sigi Schmid.
On Wednesday, the German-born tactician's family confirmed that Schmid, 65, died on Christmas Day. The universal outreach of sadness and support from former players, peers, and members of the media speaks to a manager whose leadership and reputation was felt throughout the sport.
Here's a snippet of the countless number of tributes paid by those who had the privilege of working with the two-time MLS Cup winner:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former MLS head coach Sigi Schmid.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 27, 2018
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time, and his legacy will continue to live on through the impact he's made on the game in the United States. pic.twitter.com/vGS7UX51Ey
Forever a legend.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 27, 2018
Thank you, Sigi. pic.twitter.com/bz8ibnzjHl
Very saddened to hear the news of the passing of my friend and respected rival Sigi Schmid. He gave so much to the game but he’d be first to say the game gave him more. A true soccer legend. My thoughts go out to his loving family. RIP Sigi.
— Dave Sarachan (@DaveSarachan) December 27, 2018
Saddened by the news of the passing of Sigi Schmid. Great Man. Great Coach. Pioneer. Mentor ...... Condolences to the Schmid family. RIP https://t.co/fI6SWTw7ym
— Tab Ramos (@RamosTab) December 27, 2018
This is absolutely heartbreaking. I thoroughly enjoyed every conversation we had over the years. Few cared about the sport in this country the way Sigi did. May he rest in peace 💛 https://t.co/FhVet3myR0
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) December 27, 2018
Sigi was really the most influential person in my professional career. I will miss him. A huge loss to @ussoccer and his family who I love.
— Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) December 27, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear about Sigi Schmid’s passing. His accomplishments and successes pushed our sport forward and he will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers with the family. RIP Sigi. 🙏🏼
— William Trapp (@wil_trapp) December 27, 2018
Sending my condolences, your family is in my prayers. Thank you for everything you’ve done for soccer in America. #ThankYouSigi pic.twitter.com/JIEQv1kEKY
— Gyasi Zardes (@gyasinho) December 27, 2018
Incredibly saddened by the loss of Sigi Schmid. It was a pleasure to play for such a legend in the sport. I will always be thankful for the opportunity he gave me. RIP, Coach.
— Perry Kitchen (@PerryKitchen23) December 27, 2018
RIP Sigi Schmid. You saw something in me and gave me a chance, I'm thankful to have known you. More importantly you gave so much to soccer in America. You will be missed.
— Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) December 27, 2018
Been thinking about my last conversation w/ Sigi Schmid..
— Alecko Eskandarian (@alecko11) December 27, 2018
I ran into him at MLS HQ and told him we needed his experience in the office. He said, “No way! I’m not staying here long. I need to be on the field, I need to be coaching.”
Gone too soon. Will never forget your passion.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Schmid family. Such horrible news to hear about the passing of Sigi. Did so much for the game hear in America, but more importantly a good guy as well! RIP Sigi! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Maurice Edu (@MauriceEdu) December 26, 2018
Sigi Schmid was an amazing coach, a terrific man, a mentor, a great example, and someone who would always lend an ear in a time of need. This is devastating news. You will be missed Herr Schmid!
— Jason Kreis (@JasonKreis) December 26, 2018
Saddened by the news about Sigi Schmid. One of the first coaches I had the privilege of speaking too when I came into the league. Thoughts and prayers are with the family 🙏🏻
— RJ Allen (@RJ_allen27) December 27, 2018
Just heard that SIGI SCHMID, the winningest coach in MLS HISTORY, died on CHRISTMAS DAY ! He was a friend, a decent man and a hell of a soccer coach! His accomplishments in both the NCAA DIVISION ONE and on the professional level are unparalleled ! Rest In Peace, Sigi!❤️
— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) December 27, 2018
Sigi Schmid was many things, but above all he was a giver. He gave his time, his knowledge & his heart to so many involved in American soccer, and in that process helped grow the sport in ways we will never be able to fully measure. Condolences to the Schmid family. #RIPSigi
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) December 27, 2018
Sigi Schmid was always very kind to me and other reporters. Answered our questions honestly and was candid with his responses.
— Josh Guesman (@jguesman) December 26, 2018
The US Soccer Community as a whole is better off because of Sigi Schmid. But MLS and the Galaxy will miss him greatly.
RIP Sigi Schmid#LAGalaxy
Sigi Schmid will go down as one of the most influential & impactful members of the American soccer community. A great loss. RIP Coach.
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) December 26, 2018
When I talk about our American soccer culture, it’s with the respect and recognition that it’s been built by people like Sigi Schmid. I, and so many others, benifitted from his work and influence. He helped change and grow the game and made it better at every level. #ThankYouSigi
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) December 27, 2018
I remember his intensity, and his kindness. If Sigi Schmid did nothing but turn UCLA into a powerhouse, he'd still be a legend. He added to his laurels in MLS and the USSF, but his greatest accomplishment is the love and respect that remains from those who knew him best.
— Phil Schoen (@PhilSchoen) December 27, 2018