Clint Dempsey

Dempsey was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, and is of Irish ancestry on his father's side. For much of his childhood, Dempsey's family lived in a trailer park where he and his siblings grew up playing soccer with the complex's large population of Hispanic immigrants.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/06/09/dempsey|title=Texas tough: Dempsey's upbringing in Naco – nowhere led to U.S. dream|author=Melissa Segura|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=June 9, 2010}}

In his teens, Dempsey maintained these ties playing in a local Mexican-dominated adult league.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/11/11/usmnt-street-soccer-jurgen-klinsmann-ussf-youth-clint-dempsey-usa|title= U.S. Soccer turning to overlooked youth to discover next wave of talent|author=Stanley Kay|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=November 11, 2014}} His older brother, Ryan, was offered a tryout for the Dallas Texans, an elite youth soccer club, and brought Dempsey, who was noticed and recruited while passing time juggling a ball on the sidelines.{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/soccer/worldcup/stories/060806dnspocuplede.1cd47fa2.html|title=Quite a trip for U.S. midfielder|first=Kate|last=Hairopoulos|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=June 8, 2006|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206012528/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/soccer/worldcup/stories/060806dnspocuplede.1cd47fa2.html|archive-date=December 6, 2010|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey became a standout on the team at an early age but had to quit due to financial constraints as his eldest sister Jennifer was becoming a ranked youth tennis player.{{cite news|last=Drehs|first=Wayne|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=370300|title=No ordinary background|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=June 8, 2006|access-date=June 22, 2006|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629125514/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=370300|url-status=dead}} Several parents of his teammates with the Texans offered to assist the Dempseys with expenses and travel, allowing him to rejoin the club.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

On November 27, 1995, Dempsey's 16-year-old sister Jennifer died from a brain aneurysm. Dempsey was devastated with the family's loss and later explained that this event helped him develop a deeper motivation to pursue soccer in honor of his sister.{{cite news|url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/24/clint-dempsey-jesus_n_5526311.html|title=Clint Dempsey, World Cup Star, Credits Jesus For His Success|work=The Huffington Post|date=June 24, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2014}}

He went on to be the captain and high scorer of the Texans and was honored with the MVP of the Tampa Bay Sun Bowl tournament. Dempsey studied the play of Argentina's national team, especially Diego Maradona, and was heartbroken when the news came to Nacogdoches that Maradona would not be playing in the 1994 World Cup game played in the Cotton Bowl.{{cite news|last=Connolly|first=Marc|title=Rookie of the year is still a rookie|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=324350|date=February 7, 2005|access-date=July 14, 2006|work=ESPN Soccernet|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629125638/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=324350|url-status=dead}} He attended Furman University as a health and exercise science major and a key player for Paladins soccer. Dempsey was an "outstanding" midfielder while at Furman,{{cite web|url=https://furmanpaladins.com/honors/furman-athletics-hall-of-fame/clint-dempsey/44 |title=Furman Athletics Hall of Fame

|access-date=October 7, 2024}} named second team NSCAA All-American in 2002, and receiving All-Southern Conference first team honors in 2001 and 2002. He earned NSCAA All-South Region honors in 2002 and 2003 and was a member of the 2001 Soccer America and College Soccer News All-Freshman teams.

{{BLP sources section|date=February 2018}}

File:Clint Dempsey New England Revolution MLS Cup 2006.jpg

The New England Revolution selected Clint Dempsey with their first pick (eighth overall) in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2004-mls-superdraft-369927 |title=2004 Superdraft |date=January 16, 2004 |access-date=October 7, 2024}} He made his Revolution debut in the 2004 season home opener, a 3-1 loss against the San Jose Earthquakes on April 17, 2004.{{cite book |title=2024 Media Guide |publisher=New England Revolution|url=https://revolution.1rmg.com/season/2024/media-guide/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322013528/https://revolution.1rmg.com/season/2024/media-guide/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2024-03-22 |access-date=October 7, 2024}} The match was notable as the final home appearance for Revolution striker Joe-Max Moore.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/april-17-2004-new-england-revolution-changing-guard-joe-max-moores-final-home-game-clint-dempseys-first-start/ |title=April 17, 2004 – New England Revolution changing of the guard – Joe-Max Moore's final home game, Clint Dempsey's first start |date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |author=Dell'Apa, Frank}} Dempsey scored his first MLS goal the following week, giving the Revolution a 12th minute lead against the MetroStars on April 25.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/april-25-2004-joe-max-moore-plays-98th-final-mls-game-clint-dempsey-scores-first-professional-goal/ |title=April 25, 2004 – Joe-Max Moore plays 98th and final MLS game; Clint Dempsey scores first professional goal |date=April 24, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |author=Dell'Apa, Frank}}

In his rookie season, Dempsey started 23 of 24 matches, playing at least three with a broken jaw,{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/nov-12-2004-clint-dempsey-named-mls-rookie-year/ |title=Nov. 12, 2004 – Clint Dempsey named MLS Rookie of the Year |date=November 12, 2017 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |author=Dell'Apa, Frank}} and scoring seven goals, tied for third on the team with Steve Ralston. Dempsey helped the Revolution to the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals and earned 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year Honors, beating out finalists Freddy Adu and Chad Marshall.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-young-player-of-the-year-rookie-of-the-year-winners |title=MLS Young Player of the Year/Rookie of the Year winners |date=January 1, 2022 |access-date=October 7, 2024}} He was also named the 2004 Man of the Year by the Midnight Riders,{{Cite news|url=https://www.midnightriders.com/events-awards/man-of-the-year-award/|title=Man of the Year Award|work=The Midnight Riders|access-date=October 12, 2018}} and was named an MLS All-Star.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2004-mls-all-star-game-373149 |date=July 31, 2004 |title=2004 MLS All-Star Game |access-date=October 7, 2024}}

In 2005, Dempsey contributed ten goals and nine assists in 26 games, second in team scoring behind Taylor Twellman.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135826/https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |url=https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |title=ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2024}} He was named MLS Player of the Week for matchweek 4, and won MLS Goal of the Week in matchweek 5, a strike which was subsequently a finalist for 2005 MLS Goal of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/de-rosario-free-kick-voted-2005-sierra-mist-goal-year |title=De Rosario free kick voted 2005 Sierra Mist Goal of the Year

|date=January 22, 2010 |access-date=October 7, 2024}} He scored the game-winning goal in the 4th minute of the Eastern Conference Final on his way to an appearance in the MLS Cup Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/nov-6-2005-revolution-10-chicago-fire-mls-eastern-conference-final-att-18118/ |title=Nov. 6, 2005 – Revolution 1:0 Chicago Fire, MLS Eastern Conference final (Att.: 18,118) |date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |author=Dell'Apa, Frank}} He was again named an MLS All-Star,{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2005-mls-all-star-game-373150 |date=July 30, 2005 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |title=2005 MLS All-Star Game

}} and also named a member of the MLS Best XI.

In March of 2006, Dempsey received a two-week suspension for fighting with teammate Joe Franchino in practice.{{cite web|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061218140421/http://www.soccernewengland.com/articles/view_article.php?id=1020 |url=http://www.soccernewengland.com/articles/view_article.php?id=1020 |archive-date=December 18, 2006 |title=Dempsey stays at home as Revs head to Costa Rica |author=Hush, Andrew |date=March 15, 2006 |access-date=October 7, 2024}} During the regular season, Dempsey added eight more goals, but missed significant time in the playoffs due to injury,{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/sept-23-2006-revolution-11-kansas-city-wizards-gillette-stadium-att-16023/ |title=Sept. 23, 2006 – Revolution 1:1 Kansas City Wizards at Gillette Stadium (Att.: 16,023) |date=September 23, 2017 |author=Dell'Apa, Frank |access-date=October 7, 2024}} and time during the regular season due to the World Cup.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214205431/http://archive.revolutionsoccer.net/history/ |url=http://archive.revolutionsoccer.net/history/ |archive-date=February 14, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |title=New England Revolution History - 1996-2007}} Dempsey won MLS Player of the Week honors for week 14, and MLS Goal of the Week in matchweek 28 for his strike against D.C. United. He came on as a substitute in the MLS Cup Final, but the Revolution lost their second straight final, this time in a penalty shoot-out. He was named an MLS All-Star for a third time, and to the MLS Best-XI for a second time.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2006-mls-all-star-game-373151 |title=2006 MLS Allstar Game |date=August 5, 2006 |access-date=October 7, 2024}}

In December 2006, English club Fulham offered MLS $4 million for the transfer of Dempsey, then the largest amount ever offered for an MLS player, and he became another American addition to a Cottagers' squad which included U.S. internationals Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra.{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Dell'Apa|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=398831&root=mls&cc=5901|title=Dempsey could set the tone for future MLS transfers|work=ESPN Soccernet|publisher=ESPN|date=January 7, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021142109/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=398831&root=mls&cc=5901|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Dell'Apa|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2018|title=Transfer of power for Revolution|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/02/27/transfer_of_power_for_revolution|work=Boston.com|publisher=The Boston Globe|archive-date=December 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207055126/http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/02/27/transfer_of_power_for_revolution|url-status=dead}}

On January 11, 2007, he was granted a work permit from the Home Office as Fulham announced his signing on a long-term deal.{{cite news|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2007/january/11/dempsey-signs-for-fulham|title=Dempsey Signs For Fulham|work=FulhamFC.com|publisher=Fulham FC|date=January 11, 2007|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225174052/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2007/january/11/dempsey-signs-for-fulham|url-status=dead}} This made Dempsey the most expensive American export to the Premier League in a deal worth a reported £2 million.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/6249567.stm|title=Fulham complete Dempsey transfer|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=January 11, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204110309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/6249567.stm|archive-date=February 4, 2007|url-status=dead}} He made his Fulham debut in a 1–1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur on January 20, 2007.{{cite news|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/199321/report.html|title=Fulham 1–1 Tottenham|work=ESPN Soccernet|publisher=ESPN|date=January 20, 2007|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103211827/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/199321/report.html|archive-date=January 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }} His FA Cup debut followed seven days later in a 3–0 home win over Stoke City.{{cite news|date=January 27, 2007|access-date=December 5, 2013|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/212859/report.html|title=Fulham 3–0 Stoke City|work=ESPN Soccernet|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103033805/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/212859/report.html|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey scored his first goal for Fulham on May 5 when he struck the only goal of a 1–0 home win over Liverpool.{{cite news|first=John|last=Sinnott|title=Fulham 1–0 Liverpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6602879.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=May 5, 2007|access-date=May 5, 2007|archive-date=February 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204143434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6602879.stm|url-status=dead}} This goal saved Fulham from relegation and effectively guaranteed their place in the top-flight for the following season.{{cite news|date=May 8, 2007|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2007/may/08/dempsey-s-golden-goal|title=Dempsey's Golden Goal|work=FulhamFC.com|publisher=Fulham FC|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225180307/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2007/may/08/dempsey-s-golden-goal|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey was not in the starting XI for the first three matches of the 2007–08 season, but after an injury to Brian McBride, he came into the side as a striker and scored in a 2–1 defeat against Aston Villa.{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Dirs|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6952877.stm|title=Aston Villa 2–1 Fulham|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=August 25, 2007|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802210010/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6952877.stm|url-status=dead}} He followed this up by scoring in Fulham's next fixture in a 3–3 home draw against Tottenham on September 1.{{cite news|first=Nathan|last=Mercer|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963700.stm|title=Fulham 3–3 Tottenham|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=September 1, 2007|access-date=September 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501002758/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963700.stm|archive-date=May 1, 2009|url-status=dead}}

Two weeks later, he opened the scoring in Fulham's 1–1 away draw against Wigan Athletic.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6984886.stm|title=Wigan 1–1 Fulham|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=September 15, 2007|access-date=September 15, 2007|archive-date=December 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227032204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6984886.stm|url-status=dead}}

These goals gave Dempsey three in as many games. On September 29, Dempsey was involved in an aerial collision with John Terry during a 0–0 draw at Stamford Bridge which resulted in Terry later being substituted.{{cite news|first=Paresh|last=Soni|title=Chelsea 0–0 Fulham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008196.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=September 29, 2007|access-date=September 29, 2007|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629102957/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008196.stm|url-status=dead}} There was some suggestion that Dempsey used a deliberate elbow on Terry;{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/dempsey-escapes-fa-punishment-1.1302770|title=Dempsey escapes FA punishment|publisher=The Irish Times|date=October 1, 2007|access-date=July 24, 2020}} however, referee Martin Atkinson did not report the incident to The Football Association.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7020122.stm|title=Terry to lead Chelsea in Valencia|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=October 3, 2007|access-date=October 3, 2007|archive-date=December 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227032414/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7020122.stm|url-status=dead}}

On November 3, Dempsey scored during Fulham's 3–1 home win over Reading to secure just a second league win of the season.{{cite news|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|first=John|last=Sinnott|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065158.stm|title=Fulham 3–1 Reading|work=BBC Sport|date=November 3, 2007|access-date=November 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227031911/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065158.stm|archive-date=December 27, 2013|url-status=dead}}

He scored his last goals of the season in a 1–1 home draw with Wigan Athletic and a 5–1 away loss to Tottenham in December.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7145744.stm|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|first=Sam|last=Lyon|work=BBC Sport|title=Wigan 1–1 Fulham|date=December 22, 2007|access-date=December 22, 2007|archive-date=December 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224110947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7145744.stm|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|first=Sam|last=Lyon|title=Tottenham 5–1 Fulham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157358.stm|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|work=BBC Sport|date=December 26, 2007|access-date=December 26, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228231119/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157358.stm|archive-date=December 28, 2007|url-status=dead}}

In May 2008, Fulham announced Dempsey had signed a contract extension which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2010.{{cite news|publisher=Fulham FC|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/may/03/dempsey-signs-extension|title=Dempsey Signs Extension|work=FulhamFC.com |date=May 3, 2008|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225173920/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/may/03/dempsey-signs-extension|archive-date=December 25, 2013|url-status=dead}} Fulham beat Portsmouth 1–0 on the final day of the season to secure Premier League status for another year.{{cite news|first=Ian|last=Hughes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7381800.stm|title=Portsmouth 0–1 Fulham|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=May 11, 2008|archive-date=May 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514171458/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7381800.stm|url-status=dead}} He ended the season as Fulham's top Premier League goalscorer with six goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1055&teamTabs=stats&season_id=137|title=Fulham Player Stats 2007/08|work=Soccerbase|publisher=Centurycomm Ltd|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226195736/http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1055&teamTabs=stats&season_id=137|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey made the Fulham XI only once in the first eleven fixtures of the 2008–09 season but scored his first goal in a 1–1 away draw at Portsmouth on October 26 after coming on as a substitute.{{cite news |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7674167.stm |title=Portsmouth 1–1 Fulham |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=October 26, 2008 |access-date=October 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030023350/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7674167.stm |archive-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }} He replaced Zoltan Gera in the side and scored his first home goal of the season in a 3–0 win over Middlesbrough on December 20.{{cite news |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |date=December 20, 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7775562.stm |title=Fulham 3–0 Middlesbrough |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=December 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222020822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7775562.stm |archive-date=December 22, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Eight days later he scored twice in the West London derby against Chelsea which included a last-minute equalizer in a 2–2 home draw.{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7788414.stm |title=Fulham 2–2 Chelsea |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=December 28, 2008|access-date=December 28, 2008|archive-date=January 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112072229/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7788414.stm|url-status=dead}}

On February 24, 2009, Dempsey scored the first FA Cup goal of his career in a 2–1 home win over Swansea City in the fifth-round.{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Shuttleworth|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7899650.stm|title=Fulham 2–1 Swansea|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=February 24, 2009|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=February 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226142816/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7899650.stm|url-status=dead}} His final home goal of the season came in a 2–1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on March 11.{{cite news|first=Marc|last=Vesty|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7922053.stm|title=Fulham 1–2 Blackburn|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=March 11, 2009|access-date=March 11, 2009|archive-date=March 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316000925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7922053.stm |url-status=dead }} Fulham came from a goal down to beat Manchester City 3–1 away from home as Dempsey scored two goals on April 12.{{cite news |first=Chris|last=Bevan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978876.stm|title=Man City 1–3 Fulham|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=April 12, 2009|access-date=April 12, 2009|archive-date=April 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415080259/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978876.stm|url-status=dead}}

For the second successive season, Dempsey ended as Fulham's top Premier League goalscorer joint with Andrew Johnson with seven goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1055&teamTabs=stats&season_id=138|title=Fulham Player Stats 2008/09|work=Soccerbase|publisher=Centurycomm Ltd|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213163326/http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1055&teamTabs=stats&season_id=138|url-status=dead}} These goals helped Fulham secure a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, the highest in the club's history, and confirmed their qualification for the newly formed UEFA Europa League for the following season.{{cite news|date=May 24, 2009|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/match-centre/2008_2009/league/home/everton|title=Fulham v Everton|work=FulhamFC.com|publisher=Fulham FC |access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212160341/http://www.fulhamfc.com/match-centre/2008_2009/league/home/everton|url-status=dead}}

On August 13, 2009, Dempsey signed a contract extension to remain with Fulham through 2013.{{cite web|title=Dempsey Signs Extension|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2009/august/13/dempsey-signs-extension|publisher=Fulham FC|date=August 13, 2009|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=April 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418230033/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2009/august/13/dempsey-signs-extension|url-status=dead}}File:Clint.JPGOn August 20, he scored his first goal in European competition, in the new Europa League, netting Fulham's second goal in a 3–1 win against Amkar Perm in the play-off round.{{cite news|title=Fulham 3–1 Amkar Perm|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8209325.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=August 20, 2009|access-date=August 20, 2009|archive-date=December 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215071112/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8209325.stm|url-status=dead}}

On December 30, La Gazzetta dello Sport named Dempsey as one of the top eleven Premier League players of the season.{{cite journal|last=Cantalupi|first=Stefano|title=I verdetti di metà Premier Ancelotti gira in testa|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Estero/Premierleague/29-12-2009/i-verdetti-meta-premier-602478747237.shtml|journal=La Gazzetta dello Sport|date=December 30, 2009|access-date=January 5, 2010|language=it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207004605/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Estero/Premierleague/29-12-2009/i-verdetti-meta-premier-602478747237.shtml|archive-date=December 7, 2013|url-status=dead}}

On January 17, 2010, Dempsey suffered a suspected cruciate knee ligament injury in a 2–0 away defeat to Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news|title=Fulham's Clint Dempsey knee injury rocks Fulham and US|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8464490.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=January 17, 2010|access-date=January 17, 2010|archive-date=December 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227032907/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8464490.stm|url-status=dead}}

On March 11, Dempsey returned, coming on in the last minute of Fulham's loss away to Juventus, and then completed 72 minutes of Fulham's 3–0 away loss to Manchester United in the league.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8559649.stm|title = Man Utd 3-0 Fulham|date = March 14, 2010}}

On March 18, Dempsey came off the bench against Juventus in their second-leg, last-16 tie in the Europa League and scored the winner on a long chip shot. Fulham won the game 4–1, and this game resulted in the club winning an award, as well as Dempsey receiving an award for his goal.{{cite news|title=Fulham 4–1 Juventus|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8573049.stm|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|work=BBC Sport|date=March 18, 2010|access-date=March 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308061940/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8573049.stm|archive-date=March 8, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The Guardian suggested that the goal "might become the most famous goal in Fulham's history".{{cite news|title=Fulham's Clint Dempsey gambles to knock Juventus out of Europa League|date=March 19, 2010|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/19/fulham-juventus-europa-league|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225210906/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/19/fulham-juventus-europa-league|archive-date=December 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}

On May 12, Dempsey replaced Bobby Zamora in the 55th minute of the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final, thus making history in becoming the first ever American to appear in a major European final. In the end, Fulham lost the match, as Atlético Madrid's Diego Forlán scored in the 116th minute of extra time, giving Atlético a 2–1 win.{{cite web|title=Clint Dempsey Becomes First American To Appear in European Final|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2010/05/12/1922167/clint-dempsey-becomes-first-american-to-appear-in-european|publisher=Goal.com|date=May 12, 2010|access-date=May 12, 2010|archive-date=November 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127061654/http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2010/05/12/1922167/clint-dempsey-becomes-first-american-to-appear-in-european|url-status=dead}}

His performances throughout 2009–10 earned him the designation of Most Valuable Player among Americans in Europe by SoccerOverThere.com, among other sources.{{cite web|title=Howie's 2009–10 All-Over There team|publisher=SoccerOverThere.com|url=http://www.socceroverthere.com/?p=1303|date=May 3, 2010|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206144822/http://www.socceroverthere.com/?p=1303|archive-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey was on the substitutes' bench for Fulham's first two away games of 2010–11, but became a regular starter, one of only five U.S. players in the Premier League to do so. On September 18, 2010, he scored an equalizing goal on 56 minutes with a header against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the 1–1 draw to continue Fulham's unbeaten record in the Premier League.{{cite news|author=Nabil Hassan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9000608.stm|title=Blackburn 1–1 Fulham|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=September 18, 2010|archive-date=December 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206101326/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9000608.stm|url-status=dead}}

On October 2, he scored against West Ham United past Robert Green, the same keeper that he had scored against in the World Cup.{{cite news|first=Jonathan|last=Liew|location=London, UK|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943457/West-Ham-United-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html|title=West Ham United 1 Fulham 1: match report|publisher=The Telegraph|access-date=October 2, 2010|date=October 2, 2010|archive-date=November 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127061711/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943457/West-Ham-United-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html|url-status=dead}} He continued his form by scoring two goals against Wigan Athletic on October 30 as Fulham ran out 2–0 winners.{{cite web|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2010/10/30/video-clint-dempsey-scores-twice-for-fulham-on-big-day-for-amer|title=Clint Dempsey Scores Twice for Fulham on Big Day for Americans Abroad|first=Brian|last=Straus|publisher=FanHouse.com|date=October 30, 2010|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902092124/http://www.aolnews.com/2010/10/30/video-clint-dempsey-scores-twice-for-fulham-on-big-day-for-amer|archive-date=September 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|date=October 30, 2010|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/oct/30/fulham-wigan-athletic-premier-league|title=Fulham ease past woeful Wigan Athletic thanks to Clint Dempsey double|publisher=theguardian.com|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 5, 2013|location=London, UK|first=John|last=Ashdown|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225210131/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/oct/30/fulham-wigan-athletic-premier-league|url-status=dead}}

On January 22, 2011, Dempsey scored another double versus Stoke City, putting Fulham temporarily out of relegation contention.{{cite news|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9362434.stm|title=Fulham 2–0 Stoke|date=January 22, 2011|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=January 22, 2011|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225190508/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9362434.stm|url-status=dead}}

On March 19, Dempsey became the first American player to score ten goals in a Premier League season, beating Brian McBride's previous record of nine, also set while at Fulham in the 2005–06 season and 2006–07 season.{{cite news|url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/yanks-abroa-dempsey-sets-a-record|title=Yanks Abroad: Dempsey Sets a Record; Holden Hurt|work=The New York Times|date=March 19, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2011|first=Jack|last=Bell|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225210439/http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/yanks-abroa-dempsey-sets-a-record|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey broke Fulham's Premier League goalscoring record by netting twice in a 3–0 victory over Bolton on April 27, 2011. He has scored a total of 33 goals for the team in the Premier League, topping both Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque, each with 32. With these goals, he scored 12 goals for Fulham in the 2010–11 season.{{cite news|first=Bob|last=Bensch|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-27/fulham-beats-bolton-3-0-to-pull-clear-of-premier-league-s-relegation-zone.html|title=Fulham Beats Bolton 3–0 to Pull Clear of Premier League's Relegation Zone|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2011|archive-date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229183519/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-27/fulham-beats-bolton-3-0-to-pull-clear-of-premier-league-s-relegation-zone.html|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey was voted Fulham player of the season for 2010–11 by the Fulham fans, and his 12 Premier League strikes meant he was the club's leading goalscorer for the campaign.{{cite news|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/june/03/player-of-the-season|title=Player of the Season|publisher=Fulhamfc.com|date=June 3, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225173243/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/june/03/player-of-the-season|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey scored a brace in the first leg of Fulham's 2011–12 Europa League play-off clash against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk at Craven Cottage. Dempsey ended with two goals as Fulham ran out 3–0 winners, setting up a comfortable second leg in Ukraine.{{cite web|url= http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/328073/report.html|title= Dempsey at the double|publisher= Soccernet|date=August 18, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131205123202/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/328073/report.html|archive-date=December 5, 2013}}

