Alex Freeman, the 20-year-old son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, is making his own name in the world of professional soccer. While his father, now 53, achieved Super Bowl glory with the Green Bay Packers in 1997 and earned All-Pro honors in 1998, Alex is carving a path on the pitch, recently earning his first call-up to the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT).
Freeman's journey to the USMNT wasn't necessarily a straight line. According to his mother, Alex didn't want to play football and didn't want to tell his dad. He wanted to make his own lane and his own path. While many assumed he would follow in his father's footsteps, Alex harbored a "secret love for soccer" from a young age, also playing basketball. Antonio Freeman, with a hint of humor, acknowledged his son's choice, stating that he realized he would "hurt himself out here" if they continued kicking the soccer ball around.
Alex's soccer journey began with youth teams at Weston FC, near his home in Plantation, Florida. Despite being turned down by Inter Miami's youth academy, he persevered. Javier Carrillo, his former Weston coach, played a pivotal role in recruiting him for Orlando City's academy. Alex credits Carrillo, stating, "Without him taking me in, maybe I might not be where I am today."
Moving to Orlando at 15 presented challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this move proved crucial for his development. He debuted for Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro in March 2022 and made his first appearance for the senior team in Major League Soccer in April 2023. In March 2025, Freeman scored his first Major League Soccer goal in Orlando City SC's 4-2 victory over Toronto FC.
Freeman's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he helped the U17s win the MLS Next Cup Championship, bringing him national attention. In 2024, playing as a defender for Orlando City B, he became the team's leading scorer and assist provider. His consistent performance earned him the title of the Club's 12th all-time Homegrown Player.
His breakthrough came when he was called up by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino for training camp in Chicago in May 2025, ahead of matches against Turkey and Switzerland. Freeman described the call-up as an "unexpected surprise" resulting from years of hard work. On June 7, 2025, Antonio Freeman had tears in his eyes as he watched his son make his USMNT debut against Turkey. "It just gives me chills," the Super Bowl champion said. "He has on a USA jersey. He's representing his country. That's probably the top level of recognition you could possibly get."
With Sergiño Dest regaining fitness, Alex started at right back in the Americans' opening win over Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Despite playing only a few minutes of first-team league soccer before this season, Alex is determined to make his mark. Midfielder Luca de la Torre admitted, "Alex, to be honest, I had no idea who you were before you got called up," highlighting the rapid nature of Freeman's rise.
Now, Alex is focused on earning Pochettino's trust and securing a spot on the World Cup roster. He recognizes the competition for the right-back position, competing against established players. He credits his father for instilling in him essential training, eating, and lifestyle habits that contribute to his success.
Alex Freeman's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and forging one's own path. While his father achieved greatness in football, Alex is determined to create his own legacy in the world of soccer.
