Brian Budd

Brian Vincent Budd (April 8, 1952 – June 11, 2008) was a Canadian professional soccer player best known for winning the World Superstars competition three years in a row from 1978 to 1980. He was also a soccer sportscaster.

Early years Born in Toronto to an Atlantic Canadian couple and raised in Delta, British Columbia, Brian was the second of four children and an only son.

Budd was an all-around athlete in his youth. He was a competitive swimmer and was training to be a figure skater until he quit at age 14. He did not focus on soccer until he was 19 years old. Budd's final international appearance came in a 2–1 victory over Suriname on October 12, 1977 in Mexico City, where he played briefly with a broken leg before coming off in the 77th minute, leaving Canada to play with ten men for the latter part of the match.

Post-retirement Following his retirement, Budd became a colour commentator on Toronto Blizzard broadcasts in 1982 and was the club's director of public affairs until the end of 1983. He also provided reports from Spain of the 1982 World Cup for CKEY (AM) in Toronto.

"Budgie" worked until his death as a soccer analyst on The Score's The Footy Show.

From 2006, Budd also worked in sales management for InBev, owners of Labatt Brewing Company. Budd was an excellent all-rounder, doing well in each event that he competed in.

Budd's total winnings from the Canadian and World Superstars contests were about $170,000. His best events were the 800 meter/half mile run and chin ups.

ABC Sports imposed a rule that three-time champions were no longer invited back. Some believe that the rule was created specifically for Budd and refer to it as the "Budd rule".

Career statistics Scores and results list Canada's goal tally first. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 December 22, 1976 Stade Sylvio Cator, Port-au-Prince, Haiti 1–0 3–0 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification 2 October 8, 1977 Estadio Universitario, Monterrey, Mexico 1–2 1–2 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification

Superstars Record