The Whole World Will Be Saying Soccer Instead of Football by 2026
American’s are changing the game for youth soccer in the USA and the global market
- PLAY FIFA 21 NOW! -I love this video below showing me briefly street performing on a busy foot street in Palermo, Italy. People smiled and cheered with none more impressed than the street vendor who we bought the 5 Euro ‘Italy’ football from.
He shook my hand after I finished, got me a a nice cold Coke, and said “Benissimo! Where are you from?” To which I replied, USA!
He looked at me curiously and questioned, USA? “Yes, New York!” His smile grew, he complimented me again and said he would never believe I was American. And such is the status quo of football in the United States.
No one thinks US soccer is good. Not even people in the United States! People do not believe my skills are an American’s skills.
BUT ALL OF THAT MAY BE STARTING TO CHANGE
Enter Christian Pulisic. Not the first to play in Europe, certainly not the last, but the absolute turning point for American soccer.
Pulisic’s rise to soccer success and major contracts with Dortmund and later Chelsea became a beacon to young American players that achieving the ‘dream club’ status is absolutely possible. Sure we had Dempsey and Howard, we had Altidore and Donovan as well as what we thought would be a true turning point, Matt Miazga; all of whom a spells of play with European clubs. Yet none became superstars of super clubs. Pulisic of course, has not achieved the fandom of Chelsea greats like Drogba or Hazard, but he has done well so far. Not only that, but the market loves it. Pulisic jersey sales in the United States are second only to Messi and his Instagram following has grown by over 1 million users in the last year. Big indications that his status in England is directly correlating to his fandom in the US.
Enter Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Tyler Adams (Leipzig), John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Sergio Dest (Barcelona), Westin McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Dortmund) and dozens of others who are now creating a clear and stable path for international signings.
It’s such an exciting time. Clubs like Bayern Munich and leagues like La Liga are beginning to establish permanent footholds in America to train players and grow prospects to later sign. Some may argue that such an invasion will infringe on our game here, but if we ever want to have real World Cup success, it’s absolutely necessary right now until our national culture changes to favor soccer more than it does now.
As more Americans play abroad, more support begins to follow and creates change. Just like Megan Rapino from the women’s national team had players of all genders, ages, and even sports replicating her World Cup celebration and wearing her jersey. The hype is real in gaming too. Even more American users will be playing and using clubs that have American players like Chelsea, Barcelona, Dortmund, and Juventus.
The jersey and gaming market shift might not seem like a big deal, but the reality is huge. European clubs have been trying to tap into the US consumer market more for decades and the shift happening is catalyzing that market growth like crazy. Skeptical? That’s okay, the 2020 Champions League Final drew 2.05 million United States viewers, the highest ratings for over 5 years. The 2020 MLS Cup Final also boasted over 1 million USA viewers! FIFA 21 sold 1.5 million digital copies in first month compared to 1.2 million for FIFA 20 the year prior.
We should continue to expect more top league top clubs to begin recruiting young talent from America. It’s trending and if the current players abroad continue to hold their positions, win, and catalyze the US market then more and more players will follow. All eyes on the future and the 2022/2026 World Cup! Click below to play FIFA 21, play with your favorite club and use those USA players in your roster!
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