Creating a Soccer Superstar: Elevating Football in the U.S.

As the United States gears up to host the 2026 World Cup, the focus is not only on the tournament itself but also on creating a soccer superstar who can transcend the sport and capture the attention of a wider audience. Experts and industry insiders believe that establishing a crossover superstar is crucial for elevating football to new heights in the country and competing with the popularity of sports like NFL, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey. According to Michael Yormark, the president of Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), finding a U.S. football superstar is essential for maximizing the opportunity presented by hosting the World Cup. Yormark's agency recently signed U.S. Soccer's young male player of the year, Kevin Paredes, as part of a strategy to develop star power in the sport. Yormark emphasizes the importance of building personalities and star power in soccer to attract casual sports fans. He points to the impact of global icons like Lionel Messi on the popularity of the sport, citing Messi's move to MLS as a driving force behind increased engagement and interest. Former USMNT player Taylor Twellman believes that a prolific goalscorer is key to breaking through to a wider audience, as goals are a universal currency that can appeal to non-soccer fans. Twellman highlights the significance of big moments, such as Landon Donovan's goal in the 2010 World Cup, in capturing the imagination of sports fans across different disciplines. The role of social media and popular culture in shaping the narrative around athletes is also highlighted as a crucial factor in creating a crossover superstar. As fans increasingly engage with athletes on social platforms, the storytelling aspect becomes essential in making athletes relatable and captivating to a broad audience. Looking ahead to the next few years, experts believe that the combination of hosting the World Cup, developing young talents like Paredes and Chris Richards, and leveraging partnerships with entertainment and gaming industries can propel soccer to new heights in the U.S. The focus is on creating a compelling character arc for the potential superstar that resonates with fans and transcends the boundaries of the sport. As the countdown to 2026 begins, the quest for a U.S. soccer crossover superstar continues, with the hope that such a figure will not only elevate the sport but also capture the hearts and minds of a diverse and growing fan base in the United States.