Alex Freeman, a defender on the U.S. men’s national team, is the son of former Green Bay Packers receiver Antonio Freeman, according to ESPN. Antonio said he knew little about soccer when Alex began playing, but was struck by the crowd reaction at his son’s matches, with other players often calling “Freeman” as Alex stood out on the field.
Alex was born Aug. 9, 2004, nearly eight months after the final NFL game of his father’s nine-year career, eight of which were with the Packers, according to ESPN. Antonio’s career included back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in the 1996 and 1997 seasons, an 81-yard touchdown reception from Brett Favre in Super Bowl XXXI and the famed Monday Night Miracle catch, achievements that helped land him in the Packers Hall of Fame.
Though Alex played football early on, he eventually focused on soccer. He told ESPN he had doubts at first and that his heart wanted to continue with football, but decided to concentrate fully on soccer to be the best. Antonio said he had imagined coaching his son in football and basketball but watched Alex gravitate toward soccer, playing and practicing constantly and even watching matches on his iPad.
Alex’s rise was gradual. He came through the Orlando City Academy, spent time with the U17 side and played for Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro. Antonio noted to ESPN that Alex was on the B team and reminded him to keep working and be ready for the next opportunity. Alex’s breakthrough arrived in early 2025 when he joined Orlando City’s MLS roster.
As a right back, Alex made the MLS All-Star team, the All-Star Skills Challenge and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2025, according to ESPN. He transferred to Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga in January for a reported $4 million with incentives up to $6.5 million, made his U.S. debut and appeared in the 2025 Gold Cup. At 20, he was the youngest player on the World Cup roster and was expected to play a key defensive role as the U.S. opened group play against Paraguay in Los Angeles, according to ESPN.
