NFL Son's World Cup Goal
Alex Freeman, Son of NFL Legend Antonio Freeman, Scores for US in World Cup Win
Alex Freeman scored for the United States in a 2-0 World Cup victory over Australia on June 19, giving the USMNT six points and a spot in the knockout round after just two matches, according to AP News. The 21-year-old wing-back, son of NFL Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, netted his third career international goal on a free kick — though a four-minute VAR offside review made the stadium hold its breath before the goal was confirmed.
Freeman has now played all 180 minutes across the U.S.'s first two World Cup matches. He also assisted Gio Reyna's goal in the 4-1 opener over Paraguay. "I grew up watching my dad catch touchdowns in the Super Bowl," Freeman said after the match. "To score a goal for my country on this stage... it's the same adrenaline, just a different ball."
A Free Kick Goal That Survived a VAR Scare
Freeman's opening goal came from a free kick, putting the U.S. ahead early against Australia, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Referees immediately sent the goal to VAR — video review — to check for offside in the buildup. Four tense minutes later, the goal stood. The U.S. added a second goal to seal the 2-0 win and clinch their place in the Round of 16.
Freeman covered 11.2 kilometers during the match — the most of any U.S. player. He also completed all four of his tackle attempts. USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter credited Freeman's "relentless engine" for stretching Australia's defense throughout the game.
From Orlando City Homegrown to World Cup Star
Freeman signed a Homegrown Contract with Orlando City SC in February 2022. A Homegrown player is someone raised in a club's own youth academy. He worked his way up through MLS, earning back-to-back All-Star selections in 2024 and 2025, according to Post Register. That run of form put him on the USMNT radar ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
He is now one of 14 caps deep into his international career with 3 goals. Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas called Freeman "tactically the most disciplined wing-back we've seen in a U.S. shirt" in years — but with the offensive flair of a modern winger. European scouts from the Bundesliga and Premier League were reportedly in the stands for the Australia match.
Antonio Freeman Watches His Son Follow a Different Path
Antonio Freeman won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers. He is best known for "The Monday Night Miracle" catch — one of the most famous plays in NFL history. He has been in the stands for both of his son's World Cup matches, according to WWLTV. "People asked if I was sad he didn't pick up a football," Antonio said. "Today, watching that stadium erupt, I knew he picked the right path."
Alex is part of a growing trend of second-generation stars on the USMNT. Gio Reyna is the son of former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna. Timothy Weah is the son of Liberian president and soccer legend George Weah. This group came up through a more developed U.S. youth soccer system that now competes with the NFL and NBA for top young athletes.
What Comes Next for Freeman and the USMNT
With six points from two games, the U.S. has already punched its ticket to the Round of 16. Their final group match will decide if they top the group — which could help them avoid top seeds like France or Brazil in the next round, according to Beaumont Enterprise. The tournament is co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, adding extra pressure on American players to perform at home.
Off the pitch, Freeman's star is rising fast. His transfer market value sits at roughly $18 million and is expected to climb. Forbes projects he could earn $5 million to $10 million per year in endorsements as the face of U.S. Soccer marketing. Within an hour of his goal, "Freeman" was one of the top two trending topics globally on X, according to MRT.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
21
Articles
21
Reach
21
