Interview

Carlos Bocanegra, 31, defender and U.S. captain from Alta Loma, California, playing in his second World Cup.

Currently resides: Rennes, France.

Club: Stade Rennais (French Ligue 1).

One thing he’s learned about the French: They put green beans, haricots verts, on everything. I like them, but not at every meal. Most universal French phrase: “Putain!” [“Fuck!”] Hidden on-field talent: My sneaky little shirt-grabs. Hidden off-field talent: I’m a Rock Band superstar. World Cup pregame pump-up song: “America’s Sweetheart,” by Fall Out Boy. That one pumps me up. I also like that new Usher tune at the moment [“OMG”]. Relationship status: My girlfriend isn’t into soccer that much, but she’s learning. If he didn’t play soccer: It’d be pretty cool to teach high school history. My favorite period is the Roman times. Just real rugged and manly men. You know, ripping meat apart with their teeth. In the locker room: [U.S. midfielder] Stuart Holden is always talking. He doesn’t shut the hell up, ever. Always talking shit. Just talking to talk. Twitter: There’s an account with my name on it? [@bocanegracarlos] I didn’t know that.

Click here to see 10 things Carlos Bocanegra can't resist.

Photo: Bracelets: Giles &  Brother and Athlete’s own.