Since I started seeing the posts re: Grant's possible death on Twitter not too long ago, I had been searching for confirmation from a journalist/news agency. I found this from Yahoo Sports posted about 15 minutes ago:
I thought it odd that he hadn't sent out his 3 thoughts after the ARG vs. NED game. Still hoping this is all some crazy dream but it seems like it's true...
Grant, I'm sure I speak for all of us subscribers to your site (and many more that read your work over the years), you will be truly missed. I'm so glad that I got to join a few of your Zoom calls and ask you a few questions directly. Sending all the prayers possible to your loved ones & family. I know your already up "there" interviewing all the soccer greats of the past. Rest in Peace Grant.
I'm so saddened by this news, and in many ways it feels like the loss of a friend, which I think is a testament to Grant's talent as a writer. As a long time reader of his work and listener to his podcasts, I've always loved his commentary on the game and respected his passion and willingness to engage in topics at the periphery of traditional sports reporting. I thought his piece about migrant workers in Qatar was a prime example of this, and demonstrated bravery from a journalist intending to return to the country so soon. His pieces around the women's game and the USWNT negotiations stand out as another example of his commitment to his ideals and support of them through his writing.
My sincere condolences to his friends and family. He will truly be missed.
Devastating and shocking news. I agree, it does almost feel like the loss of a friend - his personality, kindness, and integrity shined through in his writing, tweets, and especially his podcast conversations and interviews. I've been following Grant since the late 1990s and have always admired his passion and enthusiasm even when soccer, and especially women's soccer, was a laughing stock amongst the mainstream media and he played a huge role in changing that narrative through his work. I hold him in incredibly high regard for his willingness throughout to stand up for his beliefs and to fight for what is right. We lost a good one and it is a heartbreaking loss for soccer, sports, and journalism. My heart especially goes out to his family who he effused love and pride for and for all those friends and colleagues who truly new him. He seems like he was an incredible human. I miss him already.
I am shocked and devastated by the news. Grant was my envoy through the beautiful game. I always enjoyed and learned from his insight. Such a loss. My thoughts are with his wife, “The Doc”. And also with all of Grant’s colleagues in the soccer world. He seemed to know everyone in soccer journalism. And thoughts for Witty, who has lost a good friend and colleague.
It's a stark thing to read a post from someone, issued only the day before, and recognize it to be his last bit of published writing. I didn't know Grant until this summer when my book was published. He championed "Generation Zero" in a way ... well, in a way one would only dare dream the dean of U.S. soccer writers would. So supportive. So generous. I was on his podcast only a month ago. I can only wish his family strength and solace in this terrible moment. Soccer is often described as the most important, least important thing. It seems a particularly moving and trenchant observation in light of the way Grant deployed his own well-earned place in the world of soccer media: risking/sacrificing his own job to protest the way SI was downsizing others; making time on his podcast to share straight Covid talk from his immunologist wife during the early days of the pandemic; and using his World Cup coverage to take his hosts to task on a range of pointed issues. I'm a refugee from the daily newspaper world, where colleagues often refer to the sports department as "The Sandbox". Grant Wahl was full of insight and compassion, but he was an excellent, serious and intrepid news man.
Grant was really a champion of other football writers. I'm FB friends with a local Seattle sports radio personality/sportswriter named Mike Gastineau. Your post here reminds of his post, published just yesterday on his Facebook page:
"In July of 2013, I met Grant Wahl for lunch at F.X. McRory’s before a Sounders FC match where I asked him for a huge favor.
My Sounders book was almost done and I wanted to see if he’d be willing to write the foreword. I had a backup plan because I fully expected him to politely decline. He was the top soccer journalist in the world. I was a former radio talk-show host trying to prove myself as a writer with a book I was self-publishing. It took me most of the lunch to bring the topic up and when I did it was in a nervous and stilted fashion.
“Of course,” was his immediate response. “I’d be happy to do it. Send me a copy of the manuscript so I can read it first.”
The book was my only project at the time and I had dedicated every working hour to creating it and making it better. I thought I had all the angles of the story covered and I was proud of it. Grant’s easy response to a question that I was almost too nervous to ask gave my book something it didn’t quite yet have.
Credibility.
He read the manuscript, liked it, and sent me about 800 words that I reread last night for the first time in a long time. In the foreword Grant was effusive in his praise for me and the book and for that I’m forever grateful. He also wrote a beautiful paragraph about the unique attitude of the fans in Seattle.
“There will always be some precincts of the U.S. soccer community that shun so-called ‘outsiders,’ in the same way that fans of an underground band get all cranky when their guys actually hit it big and go mainstream. Thank God this hasn’t happened with Seattle soccer. For the sport to keep growing in America, we need a big tent and fans quick to share a ready smile and a cold pint with anyone who wants to join the flock. That’s what I’ve always seen in Seattle. There’s a feeling of togetherness you just don’t get in other sports cultures.”
Grant Wahl had time for everyone and was generous in spreading his knowledge and passion for the beautiful game in a manner that exuded kindness and plenty of midwest nice.
Spot on. That was another thing I thought about mentioning but shied away from in this particular forum. A bit unseemly to talk about one's own book, potentially... But not everyone reads books ahead of all these book-occasioned interviews and podcasts! Or so I've leaned this year. Grant read the damn thing cover to cover — when he was clearly busy A.F. with his own work, AND reading everyone else's book! ... I'll reveal here this nugget, as well: After our podcast Nov. 10, we talked for a good long while off air. He said that Generation Zero was an American soccer story he felt as though he missed, one he should have noticed and written about. I thanked him for missing it (!), then forwarded the idea we were even: My next book was going to be a history of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry — but his new Good Rivals TV doc beat me to it!
