Andre Jason Blake (born 21 November 1990 in Clarendon, Jamaica) is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS) and serves as the captain of the Jamaica national team. Known by his nickname “Blakey,” Blake has been a pivotal figure in both club and international football.

Early Life and Education

Blake attended Clarendon College High School in Clarendon, Jamaica. He was a member of the Harbor View Youth and Sporting Central Youth Football Teams in Jamaica. uconnhuskies.com

Club Career

Blake’s professional journey began when he was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, making history as the first goalkeeper to be chosen at that spot. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the league’s top goalkeepers, earning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award three times.

International Career

Blake made his debut for the Jamaica national team on March 3, 2014, in a friendly match against Barbados. Since then, he has been a regular starter, accumulating 73 caps and 25 clean sheets. mlssoccer.com

He has captained the team in multiple tournaments, including the Caribbean Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Achievements

• Club: Blake has been instrumental in the Philadelphia Union’s successes, contributing to their strong performances in the MLS.

• International: With Jamaica, he has achieved significant milestones, including winning the 2014 Caribbean Cup and securing silver medals in the 2015 and 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

Personal Life

Beyond the pitch, Blake is known for his leadership qualities and commitment to his team. He continues to inspire many young athletes in Jamaica and around the world.

For a deeper insight into Andre Blake’s career and personal reflections, you can watch this interview: