Tony Meola Biography: Antonio Michael Meola born February 21, 1969 is a former American professional soccer player, known for his role as a goalkeeper. He represented the U.S. national team in the 1990, 1994, and 2002 World Cups. Meola played in Major League Soccer from 1996 to 2006, earning numerous accolades. He is now a radio host on SiriusXM FC.
Tony Meola Biography
Tony Meola, born on February 21, 1969, in Belleville, New Jersey, USA, is an actor known for his roles in Zigs (2001), The Billion Dollar Goal (2023), and Angel City Football Club (2023). A former American goalkeeper, Meola rose to fame as one of the most recognized soccer players in the U.S. following his standout performance in the 1994 World Cup. He was also part of the U.S. team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Antonio Michael Meola is an American former professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. He represented the United States national team at the 1990, 1994, and 2002 World Cups. From 1996 to 2006, he played in Major League Soccer, the U.S. top soccer division, where he obtained multiple honors.
Born: 21 February 1969 (age 56 years), Belleville, New Jersey, United States
Spouse: Colleen Meola (m. 1993)
Children: Aidan Meola, Jonathan Joseph Meola
Dates joined: 2007 (New Jersey Ironmen) ·
Position: Goalkeeper
Education: Kearny High School
Height: 85 m
Early Life
Meola was born in Belleville, New Jersey, and raised in Kearny. He played soccer for Kearny High School, where he developed a passion for the sport thanks to his father, Vincenzo, who had played for the Italian second-division team Avellino before immigrating to the U.S. Meola was named All-State as both a goalkeeper in 1985 and a forward in 1986. During his high school career, he contributed to 41 clean sheets and scored 42 goals.
In 1999, The Star-Ledger recognized him as one of New Jersey’s top ten high school soccer players of the 1980s. In addition to soccer, Meola was a standout in multiple sports, serving as captain of his high school basketball team and earning All-State honors in baseball in 1987. The New York Yankees drafted him out of high school, but Meola chose not to sign with them.
Personal Life
In addition to his soccer career, Meola appeared in the Off-Broadway play Tony and Tina’s Wedding in 1995 and ran his own mortgage firm. He was also the original drummer for New Jersey’s cover band Mushmouth and occasionally still plays with them. A video game titled Tony Meola’s Sidekicks Soccer was released in 1993. In 2012, Meola was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Meola currently resides in Toms River, New Jersey, with his three children, Jon, Kylie, and Aidan. His son Jon played baseball for the University of Virginia before transferring to Stetson University, while Aidan plays for the Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball team.
Meola made his debut for the U.S. national team on June 10, 1988, against Ecuador. He became the team’s first-choice goalkeeper after a strong performance, including the crucial 1–0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago that secured the U.S. a spot in the 1990 World Cup. He played every minute during the tournament. He continued as the U.S. goalkeeper in the 1994 World Cup, gaining recognition for his solid play and memorable ponytail. After the tournament, he briefly pursued a professional football career as a placekicker, but he was never recalled to the national team. It wasn’t until January 1999 that Meola returned to the U.S. squad, where he played as a backup goalkeeper in the 2002 World Cup.
Professional Career
Meola signed with the U.S. Soccer Federation ahead of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. After the tournament, he joined English second division club Brighton & Hove Albion on loan, playing eleven games, with only two in league competition. His first start came when he replaced an injured Perry Digweed and earned “Man of the Match” honors. On September 14, 1990, Meola moved to Watford but returned to the U.S. when he couldn’t renew his work permit due to limited first-team appearances.
In 1991, Meola played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the American Professional Soccer League, sharing the goalkeeper duties with Arnie Mausser.In July 1994, Meola briefly tried out for the NFL’s New York Jets as a placekicker but didn’t make the cut. He also joined the Buffalo Blizzard of the NPSL for the 1994-95 indoor season, becoming the starting goalkeeper. However, he left midseason to take a lead role in the off-Broadway play Tony and Tina’s Wedding.
Tony Meola Net Worth 2025
Former professional boxer Tony Bellew’s net worth is estimated to be £11.8 million ($15 million) as of 2025.
Net Worth:
15 Million
Name:
Tony Bellew
Salary:
$2 Million +
Monthly Income:
$3,00,000 +
Date of Birth:
November 30, 1982
Gender:
Male
Height:
6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight:
220 lb (100 kg
Profession:
Former professional boxer
Nationality:
British
Age:
42 Yrs
What is Tony Bellew Net Worth?
Name
Tony Bellew
Net Worth (2025)
£11.8 Million
Net Worth in USD
$15 Million
Profession
Former professional boxer
Monthly Income
$300,000 +
Yearly Income
$2 Million +
Division
Heavyweight, Cruiserweight, Light heavyweight
Last Updated
2025
Tony Bellew Net Worth Growth
Year
Net Worth (Million)
Net Worth in 2025
$15 Million (£11.8 Million)
Net Worth in 2024
$13 Million
Net Worth in 2023
$11 Million
Net Worth in 2022
$9 Million
Net Worth in 2021
$7 Million
Net Worth in 2019
$6 Million
What is Tony Bellew’s net worth?
Tony Bellew’s total net worth is around £11.8 Million (15 Million USD)
What is the Salary of Tony Bellew?
Tony Bellew earns an estimated salary of $1 million per year.
How did Tony Bellew make his money?
Tony Bellew earned income from endorsements and sponsorships during his boxing days.
