Where are they now?: Jonny Steele
Today marks Jonny Steele‘s is 40th birthday!
For a brief moment in the NASL era, the “Man of Steele” was the marquee attraction in Blaine. Today, the Northern Irish journeyman who played for nearly 20 clubs across three continents is celebrating his milestone birthday in retirement.
Where is he now?
He has hung up the boots after a career that took him everywhere.
Jonny Steele’s career was the definition of a “football odyssey,” and after finally stepping away from the professional game, he has settled into life after soccer.
- The final chapter: Steele’s playing days wound down in unexpected fashion. After leaving the USL/NASL circuit (where he played for Miami FC and Ottawa Fury), he returned to the UK. He was last seen playing for Ramsgate FC in the English eighth tier during the 2019–20 season, admitting at the time that he “had never heard of non-league football” despite being a pro for 15 years.
- The Minnesota stint: Steele joined Minnesota United in January 2015 with massive fanfare. Fresh off playing for the New York Red Bulls and Newcastle Jets, he was marketed as a star signing for the Loons’ NASL title push. However, the move didn’t quite work out; he made only a handful of appearances before mutually parting ways with the club in July 2015 to return to the UK.
- Current status: Now 40, Steele is fully retired from competitive play. While he briefly dipped his toe into coaching at the youth level in the U.S. during his later playing years, he has largely stayed out of the professional limelight since 2020.
