As the world turns its attention to New Orleans this Sunday, soccer stars from across North America are joining millions in anticipating what promises to be an epic Super Bowl showdown between Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts' Philadelphia Eagles.
The Super Bowl has long transcended being merely a sporting event, becoming a cultural phenomenon that draws viewers from all walks of life. Among those eagerly awaiting Sunday's spectacle are some of American soccer's most prominent figures, who shared their predictions and memories with GOAL.
In a closely divided field, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged with a slight edge in predictions. San Diego FC's Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano and Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang both backed the Eagles without hesitation. They were joined by NYCFC midfielder Keaton Parkes and goalkeeper Matt Freese, with Parkes specifically citing Saquon Barkley as his reason for supporting Philadelphia.
However, the Chiefs have their fair share of believers. Sporting KC forward Daniel Salloi expressed confidence in Patrick Mahomes, describing him as "one of the best quarterbacks ever." Former USMNT midfielder Maurice Edu echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mahomes as a "generational type of player" who could be the difference-maker yet again.
USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe took a more neutral stance, showing more enthusiasm for the commercials and Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance than the game itself. This diversity of interest perfectly encapsulates the Super Bowl's broad appeal beyond just football.
The soccer stars also shared their personal NFL allegiances and memorable Super Bowl moments. Lozano revealed his support for the San Francisco 49ers, while several others, including Sebastian Lletget and Mikey Varas, also claimed the Bay Area team as their own. For Kellyn Acosta, being a Cowboys fan while predicting an Eagles victory showed how personal relationships can influence Super Bowl picks, as he admitted his girlfriend's Philadelphia roots swayed his prediction.
Some of the most poignant memories shared were of disappointment. Salloi recalled staying up until 3 a.m. in Hungary to watch the Chiefs lose to Tampa, while Arriola remembered missing an entire Super Bowl due to illness. These personal anecdotes demonstrate how deeply the Super Bowl has embedded itself in American sports culture, even among professional soccer players.
As Sunday approaches, the question remains whether Mahomes can lead the Chiefs to a historic three-peat or if Hurts and the Eagles will exact revenge for their loss two years ago. Whatever the outcome, it's clear that American soccer's finest will be among the millions watching this cultural touchstone unfold in New Orleans.