On December 5, 2011, Dempsey scored in the 85th minute to secure a 1–0 win against Liverpool at Craven Cottage.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8931196/Kenny-Dalglish-furious-at-chant-cheats-aimed-at-Luis-Suarez-after-Liverpool-lose-to-Fulham.html|title=Kenny Dalglish furious at 'chant' cheats aimed at Luis Suarez after Liverpool lose to Fulham|publisher=The Telegraph|date=December 6, 2011|location=London, UK|first=Henry|last=Winter|archive-date=November 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127063239/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8931196/Kenny-Dalglish-furious-at-chant-cheats-aimed-at-Luis-Suarez-after-Liverpool-lose-to-Fulham.html|url-status=dead}} The goal propelled Dempsey to become the most prolific U.S. goalscorer in the Premier League, passing Fulham legend and fellow American Brian McBride.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN FC |date=December 5, 2011|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/317985/report.html|title=Dempsey downs 10-man Liverpool|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103025244/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/317985/report.html|url-status=dead}} Dempsey scored his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign with a header in a 2–0 home win against Bolton on December 17, lifting his side six points clear of the drop zone.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8961478/Fulham-2-Bolton-Wanderers-0-match-report.html|title=Fulham 2 Bolton Wanderers 0: match report|publisher=The Telegraph|date=December 17, 2011|location=London, UK|first=Gerry|last=Cox|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201011507/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8961478/Fulham-2-Bolton-Wanderers-0-match-report.html|url-status=dead}}

In the club's West London derby against rivals Chelsea on Boxing Day, Dempsey scored the equalizing goal as the game ended in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|publisher=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8973158/Chelsea-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html|title=Chelsea 1 Fulham 1: match report|date=December 26, 2011|location=London, UK|first=Jason|last=Burt|access-date=December 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201024526/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8973158/Chelsea-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}} Dempsey became only the second American to post a hat trick in the FA Cup behind Chris Cleary with the first hat-trick of his career{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7436231/clint-dempsey-records-first-hat-trick-fulham-romp|title=Clint Dempsey posts hat trick in rout|publisher=ESPN|date=January 8, 2012}} on January 7 against Charlton Athletic in their FA Cup third round game that ended in a 4–0 victory.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/334364/report.html|title=Dempsey hits hat-trick|access-date=January 7, 2012|publisher=ESPN}} On January 21, 2012, Dempsey scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle while the game ended in a 5–2 win for Fulham{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/318007/report.html|title=Fulham v Newcastle United|access-date=January 21, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103211823/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/318007/report.html|url-status=dead}} and sent his goal tally in the Premier League to nine for the season.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/39928/clint-dempsey?cc=5901|title=Clint Dempsey Stats|publisher=ESPN|date=January 14, 2012|access-date=January 21, 2012|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502212420/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/39928/clint-dempsey?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}

With his hat-trick against Newcastle, he became the first ever U.S. player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League.{{cite news|last=Burke|first=Timothy|title=Here's Clint Dempsey's Hat Trick Today, The First-Ever by an American in the English Premier League|url=http://deadspin.com/5878142/heres-clint-dempseys-hat-trick-today-the-first+ever-by-an-american-in-the-english-premier-league|access-date=January 21, 2012|newspaper=Deadspin|date=January 21, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225154533/http://deadspin.com/5878142/heres-clint-dempseys-hat-trick-today-the-first%2Bever-by-an-american-in-the-english-premier-league|url-status=dead}} Dempsey scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season, sixteenth in all competitions, in a 1–1 draw against former manager Roy Hodgson's West Brom on February 1, 2012.{{cite news|first=Jamie|last=Jackson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/01/fulham-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league|location=London, UK|title=Fulham 1–1 West Bromwich Albion|date=February 1, 2012|access-date=February 1, 2012|work=The Guardian|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225154533/http://deadspin.com/5878142/heres-clint-dempseys-hat-trick-today-the-first%2Bever-by-an-american-in-the-english-premier-league|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey "assisted" another goal in a 2–1 win against Stoke City on February 11, 2012. His 28th-minute shot hit the crossbar and was deflected by Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sørensen. It was therefore awarded as an own goal off the goalie. His form this season continued against Wolverhampton Wanderers where Dempsey scored twice in a 5–0 victory for Fulham.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16884253|title=Fulham 2–1 Stoke|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|work=BBC Sport|date=February 11, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206112859/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16884253|archive-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead}}

On March 8, 2012, the day before Dempsey's 29th birthday, Fulham manager Martin Jol revealed that the club had opened talks with Dempsey over a new three-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Clint-Dempsey-open-talks-over-new-three-year-contract-Pavel-Pogrebnyak-will-wait-to-summer-to-decide-on-permanent-move-article875745.html|title=Dempsey in talks over new Fulham deal|publisher=mirrorfootball.co.uk|date=March 8, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2012|archive-date=November 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127061304/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-Clint-Dempsey-open-talks-over-new-three-year-contract-Pavel-Pogrebnyak-will-wait-to-summer-to-decide-on-permanent-move-article875745.html|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey scored his fourteenth and fifteenth Premier League goals of the campaign, bringing his tally to twenty-one in all competitions, in a 3–0 away win over Bolton Wanderers on April 7, the first a free kick and the second a header.[http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/317941/report.html Report: Bolton Wanderers v Fulham – Barclays Premier League, ESPN Soccernet (April 7, 2012); retrieved on December 5, 2013.] The strikes moved Dempsey past Louis Saha's record of thirteen Premier League goals for the club in a single season.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/dempsey-scores-twice-fulham-beats-201900453--sow.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714005803/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/dempsey-scores-twice-fulham-beats-201900453--sow.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Dempsey scores twice as Fulham beats Bolton 3–0|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=April 7, 2012|access-date=December 5, 2013}} Dempsey finished fourth on the FWA Footballer of the Year list behind the winner, Arsenal's Robin van Persie, and Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, who came in second and third, respectively.{{cite news|date=May 24, 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17822161|title=Arsenal's Robin van Persie named FWA Footballer of the Year|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation}} Dempsey became the first American player to reach the milestone of fifty goals in the Premier League, with a free kick against Sunderland in the last home game of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17885305|title=Fulham 2–1 Sunderland|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=May 6, 2012|access-date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206095335/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17885305|archive-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead}}

On August 31, 2012, Fulham confirmed Dempsey's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite web|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/31/dempsey-departs|title=Dempsey Departs|publisher=Fulham FC|access-date=August 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225180045/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/31/dempsey-departs|archive-date=December 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}

On August 31, 2012, Dempsey joined Tottenham Hotspur on a three-year contract for a fee believed to be in the region of $9 million.{{cite news|title=Dempsey signs for Spurs|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/8039027/Dempsey-signs-for-Spurs|date=August 31, 2012|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=August 31, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225142612/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/8039027/Dempsey-signs-for-Spurs|url-status=dead}}

The deal made Dempsey the highest salaried U.S. soccer player of all time.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} With the 23 shirt that he wore at Fulham and the number 8 that he usually wore on international duty unavailable, he opted for the number 2 jersey, more usually associated with the right-back, which he wore at Furman University.{{cite web|title=2003 Furman Men's Football Cumulative Season Statistics|access-date=November 5, 2012|url= http://eweb.furman.edu/athletics/soccer_mens/seasons/2003/stats/TEAMCUME.HTM}} He scored his first and the eventual match-winning goal for Tottenham in a 3–2 win over Manchester United. It was the first time in 23 years that Tottenham had won at Old Trafford.{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/grant_wahl/09/06/clint-dempsey-tottenham-usa-jamaica/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908090616/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/grant_wahl/09/06/clint-dempsey-tottenham-usa-jamaica/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 8, 2012|title=Clint Dempsey can now focus on what's important|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=September 6, 2012|access-date=September 8, 2012}} He scored his second goal for Spurs in the 39th minute in an away game at Southampton in October. Dempsey's third and fourth goals were scored against Everton in an eventual 2–1 loss and a deflected effort against Reading on New Year's Day to help Spurs win 3–1. In the FA Cup 3rd round, he scored a double against Coventry City.{{cite web|work=Soccernet|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1289273/clint-dempsey-scores-twice-to-guide-tottenham-in-fa-cup-win?cc=5901|publisher=ESPN|title=Clint Dempsey brace guides Spurs' win|access-date=January 5, 2013|date=January 5, 2013|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219102559/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1289273/clint-dempsey-scores-twice-to-guide-tottenham-in-fa-cup-win?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}

On January 20, 2013, in driving snow at White Hart Lane against league leaders Manchester United, Dempsey was able to salvage a dramatic 1–1 draw for Spurs by slotting home a pass from Aaron Lennon in the 93rd minute. The goal was his fourth in four appearances in 2013. On January 27, 2013, Dempsey scored a looping header against Leeds United at Elland Road, in the FA Cup to bring the score to 2–1, however Tottenham couldn't draw level throughout the rest of the game, leaving the result at 2–1 to Leeds at the whistle.{{cite web|date=January 20, 2013|access-date=January 20, 2013|title=Dempsey denies United at the death|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1990968.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_3|publisher=FIFA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709022352/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1990968.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_3|archive-date=July 9, 2014|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey was unable to make an impression against his old club on March 17, when Fulham came away from White Hart Lane with a 1–0 victory. On April 21, he scored the first of three goals for Tottenham in a 3–1 win over Manchester City at White Hart Lane. On May 12, Dempsey scored a long range goal and added an assist while playing against Stoke City to help Spurs win 2–1, and keep them in contention for the fourth Champions League spot. On April 11, 2013, Dempsey scored two goals against Basel in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals to send the match into extra time. Tottenham eventually lost the match on penalties and thus were eliminated from the competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/apr/11/basel-tottenham-hotspur-europa-league|title=Tottenham suffer shootout misery against Basel after brave fightback|website=The Guardian|date=April 11, 2013|access-date=June 20, 2020}}

On August 3, 2013, Dempsey signed with MLS club Seattle Sounders FC as a Designated Player on a four-year contract, for a transfer fee of $9 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2013/08-August/Sounders-FC-Signs-USA-International-Clint-Dempsey.aspx|title=Sounders FC Signs Clint Dempsey|publisher=Sounders FC|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225205622/http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2013/08-August/Sounders-FC-Signs-USA-International-Clint-Dempsey.aspx|url-status=dead}} He again donned the number 2 shirt, forgoing the number 8 he usually wears for the United States and the number 23 he wore at Fulham. The previous user of the number 2 shirt, DeAndre Yedlin, moved to number 17. Dempsey made his league debut for Seattle on August 10, 2013, in a 2–1 victory over Toronto. Dempsey entered the match as a 34th-minute substitute, after Obafemi Martins came off with an ankle injury.{{cite web|last=Oshan|first=Jeremiah|title=Clint Dempsey thrown on early after Obafemi Martins injured, but Seattle Sounders debut goes off without a hitch|access-date=August 11, 2013|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/08/10/clint-dempsey-thrown-early-after-obafemi-martins-injured-seattle-sounders-de|publisher=Major League Soccer|archive-date=January 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117223208/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/08/10/clint-dempsey-thrown-early-after-obafemi-martins-injured-seattle-sounders-de|url-status=dead}}

On December 24, 2013, Dempsey re-signed with Fulham on a two-month loan.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25511943|title=Clint Dempsey: Fulham re-sign forward on two-month loan deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=December 24, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2013}} He made his return debut on January 4, 2014, in the Third Round of the FA Cup against Norwich City. Dempsey played the entire game which resulted in a 1–1 draw, and subsequently took part in the replay at Craven Cottage, a 3–0 victory for Fulham.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25531897|title=Norwich City 1–1 Fulham|publisher=BBC Sport|date=January 4, 2014|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=January 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120013933/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25531897|url-status=dead}}

File:Clint Dempsey.jpg

Although no announcement was made by Fulham, Dempsey appeared in the Seattle squad to face Sporting Kansas City in the season opener on March 10, 2014. Dempsey had made a return to form, scoring a hat-trick against Portland Timbers, and recording braces against FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids, leaving his goal tally at 8 in 5 games for 2014. He earned the MLS's Player of the Month award for April.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2014/05/01/seattle-sounders-clint-dempsey-voted-etihad-airways-mls-player-month-april|title=Seattle Sounders' Clint Dempsey voted Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month for April|work=MLSsoccer.com|date=May 1, 2014}} Both Dempsey's 15 goals and 10 assists were MLS career highs, as Seattle won the Supporters' Shield, but were eliminated in the conference finals of the MLS Cup by eventual champions LA Galaxy.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

On June 16, 2015, in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against rivals the Portland Timbers, Dempsey was sent off for ripping up referee Daniel Radford's notebook in protest at the dismissal of Michael Azira. The Sounders finished the match with seven men through three dismissals and an injury, and lost 1–3 at home.{{cite news|title=Clint Dempsey rips up referee's notebook and sees red|work=BBC Sport|date=June 17, 2015}} For the incident, he was given a three-match MLS suspension and a fine, and banned from the Open Cup for two years in addition to a second fine.{{cite news|title=Clint Dempsey given minimum 2-year suspension from US Open Cup|url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/us-open-cup-clint-dempsey-minimum-2-year-suspension-fine-062515|access-date=June 25, 2015|agency=Associated Press|work=Fox Sports|date=June 25, 2015}}

On July 13, 2016, Dempsey picked up his first MLS red card after putting his hands in the face of FC Dallas midfielder Juan Esteban Ortiz, who came in with a late challenge on Dempsey. Earlier in the game, Dempsey scored and provided an assist on Jordan Morris's goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/07/14/clint-dempsey-gets-rare-hat-trick-goal-assist-and-red-card-vs-fc-dallas|title=Clint Dempsey gets rare hat trick: goal, assist and red card vs. FC Dallas|work=MLS Soccer|first=Josie|last=Becker|date=July 14, 2016}} On August 7, he scored a hat-trick against Orlando City SC to capture their second road victory of the 2016 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/clint-dempseys-hat-trick-propels-sounders-to-3-1-road-win-over-orlando-city|title=Clint Dempsey's hat trick propels Sounders to 3–1 road win over Orlando City|date=August 7, 2016}} Dempsey played his last game of the season on August 21 against Portland, picking up a brace in the 3–1 win, while simultaneously setting a franchise record for the most goals by a player against one team in MLS play, with the goals being his seventh and eighth.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016/08/21/clint-dempseys-brace-against-portland-timbers-sets-new-mark-cascadia-rivalry|title=Clint Dempsey's brace against Portland Timbers sets new mark in Cascadia rivalry|work=Sounders FC|date=August 21, 2016}} While his absence in Seattle's next game at Houston was a scheduled rest, Dempsey was sidelined with an irregular heartbeat ahead of their Cascadia rivalry tie in Portland.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/united-states/story/2937942/clint-dempsey-has-irregular-heartbeat-and-will-miss-world-cup-qualifiers|title=Sounders' Clint Dempsey has irregular heartbeat, out for World Cup qualifiers|work=ESPN FC|date=August 26, 2016}}

After returning to training in September,{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/seattle-sounders-fc/story/2950650/clint-dempsey-returns-to-seattle-sounders-training-report|title=Clint Dempsey back training with Sounders, hasn't been cleared to play|work=ESPN FC|first=Jeff|last=Carlisle|date=September 14, 2016}} Dempsey was ruled out for the remainder of the season by general manager Garth Lagerwey on September 27.{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-forward-clint-dempsey-ruled-out-for-the-remainder-of-this-season|title=Sounders forward Clint Dempsey ruled out for the remainder of this season|work=The Seattle Times|first=Matt|last=Pentz|date=September 27, 2016}}

Although there was speculation about the irregular heartbeat ending his career, Dempsey was eventually cleared to play in time for the 2017 MLS season. During the season Dempsey tallied 12 goals in 29 regular season appearances and was named MLS Comeback Player of the Year for 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/11/15/2017-mls-comeback-player-year-clint-dempsey-seattle-sounders|title=2017 MLS Comeback Player of the Year: Clint Dempsey, Seattle Sounders|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=December 6, 2017}} {{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

He announced his retirement from soccer on August 29, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2018/08/29/clint-dempsey-announces-retirement-professional-soccer|title=Clint Dempsey announces retirement from professional soccer|website=SoundersFC.com|access-date=August 29, 2018}}

{{see also|List of international goals scored by Clint Dempsey}}

For the national team, Dempsey has frequently lined up as a striker due to his scoring threat and aerial ability, but his preferred and more normal role is off the striker.{{cite news|url=http://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2012/10/10/3482190/tottenham-hotspur-tactics-analysis-clint-dempsey-gylfi-sigurdsson|title=Deciphering The Role of Clint Dempsey and Gylfi Sigurdsson|date=October 10, 2012|work=Cartilage Free Captain|access-date=December 5, 2013}}

File:Clint Dempsey USA training.jpg in April 2006]]

Dempsey first played for the United States national team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates. He made his first appearance with the senior team on November 17, 2004, against Jamaica in qualification for the 2006 World Cup, replacing Ramiro Corrales for the final 23 minutes of a 1–1 draw at the Columbus Crew Stadium.{{cite web|title=United States 1–1 Jamaica|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/11/18/nc-america/wc-qualifying-concacaf/united-states-of-america/jamaica/238892/?ICID=PL_MS_28|website=Soccerway|access-date=July 23, 2015}}

On May 28, 2005, he scored his first international goal on his sixth cap, a consolation in a 2–1 defeat to England at Soldier Field, Chicago, by heading in after a save by goalkeeper David James.{{cite news|title=U.S. Falls to England 2–1 in Soldier Field Friendly|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/03/17/11/20/u-s-falls-to-england-2-1-in-soldier-field-friendly|access-date=July 23, 2015|publisher=U.S. Soccer|date=May 28, 2005}} Dempsey's first international tournament was the United States' victorious 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign; he netted their first goal, equalising as they came from behind to defeat Cuba 4–1 at Qwest Field in Seattle.{{cite news|title=U.S. MEN DOWN CUBA 4–1 IN OPENING MATCH OF 2005 CONCACAF GOLD CUP AT QWEST FIELD IN SEATTLE|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/03/17/12/35/u-s-men-down-cuba-4-1-in-opening-match-of-2005-concacaf-gold-cup-at-qwest-field-in-seattle|access-date=July 23, 2015|publisher=U.S. Soccer|date=July 8, 2015}}

Dempsey was named to the US roster for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was the only American player to score a goal in the tournament,{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|last=Blum|first=Ronald|title=Dempsey a rare American soccer attacker|work=Bleacher Report|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190870-dempsey-a-rare-american-soccer-attacker|date=June 2, 2009|access-date=December 5, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227145241/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190870-dempsey-a-rare-american-soccer-attacker|archive-date=December 27, 2013}} a group stage elimination, with his equalizing goal in the Americans' eventual 2–1 loss to Ghana. He won the highest individual honor in soccer in America when he was named Honda Player of the Year for 2006, beating Fulham teammates Kasey Keller and Brian McBride in a poll of sportswriters. Dempsey received 237 points in voting by 207 sports journalists to claim the award.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

Dempsey was also present as the United States defended their title at the 2007 Gold Cup, again scoring their opening goal, the sole goal in a victory against Guatemala at The Home Depot Center; his side-footed shot from Taylor Twellman's assist gave the nation victory in Bob Bradley's first match as coach.{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Grahame L.|title=Dempsey is the difference for U.S.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-08-sp-soccer8-story.html|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 8, 2007}}

In the United States' opening 2010 World Cup qualifier, Dempsey recorded the then fastest goal in U.S. qualifying history with a chest trap and sliding shot 53 seconds into an 8–0 defeat of Barbados. But thereafter, Dempsey experienced a dip in form leading some to doubt his first-choice status with the national team. However, Dempsey turned his fortunes around in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. In the final group stage match against Egypt, Dempsey scored a trademark diving header off a Jonathan Spector cross, making the final result 3–0. This, combined with Brazil's 3–0 victory against Italy in the other group match that was being played simultaneously, put the United States through to the semi-finals.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8109905.stm|title=Egypt 0–3 USA |date=June 21, 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=June 25, 2009}} In the semi-final match against Spain, Dempsey scored to put the U.S. up 2–0 to send them to the finals. He was named the Man of the Match for his performance.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8114585.stm|title=Spain 0–2 United States|work=BBC Sport|access-date=June 25, 2009|first=Saj|last=Chowdhury}} Dempsey scored in his third straight game in the Confederations Cup Final against Brazil, redirecting a similar cross from Spector in the 10th minute to open the scoring.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8120561.stm|title=USA 2–3 Brazil|date=June 28, 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=June 28, 2009|first=Phil|last=Dawkes}}

Following the loss, he was awarded the Bronze Ball as the tournament's 3rd best performer.{{cite news|first=Amelia|last=Templeton|title=U.S. Men's Soccer Team Takes Second in Confederations Cup: Goalie Howard, Defender Onyewu's Head lead the US effort to stop Brazil|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amelia-templeton/us-mens-soccer-team-takes_b_222055.html|work=The Huffington Post|date=June 28, 2009|access-date=June 30, 2009}}{{Cite news|first=Ridge|last=Mahoney|title=Emotions tell the tale of dramatic final|date=June 29, 2009|url=http://www.socceramerica.com/article/32945/emotions-tell-the-tale-of-dramatic-final.html|work=Soccer America|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=February 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208233303/http://www.socceramerica.com/article/32945/emotions-tell-the-tale-of-dramatic-final.html|url-status=dead}} He ended the World Cup qualifying campaign tied with Landon Donovan as the team's second top scorer, behind Jozy Altidore, with five goals in thirteen matches.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

On June 12, 2010, Dempsey became the second American (after Brian McBride) to score in more than one World Cup when he scored the equalizer goal against England in the Americans' first game of the 2010 World Cup after the England goalkeeper Robert Green made a major error. Dempsey's disallowed goal later in the tournament against Algeria in the group stage was very controversial. Dempsey was called offside, but the replay showed that he was most likely not offside. Despite this call, his teammate Landon Donovan scored a late stoppage time goal to win the game 1–0.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/goalie-blunder-lifts-us-to-1-1-tie-vs-england/|title=Goalie blunder lifts US to 1–1 tie vs. England|agency=Associated Press|first=Ronald|last=Blum|date=June 12, 2010|access-date=December 5, 2013}}

During the 2011 Gold Cup, Dempsey played a key role in helping the United States advance to the final. In the group stages he recorded a goal in a 2–0 win over Canada, and in the quarter-finals, Dempsey also scored a goal in a 2–0 win over Jamaica. In the semi-finals against Panama, who had shockingly defeated the United States 1–2 in the group stage, Dempsey scored the only goal to advance the Americans to the final. With a sliding touch Dempsey redirected Landon Donovan's pass into the net.{{cite news|url=http://concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com/page.php?sport=soccer&language_id=us&page=tournament&view=match&match_id=1091746|title=U.S. 1–0 Panama|publisher=concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com|date=June 22, 2011|access-date=March 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828122004/http://concacaf.globalsportsmedia.com/page.php?sport=soccer&language_id=us&page=tournament&view=match&match_id=1091746 |archive-date=August 28, 2011 }}

On February 29, 2012, Dempsey scored the lone goal in an international friendly win against four-time World champion Italy. Jozy Altidore assisted on the goal, allowing the United States to win for the first time against Italy in eleven games played since 1934.{{cite news|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/02/US-MNT-Earns-First-Win-Against-Italy.aspx|title=U.S. earns first win against Italy|publisher=USSoccer.com|date=February 29, 2012|access-date=March 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303163715/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/02/US-MNT-Earns-First-Win-Against-Italy.aspx|archive-date=March 3, 2012}}

Dempsey broke his own fastest-goal record in World Cup qualifying on September 7, scoring just 39 seconds into a 2–1 defeat against Jamaica in Kingston. During a qualifying match against Guatemala on October 16, 2012, Dempsey scored his 29th and 30th international goal, tying him with Brian McBride for third most goals scored for the United States national team. The goals helped the United States advance into the final qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

File:Clint Dempsey 2013.jpg in May 2013|alt=|280x280px]]In March 2013, Dempsey was given the captain's armband by Jürgen Klinsmann for the important World Cup qualifying matches versus Costa Rica and Mexico. On June 2, 2013, Dempsey scored two goals against Germany in a 4–3 win. The goals were his 34th and 35th overall for the national team, surpassing Eric Wynalda as second all-time top-goalscorer for the United States. Dempsey became the 14th American to reach 100 caps on September 6, 2013, netting a penalty in a 3–1 away defeat to Costa Rica in a qualifier.{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Steve|title=Clint Dempsey joins the U.S. 100 Cap Club|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/07/clint-dempsey-joins-the-u-s-100-cap-club/|access-date=July 23, 2015|publisher=NBC|date=September 7, 2013}}

