Who is Alex Freeman? U.S. defender on the World Cup, his dad and fútbol over football

Alex Freeman has been asked about Antonio Freeman lately – including what's the favorite highlight of his dad from the NFL days.

The younger Freeman readily answers, saying it's his dad's famous game-winning catch in overtime on Monday Night Football from 2000 that even got play-by-play announcer Al Michaels to exclaim "He did what?!" in disbelief.

"Very, very important for Packers fans," Freeman said. 

But Alex is also making his own impression – it's just on a different type of field.

At age 20, Freeman is the youngest player on the U.S. men's national team roster at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's already started all three games for the U.S. at right-back, helping the team reach the tournament's quarterfinals. And he was named this week as

This USMNT squad is missing several key stars at the Gold Cup for various reasons. Rest from long seasons. Injuries. Playing in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. But that's given rising talents like Freeman the chance to make a big impression on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino. 

So, who is Alex Freeman? Here's what he had to say about his burgeoning soccer career, his dream about reaching the World Cup – and yes, his Super Bowl-winning dad. 

What was it like to get your first USMNT call-up, and to have it be for something as important as the Gold Cup? 

Alex Freeman: It means a lot. I feel like this is something that is very important to the U.S., to the team, and to myself. It’s an honor to get called up and represent the country at this high-level tournament. It’s just something that pushes all of us each day in training and especially in the games, to be able to win and try to get a trophy out of this.

Were you expecting to be on this roster or were you surprised? 

Freeman: I