From NFL bloodline to World Cup starter: Alex Freeman’s sudden rise with USMNT Alex Freeman’s career has been on a rocketship-like trajectory over the past two years, but the U.S. men’s national team defender may not be known to the broader American public. That is all about to change. Freeman is likely to start Friday, June 12, as the USMNT begins the 2026 World Cup on home soil with a match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. The 21-year-old defender had barely played in MLS at the start of last year. But he broke out with Orlando City, displaying a preternatural ability to read the game, skill with the ball and a high degree of athleticism. At 6-foot-2, he was larger than your average right back, too. That height and athleticism are a byproduct of a fact many fans will learn Friday: Freeman is the son of former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion wide receiver Antonio Freeman. While his father made his name through gridiron football, the younger Freeman showed the potential for soccer stardom early on and never turned back. Freeman’s family is with him in the Los Angeles area as he prepares to make his World Cup debut. Nearly 30 years ago, Antonio Freeman was in a similar spot, preparing to play in his first Super Bowl. He then went out and caught an 81-yard touchdown pass, helping the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XXXI. So it’s safe to say when his father gives him advice about performing on the big stage, the USMNT defender is all ears. “He was just giving me those kind of speeches that you hear from a dad,” Freeman said. “He just told me to be myself. He knows that being myself has got me to this point. So why change that?” Freeman has seen his stock soar in the past year and a half. After making his USMNT debut in June 2025, Freeman played in 16 of the team’s next 17 games.#villarreal #orlando_city #usmnt #alex_freeman #antonio_freeman
USMNT's Alex Freeman: Soccer Star Born from Football Legacy Alex Freeman, a 21-year-old defender for the U.S. men’s national team, is making his mark on the global soccer stage as the son of Antonio Freeman, a legendary Green Bay Packers wide receiver enshrined in the Packers Hall of Fame. While Antonio’s NFL career spanned nine seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances and iconic moments like the 81-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre in Super Bowl XXXI, his son’s path to stardom has been shaped by a different sport. Alex’s journey from football to soccer has been both unexpected and remarkable, culminating in his inclusion in the U.S. team for the World Cup. Antonio Freeman, now a devoted soccer enthusiast, admits he initially knew little about the sport when his son began playing. “It was almost mesmerizing going to his soccer games,” Antonio recalled in an ESPN interview. “Every other word from all the kids was ‘Freeman, Freeman.’ He just had this smile and happiness on the soccer field.” Despite his father’s lack of soccer knowledge, Antonio’s pride grew as Alex’s passion for the game deepened. “His joy was on that soccer field,” Antonio said. “When he became a teenager, he just played more and more soccer. It was soccer every day, all day.” Alex’s transition from football to soccer was not immediate. Born on August 9, 2004, nearly eight months after Antonio’s final NFL game, Alex grew up in a household steeped in American football. Yet, his fascination with soccer began early. “I had my doubts when I first chose soccer,” Alex told ESPN. “In my heart, I wanted to continue playing football, but I knew if I wanted to be the best, I had to limit my concentration to soccer.” Antonio, though initially envisioning a football career for his son, recognized Alex’s dedication.#green_bay_packers #world_cup #orlando_city #alex_freeman #antonio_freeman
Next World Star Joins MLS After Messi and Müller Antoine Griezmann, the French footballer who previously left Atletico Madrid for the United States last winter, has finalized his decision to join Major League Soccer. The transfer to Orlando City has been confirmed by both clubs, with Griezmann set to complete the move in the summer after finishing the current season with Atlético Madrid. Griezmann’s career has spanned over a decade as one of Europe’s top attacking talents. He began his professional journey at Mâconnais before moving to Real Sociedad in 2010. In 2014, he made a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid for 54 million euros, marking a significant step in his career. His performance at the Rojiblancos earned him recognition, and in 2019, he broke his own transfer record by moving to FC Barcelona for 120 million euros. However, his time at Camp Nou was challenging, as he struggled to establish himself as a key player. After two seasons, he returned to Madrid on loan in 2021 and later joined permanently for 22 million euros. Griezmann was also a central figure in France’s national team, contributing to their 2018 World Cup victory. His versatility and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite, but his career has been marked by frequent transfers and adjustments to new leagues. Now, with his move to MLS, he aims to continue his legacy in a new continent. The decision comes after a period of uncertainty, as his initial transfer to the U.S. fell through last winter. Orlando City’s acquisition of Griezmann represents a significant investment in the club’s future, as the Frenchman’s experience and skill could elevate the team’s performance.#atltico_madrid #real_sociedad #fc_barcelona #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann
Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid Legend to Join MLS Side Orlando City Antoine Griezmann, the former France international and Atletico Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, is set to make a move to Major League Soccer with Orlando City. The 35-year-old forward, who previously played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona, will join the MLS club this summer after a second spell with Atletico Madrid. Griezmann, who has scored over 200 goals for the club, is nearing 300 career goals across his professional career. In a statement, Griezmann expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter, saying he was “very excited” to begin his time with Orlando City. He highlighted the club’s “strong ambition and clear vision for the future” as key factors in his decision. “I look forward to making Orlando my new home,” he added. Griezmann’s move marks the end of his international career, which he concluded in 2024 after earning 137 caps and scoring 44 goals. He was a key member of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup. The transfer comes as he prepares to relocate to Florida in July, where he will sign a contract that could keep him in MLS until 2029. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Griezmann’s agent confirming the deal is close to completion. His arrival at Orlando City is seen as a significant boost for the club, which aims to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2025 MLS season.#barcelona #atletico_madrid #real_sociedad #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann
Antoine Griezmann Completes Transfer to Orlando City from Atlético Madrid Orlando City has officially announced the signing of French forward Antoine Griezmann to a two-year Designated Player contract. The 35-year-old will join the MLS club in the summer after completing his current season with Atlético Madrid. The deal, which runs through the 2027-28 season, includes an option for an additional year in 2028-29. Griezmann’s transfer is contingent on passing a medical examination, obtaining his International Transfer Certificate, and securing a P-1 visa. Griezmann will remain with Atlético Madrid for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign before joining Orlando City on July 13, when the summer transfer window opens. In a statement, Griezmann expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career, highlighting his enthusiasm for the club’s ambition and vision. “I look forward to making Orlando my new home, meeting the supporters, feeling the energy at Inter&Co Stadium, and giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things,” he said. The signing marks a significant milestone for Orlando City, which has long sought to bolster its roster with high-profile talent. Club owner and chairman Mark Wilf praised Griezmann’s decision, calling him “one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation.” Wilf emphasized that the move aligns with the club’s mission to build a championship-caliber team, stating that adding a world-class player like Griezmann reinforces their commitment to success. Griezmann’s career achievements are extensive, spanning multiple clubs and competitions. At the club level, he has won the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League, the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2014 Spanish Supercopa with Atlético Madrid.#atltico_madrid #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann #ricardo_moreira #mark_wilf
Antoine Griezmann has clarified his decision to remain with Atletico Madrid despite ongoing speculation about a potential move to MLS club Orlando City. The French forward confirmed his commitment to the club, which he is contracted to until June 2027, as he aims to solidify his legacy as a key figure in the club's history. Griezmann addressed the rumors during a post-match interview following Atletico Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored and assisted. He emphasized his satisfaction with his current role, stating, “I’m really good here, enjoying myself a lot. What I do on the pitch speaks for me by itself. We’ll see, but the idea is to stay until the end, and then others can speak.” His focus remains on contributing to the team’s success under manager Diego Simeone. Orlando City’s interest in Griezmann has been well-documented, with sporting director Ricardo Moreira reportedly traveling to Spain multiple times to discuss a potential transfer. However, Atletico’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, swiftly dismissed the rumors, reaffirming Griezmann’s dedication to the club. The MLS team now faces a prolonged wait, as Griezmann’s contract ties him to Atletico until 2027, with the club’s priority transfer window closing on March 26. The Frenchman’s decision is driven by his desire to win major trophies, particularly the Copa del Rey. Atletico is set to face Real Sociedad in the final on April 18, and Griezmann expressed his ambition to achieve “something big” with the team. His refusal to pursue a mid-season move underscores his commitment to the club’s objectives. Orlando City’s rejection of Griezmann marks a significant setback for the MLS team, which currently has the worst record in the league.#atletico_madrid #diego_simeone #orlando_city #antoine_griezmann #ricardo_moreira
Orlando City Aims for Second Straight Win on Road Against Nashville SC Orlando City, which secured its first victory under interim head coach Martin Perelman in its previous match, now faces a challenging road test against Nashville SC, a top-tier team in Major League Soccer. The Lions, currently sitting at 1-3-0 with three points, will take on Nashville at Geodis Park on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. The matchup presents an opportunity for Orlando to extend its winning streak and build momentum. Midfielder Braian Ojeda emphasized the team’s focus on improvement and positivity following their recent win. “We’ve been doing all the things that we have to do right now to try and get better,” he said. “We’re riding a high after that win, and we have to take that positivity forward. We’re doing everything this week to go into Nashville, try and take another victory, and keep doing what we’re doing to string together some wins.” Nashville SC, ranked among the league’s best teams, enters the game with a slight disadvantage after a grueling match against Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday. Key attackers like Cristian Espinoza and Sam Surridge, who played full 90 minutes against Miami, are likely to be rested for the encounter against Orlando. This could provide Orlando with a tactical edge, particularly given their struggles on defense. The Lions have conceded a league-worst 11 goals in their first four games, a concern that will be tested against Nashville’s formidable defense, which has allowed just two goals this season. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake, a standout performer, has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity.#nashville_sc #cristian_espinoza #orlando_city #martin_perelman #braian_ojeda
