Class. Professionalism. Dignity.
When asked to describe Nedum Onuoha’s impact on Real Salt Lake’s culture since his arrival on September 14, 2018, those three words are frequently mentioned. Sunday’s match at Rio Tinto Stadium against Sporting Kansas City will be his last in an RSL uniform, as his 17-year professional career that saw him make his mark with Manchester City, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers before landing with Real Salt Lake will come to a close with his retirement.
Without question, his impact on the club will far outlive his relatively short tenure wearing the club’s crest.
An imposing physical specimen on the field who is as fast as he is strong, Onuoha is equal parts commanding leader, teacher, entertainer and gentle giant in the locker room. He is just as likely to offer a stern word of advice as he is to offer an ear to listen to a personal issue. That unique ability to command respect while also giving it in spades is a hallmark of his personality and just a small part of how he will be remembered for his two-plus seasons with Real Salt Lake.
“Never before has the community of Real Salt Lake witnessed such grace under pressure. The tenure of Nedum Onuoha is simply put, Churchillian,” said RSL Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran, himself legendary for his blend of on-field success with off-field humanity. “He arrived in Salt Lake City during a time of unprecedented difficulty for the Club. Yet his performance, his character and his leadership gave what was needed - and what is at the center of the elite professional athlete - the ability to achieve and inspire when faced with great odds.”
Onuoha arrived in Utah with the credentials to instantly garner the respect of the locker room. His actions in the nearly 26 months since his arrival cemented him in the minds of all around him as an unquestioned leader. Whether it was rallying the team to defensive dominance during extended stretches or rallying the community to support a cause he believes in, it was with the utmost elegance.
It’s been ubiquitous in his star-studded podcast and his multitude of media and community appearances. And when the club needed someone to navigate through the tumultuous social justice issues that have plagued the country and risen to prominence in the public’s consciousness, Onuoha stood up and made his soothing and powerful voice heard.
“He embodies professionalism and class and strength and dignity,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall said. “You’ve seen it with how he’s led the group on the field, but you’ve also seen it as much or more with how he’s led the group through the challenges that we’ve been through the last couple of years, culminating with the social issues that have been a focus throughout this year. He’s been a spokesman for the players, the locker room and the club, but even more so a spokesman for humanity and doing what’s right and standing up for what you believe in.”
In the locker room, he has been a representative of the ideals that the club strives to achieve, with superior play on the field complemented by an engaged participant in every aspect that keeps the organization running strong as a pillar of the community.
It wasn’t limited to Real Salt Lake either. He was a regular in the stands at matches for the USL Championship run for the Real Monarchs and was among the chief supporters of Utah Royals FC. And just as he did with his RSL teammates, he lent words of support, advice and encouragement to players throughout the organization.
“Sometimes he looks at the game from a different angle than other players do. He’s a very positive person and he always gives you feedback on how you can do things better or make that next step,” RSL midfielder Albert Rusnàk said. “He will be there for everyone – he speaks to the Monarchs players, he speaks to the Royals. He’s one of those guys that don’t come around too often.”
Kyle Beckerman has been a professional for 21 seasons. He has seen top talent come and go in Major League Soccer throughout that time. Even he was left impressed with Onuoha’s character and class.
“In addition to being a good teammate, Nedum played a role in helping our team navigate a tumultuous summer (or year) off the field,” RSL’s longtime captain said. “He made an impact in the short time he was here with the club and we wish him the best with his future endeavors.”
While his most obvious impact came on the players surrounding him in the locker room, it wasn’t just the young players around whom Real Salt Lake has been built who sought his wisdom in the game.
RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez regularly spoke with Onuoha throughout the course of his first year at the helm, using the veteran to get the pulse of the locker room and discuss other aspects that help bridge the coaching staff with the players.
“He’s done a lot of good in the locker room for everybody. He helped me in many ways,” Juarez said. “I knew he was always going to be honest. That’s how I always saw Nedum. He’s a guy that I can go to for any kind of advice on how to better manage the group.”
While Sunday may be his last game in an RSL kit, he will long live in the club’s lore for everything he has done on and off the field to endear himself to his teammates, coaches, staff and fans. However, his personality is not one that will disappear into the sunset.
“Even though he won’t be with the team next year, he will have a relationship with RSL for some time,” Rusnàk said. “He’s not the guy who will just pack his bag and leave, never to be heard from again. He’s a great guy and a great player, too.”
