Freddy Adu: too young to vote. Too young to drive. Too good to ignore. Meet the future of American soccer

In many ways, Freddy Adu isn't much different from the average American 14-year-old. He likes to play sports and hang out with his friends, his favorite movie is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), and his parents ground him when he doesn't do his homework. Well, that homework had better get done, or the future of American soccer may be in jeopardy.

Adu, born in Ghana and a U.S. citizen since last year, is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, having spurned some of the world's power-house clubs, including Manchester United, to sign a six-year contract with his hometown team, D.C. United. And that doesn't include the quick-footed forward's Nike endorsement deal, reportedly worth more than a million dollars.

Does the prospect of being the most famous soccer player in America at 14 make Adu nervous? "Not really," he says. "I know I have a great deal to learn, but I've been playing against older players my whole life. To be honest, I was more nervous when I went on David Letterman."

Are there any more at home like him? "I have a 12-year-old brother, Fro, who's real good. He thinks he's better than me, but he's overconfident. I was that way when I was his age."

Allen Barra is writing a book about football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Above: Freddy Adu wears clothes by D&G. Fragrance by DOLCE & GABBANA POUR HOMME, Styling: J ERRICO. Grooming: HELENE MACAULAY/ artistsbytimothypriano.com. Special thanks: SCHROEDER ROMERO GALLERY; SOCCER SPORTS SUPPLIES. Fashion details page 181. Photo: CHRIS FLOYD.

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