In 2014, Dempsey was named as captain of the 23-man United States squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup. On June 16, he scored against Ghana 29 seconds into the group play match. It was the fastest goal in American World Cup history, and fifth fastest goal in all-time World Cup history. With this goal, Dempsey also became the first American player to score in three consecutive World Cups.{{cite web|title=Dempsey scores fastest goal in American World Cup history |url=https://nypost.com/2014/06/16/dempsey-scores-fastest-goal-in-american-world-cup-history|publisher=New York Post|agency=Associated Press|access-date=June 16, 2014|archive-date=June 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619163707/http://nypost.com/2014/06/16/dempsey-scores-fastest-goal-in-american-world-cup-history|url-status=dead}} Dempsey went on to suffer a broken nose midway through the first half as the United States defeated Ghana 2–1. In the following match against Portugal, Dempsey notched his fourth World Cup goal in a 2–2 draw. This goal drew Dempsey level with Bert Patenaude as the second-highest goalscoring American in the World Cup, one behind Landon Donovan.{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/associations/association=usa/worldcup/players/topscorer.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620235857/http://fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/associations/association=usa/worldcup/players/topscorer.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2008|title=FIFA World Cup statistics for USA|agency=FIFA.com|access-date=July 26, 2014}}

Before the 2015 Gold Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann gave Michael Bradley the captain's armband, in wake of the U.S. Open Cup incident.{{cite web|last1=McCarthy|first1=Kyle|title=Michael Bradley named as USA captain for CONCACAF Gold Cup|url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/us-national-team-michael-bradley-named-captain-for-concacaf-gold-cup-070115|work=Fox Sports|access-date=October 10, 2015}}

During the Gold Cup, Dempsey scored both U.S. goals in a 2–1 group stage win over Honduras at the Toyota Stadium in his native Texas.{{cite web|title=United States beats Honduras 2–1 in Gold Cup through Dempsey double|url=http://www.espnfc.us/concacaf-gold-cup/match/418228/united-states-honduras/report|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=February 12, 2018}} Three days later, at his former club ground in New England, he struck the only goal to defeat Haiti, sending his team into the quarter-finals,{{cite news|last1=Parker|first1=Graham|title=Gold Cup: Clint Dempsey gets the winner as USA narrowly edge out Haiti|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/10/clint-dempsey-usa-haiti-gold-cup|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=The Guardian|date=July 11, 2015}} where he scored his first international hat-trick in a 6–0 victory against Cuba.{{cite news|last1=Parker|first1=Graham|title=Gold Cup 2015: USA thrash Cuba 6–0 – as it happened|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jul/18/gold-cup-2015-usa-cuba-live|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=The Guardian|date=July 18, 2015}} In the third-place play-off, he scored his seventh goal of the tournament to equalize for a 1–1 draw against Panama, and also netted his attempt in the penalty shootout which his team eventually lost; he finished the tournament as its top scorer.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

In June 2016, Dempsey started all three group stage games of the Copa América Centenario. Against Costa Rica, he recorded his 50th international goal, and against Paraguay he recorded his 51st international goal to help the U.S. finish first in the group and advance to the quarter-finals. The U.S. were eliminated in the semi-finals by Argentina. In the quarter-final win over Ecuador, Dempsey scored the opening goal and assisted on the second goal, which was scored by Zardes.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

Dempsey's first goal during qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup was scored in the 4–0 victory by the U.S. over Guatemala on March 29, 2016, at the MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. He also earned an assist on the fourth goal of the evening, scored by Jozy Altidore.{{cite web|url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016/03/29/clint-dempsey-scores-historic-goal-usmnt-pounds-guatemala-world-cup-qualifier|title=Clint Dempsey scores historic goal as USMNT pounds Guatemala in World Cup qualifier|publisher=Seattle Sounders FC|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=July 23, 2017}}

On March 24, 2017, during the final round of qualification, Dempsey scored a hat trick in the 6–0 victory by the U.S. over Honduras, one goal from a free kick and the other two assisted by Christian Pulisic at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/mens-national-team/tournaments/2018-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-final-round/20170324-mnt-v-honduras#tab-1|title=U.S. MNT VS. HONDURAS 6–0 W|publisher=U.S. Soccer|date=March 24, 2017|access-date=July 23, 2017}} Four days after that, on March 28, he scored the U.S.'s lone goal, again assisted by Pulisic, in a 1–1 draw with Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/mens-national-team/tournaments/2018-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-final-round/20170328-mnt-v-panama#tab-1|title=U.S. MNT VS. PANAMA 1–1 D|publisher=U.S. Soccer|date=March 28, 2017|access-date=July 23, 2017}}

Dempsey was named to the 40-man preliminary roster for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup by head coach Bruce Arena on June 3, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/06/03/19/59/20170603-news-mnt-bruce-arena-names-40-player-preliminary-2017-concacaf-gold-cup-roster|title=ARENA SUBMITS 40-PLAYER PRELIMINARY ROSTER FOR 2017 CONCACAF GOLD CUP|publisher=US Soccer|date=June 3, 2017|access-date=July 23, 2017}}

Dempsey was not named to the 23-man roster released on June 25, but was eligible to be called up as one of six roster replacements following the conclusion of the group stage. On July 16, Dempsey was called in to replace Dom Dwyer.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/united-states/story/3158813/tim-howard-clint-dempsey-jozy-altidore-and-michael-bradley-among-players-added-to-united-states-gold-cup-squad|title=U.S. adds Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley to squad|publisher=ESPNFC|author=Jeff Carlisle|date=July 17, 2017|access-date=July 23, 2017}} He assisted Eric Lichaj's first international goal in the U.S.'s 2–0 victory over El Salvador in the quarter-finals on July 19, tying him with Claudio Reyna for fourth on the U.S. all-time assists list.{{cite web|url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2017/7/20/16003956/clint-dempsey-all-time-usmnt-assists|title=Clint Dempsey had beautiful assist in USMNT's Gold Cup win|publisher=Sounder at Heart|author=Jeremiah Oshan|date=July 20, 2017|access-date=July 23, 2017|archive-date=July 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720205327/https://www.sounderatheart.com/2017/7/20/16003956/clint-dempsey-all-time-usmnt-assists|url-status=dead}} On July 22, Dempsey assisted Altidore's goal and scored a free kick to defeat Costa Rica 0–2, sending the U.S. to the final, and seeing Dempsey overtake Reyna for fourth place in assists with 20 and tie Landon Donovan for most U.S. goals of all time at 57.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/concacaf-gold-cup/story/3138020/clint-dempsey-equals-landon-donovans-all-time-usmnt-goals-record|title=Clint Dempsey ties Landon Donovan's all-time USMNT goals record|date=July 23, 2017|publisher=ESPNFC|access-date=July 23, 2017}}

File:Clint Dempsey 20110622.jpg

Dempsey is known for his versatility and ability to play either as a forward, winger or attacking midfielder, depending on the formation.{{cite news|title=Versatility vs. Specialization: An American Dilemma|url=https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/10/versatility-vs-specialization-an-american-dilemma/|work=The New York Times|date=March 10, 2011}} As a result, he has been categorized interchangeably as a forward or midfielder, as evidenced in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup squads where he was classified as a forward (FW) in the latter tournament{{cite news|title=USA squad for 2014 World Cup: the 23 chosen by Jürgen Klinsmann|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/06/usa-squad-world-cup-2014|work=The Guardian|date=June 6, 2014}} and a midfielder (MF) in the former.{{cite news|title=World Cup 2010 Group C: Final 23-man squads announced|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/01/world-cup-group-c-africa|work=The Guardian|date=June 1, 2010}} During his time in Fulham, he established himself as goal-scorer who is able to score with both his head and feet, especially during important matches.{{cite news|title=Striking Comparisons: U.S. Options at Forward|url=https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/20/striking-comparisons-u-s-options-at-forward/|work=The New York Times|date=April 20, 2012|first=John|last=Godfrey}} Critics have described him as "audacious" due to his penchant for the odd "wonder goal" and reputation as "the guy who walked onto the field and started doing backheels", leading former national team coach Bruce Arena to say of him, "He tries shit."{{cite news|title=Clint Dempsey: He 'tried shit'|url=https://theathletic.com/503409/2018/09/03/clint-dempsey-he-tried-shit/|work=The Athletic|date=September 3, 2018|first=Adam|last=Snavely}}{{cite news|title=Clint Dempsey was gritty as hell – but he could also conjure moments of inspiration|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/30/clint-dempsey-seattle-sounders-fulham-retirement-usa-soccer|work=The Guardian|date=August 30, 2018|first=Matt|last=Pentz}}

