Antonio Freeman’s son went from MLS fringe player to USMNT World Cup starter in a year. Now Alex Freeman hits the global stage in USA vs. ParaguayShow Caption
IRVINE, Calif. — 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.For a player relatively new to the USMNT setup, Freeman has quickly ingratiated himself with some of the team's most established figures."Alex, he's a beast, man," Christian Pulisic said. "He's really impressed me, especially in these first two games here in this camp. I think he's done such a good job, just his overall presence and what he brings, not even just physicality and athleticism, but he's made some good forward progression with the ball and played good balls in behind."I feel like he seems a lot calmer, and I like what I've seen from him."Freeman's calmness could stem from knowing that he belongs at the highest level of the game. That is a lesson borne out from his time at Villarreal, which he joined in January from Orlando.It took some time for Freeman to adjust to one of the top teams in La Liga. Playing time was tough to come by early on. But by the end of his first half season in Spain, Freeman had started three of his team's last six games, showing he can translate his game to the top levels in Europe."I wanted to make the move to make sure that I can be the best person, best player I can to be able to help my team in the World Cup," he said. "And what better way to do it than going to La Liga, one of the most competitive, technical, and aggressive leagues in the world."No stage has proven too big for Freeman so far in his young career. Friday will be just another moment to prove he can step up to the challenge.
