Wade Barrett (born June 23, 1976 in Virginia Beach, Virginia) is an American soccer defender, who currently plays for San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.

Barrett played college soccer at William & Mary College in his native Virginia from 1994 to 1997, where he scored 38 goals and 26 assists, and was voted an NSCAA All-American in his senior season. Subsequently, Barrett was drafted 12th overall in the 1998 MLS College Draft by the then-San Jose Clash. Barrett was a consistent contributor for the Earthquakes in his first two seasons, being slowly converted from a midfielder to a defender, but was beset by groin injuries in the 2000 season that forced him to miss much of the year. Barrett returned in 2001, however, recovered and rejuvenated, and proved himself to be one of the best defenders in MLS, playing left back for a San Jose team that would win the 2001 MLS Cup. Barrett cemented his position in 2002, continuing his exceptional play at left fullback, and in recognition was named to the 2002 MLS Best XI. In five years in the league, he scored five goals and added 22 assists.

Barrett left MLS after the 2002 season, however, to pursue opportunities in Europe. Barrett first signed with Danish club AGF Aarhus , with whom he spent the latter half of 2002 and much of 2003, but was unable to establish himself as a first-choice left back. In light of his position at Aarhus, Barrett opted to leave the club in July 2004 in order to join Fredrikstad FK in Norway, joining fellow American Brian West. However, he left Scandinavia in January 2005, re-signing with MLS and San Jose.

As of the end of 2004, Barrett has earned a solitary cap for the US national team, coming November 17, 2002 against El Salvador.

See also

• List of current MLS players