{{blockquote|His wonder goal for Fulham in the 2010 Europa League [round of 16] against Juventus, an audacious chip from the very edge of the penalty box, was a counterpoint to the narrative of American soccer players as brutish, hustling grunt workers. [H]is game was as creative, and as instinctual, as any American's of this or any other generation. Nobody was more likely to drop a back heel through traffic.

|Matt Pentz, The Guardian}}

Dempsey has occasionally been prone to aggressive play including physical altercations with opponents over the course of his career, which have sometimes resulted in suspensions.{{cite news|last1=Lewis|first1=Michael|title=Offside Remarks: Dempsey's elbows become lethal weapons as he knocks another out of a game|url=http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/columns/lewis.php?article_id=29436|access-date=March 25, 2017|work=Big Apple Soccer|date=December 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326135600/http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/columns/lewis.php?article_id=29436|archive-date=March 26, 2017}}{{cite news|title=MLS notes: Fight injury delays Franchino from taking Costa Rica flight with Revs|url=http://www.soccertimes.com/mls/2006/mar17.htm|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=Soccer Times|date=March 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118091257/http://www.soccertimes.com/mls/2006/mar17.htm|archive-date=January 18, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Payne|first1=Marissa|title=Clint Dempsey finally apologizes after U.S. Open Cup antics land him a two-year suspension|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/06/26/clint-dempsey-finally-apologizes-after-u-s-open-antics-land-him-a-two-year-suspension/|access-date=March 25, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 26, 2015}}

Dempsey is married to Bethany Keegan Dempsey.{{cite web|publisher=Goal.com|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2012/11/05/3503469/zac-lee-rigg-what-its-like-for-us-soccer-players-raising-kids-in-|title=What it's like for U.S. soccer players raising kids in Europe|first=Zac|last=Lee Rigg|date=November 5, 2012|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-date=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121022912/http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2012/11/05/3503469/zac-lee-rigg-what-its-like-for-us-soccer-players-raising-kids-in-|url-status=dead}} They have six children and live in Pinehurst, North Carolina.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=Former Sounders star Clint Dempsey back in the spotlight with 'Kickin' It' soccer show |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/former-sounders-star-clint-dempsey-back-in-the-spotlight-with-kickin-it-soccer-show/ |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}

Dempsey is a practicing Catholic. He grew up in a Catholic family, going to church every Sunday with his grandmother.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/24/clint-dempsey-jesus_n_5526311.html|title=World Cup Star Credits Jesus For His Success|first=The Huffington Post|last=Antonia Blumberg, Associate Religion Editor|website=HuffPost|date=June 24, 2014}} He has spoken about his faith, saying: "I play to the best of my abilities and am thankful for the many opportunities and amazing success God has given me. Through it all, I want to do right, not make mistakes, and live a life that is pleasing to Him."{{cite web|title=World Cup 2014 Team USA Watch: Christian Captain Clint Dempsey Focused In For Ghana Match, Beyond|publisher=Gospel Herald|author=Don Pittman|url=http://www.gospelherald.com/articles/51495/20140605/team-usa-world-cup-watch-christian-team-captain-clint-dempsey-focused-in-for-ghana-match-beyond.htm |date=June 5, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2014|archive-date=June 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626183027/http://www.gospelherald.com/articles/51495/20140605/team-usa-world-cup-watch-christian-team-captain-clint-dempsey-focused-in-for-ghana-match-beyond.htm|url-status=dead}}

Dempsey is a fan of the NFL's Houston Texans.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVWiyBXnBI| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211108/SmVWiyBXnBI| archive-date=November 8, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Clint Dempsey on Dan Patrick Show|last=chelseafc828|date=May 27, 2012|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Although not known for his fandom of hockey, he sounded the siren before the Carolina Hurricanes 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2, Game 5 matchup against the New York Rangers in Raleigh, North Carolina, on May 27, 2022.

One of Dempsey's passions outside of soccer is hip hop music. Using the alias "Deuce", he, along with fellow Texas rappers XO and the late Houston rapper Big Hawk from the Screwed Up Click, is featured rapping the song "Don't Tread" in a Nike soccer advertising campaign for the 2006 World Cup, with the intention to showcase both the sport's working-class roots and the United States team ahead of the World Cup.{{cite news|title=Check out Clint Dempsey's hidden talent|author=Sonia Azad|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2014|url=http://abc13.com/sports/check-out-clint-dempseys-hidden-talent/139943|work=KTRK-TV|archive-date=June 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626183946/http://abc13.com/sports/check-out-clint-dempseys-hidden-talent/139943|url-status=dead}} The song's video is dedicated to his sister Jennifer. The video ends with a shot of Dempsey placing a flower at his sister's grave.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

Dempsey, along with global cover star Lionel Messi, was featured on the cover of EA Sports' multi-platform video game FIFA 15 in the U.S. and Canada.{{cite web|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/06/fastest-world-cup-goal-ever|title=Clint Dempsey scored fifth-fastest goal in World Cup history, but here's the fastest|website=USA Today|publisher=Nate Scott|access-date=June 16, 2014|ref=130}}

Dempsey has been sponsored by sportswear brand Nike throughout his playing career.{{cite web | url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/calvy-click/interview-clint-dempseys-first-thoughts-on-the-nike-hypervenom | title=INTERVIEW: Clint Dempsey's First Thoughts on the Nike Hyp | website=Complex Networks }}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Main|List of international goals scored by Clint Dempsey}}

New England Revolution

• MLS Cup: runner-up 2005, 2006

Fulham

• UEFA Europa League: runner-up 2009–10

Seattle Sounders

• MLS Cup: 2016; runner-up 2017
• Supporters' Shield: 2014
• U.S. Open Cup: 2014{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/kings-reclaim-throne-seattle-sounders-beat-philadelphia-union-in-ot-to-win-fourth-us-open-cup-title|title=Kings reclaim throne: Seattle Sounders beat Philadelphia Union in OT to win fourth US Open Cup title |website=thecup.us |last=Berton |first=Michael |access-date=March 17, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322184714/http://thecup.us/kings-reclaim-throne-seattle-sounders-beat-philadelphia-union-in-ot-to-win-fourth-us-open-cup-title|archive-date=March 22, 2015}}

United States

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2005, 2007, 2017; runner-up: 2011
• FIFA Confederations Cup: runner-up: 2009

Individual

• Fulham Player of the Season: 2010–11, 2011–12
• Fulham top scorer: 2010–11, 2011–12
• FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Ball: 2009
• FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament: 2009{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/confederationscup/southafrica2009/news/newsid=1077991.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410110816/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/confederationscup/southafrica2009/news/newsid=1077991.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2012|title=Users pick Top 11|work=FIFA|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=September 25, 2014}}
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Top Goalscorer: 2015
• U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year: 2007, 2011, 2012
• Honda Player of the Year: 2006, 2011, 2012
• MLS All-Star: 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016
• MLS Rookie of the Year: 2004
• MLS Best XI: 2005, 2006
• MLS Comeback Player of the Year: 2017
• IFFHS CONCACAF team of the decade 2011–2020{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/926 |title=IFFHS MAN TEAM – CAF – OF THE DECADE 2011–2020 |work=IFFHS |date=January 28, 2021 }}
• IFFHS CONCACAF Men's Team of All Time: 2021{{cite web|url=https://iffhs.com/posts/1135 |title=IFFHS All Time CONCACAF Men's Dream Team |publisher=International Federation of Football History & Statistics |access-date=March 3, 2022}}
• National Soccer Hall of Fame 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalsoccerhof.com/players/clint-dempsey.html|title=Clint Depmsey|website= National Soccer Hall of Fame|access-date=July 8, 2023}}

• List of top international men's football goal scorers by country
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Clint Dempsey}}

• {{MLS player|clint-dempsey}}
• {{Soccerbase}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111207124555/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/players/profile.overview.html/clint-dempsey Clint Dempsey] at Premier League
• {{UEFA player|104498|archive=20140715114244}}

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