That's a cool anecdote. I envy your long conversation with him. I came so close to meeting him at a bar this spring, but we missed each other. I will forever kick myself. I have watched part of the Good Rivals doc, and love Grant's role in it. We'll just have to cherish all the great work he did up until now, because there won't be any more. (Also: Congrats on your book!)
Cheers, David... Pretty sure Grant executive produced the Good Rivals project. It's very good, so far as it goes. Not enough history prior to 1994, for my taste, in the soccer sense but also the geo-political, border relation, sociologicaly/cultural sense. So maybe there IS a distinct book STILL left to write...
What else can I add beyond how devastated I am by the news of Grant's death. For me, what stood out the most about Grant's coverage of soccer since he was let go by SI and started his own project here on Substack is how he was able to cut through the corporate packaging of the game and tell personal stories. These stories about people from all across the soccer landscape are what drew me closer to Grant's work and made his writing and podcast the cornerstone for how I've been engaging with soccer the past 2.5 years. Grant's work here has become the foundation for how I consume and interpret soccer. I've been following USMNT since 1994 and MLS since it started but Grant introduced me to a much wider world of US soccer including the women's game and the people behind the scenes. There is no replacing his work and what he brought to my life. Although I never met Grant in person, I will miss him deeply.
My first thought this morning when I saw this headline on another site "Sources: US almost sent Reyna home from WC" was, "I wonder what Grant will have to say about this?" Then I remembered that I'll never get to find out. I expect this pattern will carry on for quite a while.
Waking up and seeing the news of Grant’s passing, I can’t believe it. Listening and reading his work daily during this tournament has somehow made be feel “closer” to him. Sounds strange I know but I have always felt when he wrote or spoke on podcasts his delivery made you feel as thought the story was intended for just you. Like you were just having a conversation with a buddy. I will certainly miss that but can’t begin to imagine what the family is going through. Please know there is a large community of people thinking and praying for you all at this time.
Your words really reflected a lot of what I was thinking. Though I never met Grant and only interacted with him here in the comments and on Twitter, I felt as though I knew him. His podcasts often felt less like a show and more like I was the pal tagging along while he chatted with fascinating people in the soccer world.
Like everyone on here, I am shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of Grant. And that's what it is... a huge loss for everyone: for the world of football, which he chronicled so passionately and deeply for so long; for journalism; for his wife and family; for his thousands of friends; and for his readership.
I'm roughly the same age as Grant, and first came to his writing like many did, in the pages of Sports Illustrated. He was a fine writer, and I devoured his book "The Beckham Experiment." When I stumbled on his podcast about a year ago and learned of his Substack site, I immediately signed up for a paid subscription. He didn't just cover the wins and losses--he took you behind the scenes and introduced you to the many amazing players, coaches, executives, and media figures whom he knew and admired. Pieces like the feature story about FC Sheriff were unique and penetrating, as was his coverage of the women's game (a particular favorite of mine). But I would read Grant Wahl's writing on anything, because his intelligence, warmth and humanity shone through in everything he produced. I can't believe I will never read another piece by him.
I'm a huge Seattle Sounders fan, and would often ask Grant questions about the club for his Friday Mailbag. He often answered, and would comment on my comments. So when the Sounders were playing in the CONCACAF Champions League Final last May, and Grant announced that he'd be in Seattle for the match, I messaged him through the site and suggested a meetup at a Sounders bar before the game. He agreed and we tried to make it happen, but he was extremely busy during his visit and we ended up not connecting. He was gracious about it, as always, and I told him, "No worries--we'll do it another time." Now, there won't be another chance for me to meet Grant and thank him for his work. I'm extremely sad about that.
I wanted to thank Chris Wittyngham for all his work on the podcast with Grant, and in particular for the short memorial pod he just posted. It really communicates what an amazing person Grant was, how many people he touched, and how much we have lost. That must not have been easy to do, especially so shortly after Grant's passing. God, I'll miss hearing Chris and Grant banter about the world's game. Soccer just won't be the same without it, and without Grant's writing. Thank you, Grant, for everything. RIP.
From being gifted the Beckham Experiment while in high school through my SI subscriptions, Grant was a constant in my life as a soccer player and soccer fan. I keep scrolling twitter hoping for some insane miscommunication but this loss is incalculable. My heart goes out to Grant, his family, and all his friends and colleagues around the world. A truly kind man we can all aspire to be.
I can’t believe this. Numb. The word gets thrown around a lot but this is in fact, tragic.
For any family members or close friends reading this, know that Grant was held in the highest esteem by his readers and know that he died doing what he loved more than anything. Covering the beautiful game and telling us what he saw.
I continue to feel a huge void where Grant's voice was. When the story came out last night about Reyna and what was behind his lack of minutes at the WC, I immediately wanted to hear what Grant had to say about it. It's such a painful loss.
Is there any place where people can continue the conversation about Grant's work and what his life meant? I suppose Twitter is the natural place, but I wish there was more of a memorial place to put our thoughts and memories. Please reply if you have links or ideas.
Thanks for sharing these. I've also been thinking about how to continue the conversation about Grant's work and what his life meant. I don't want to use Twitter, so looking for other options. This comment section seems to be the place on Grant's site, at least for now.
It hit me this morning that we will have the World Cup here in 2026 with matches in Kansas City. Grant not being there to enjoy any of it just compounds the tragedy.
God, he would have been so fired up to cover the 2026 WC on home soil (USA, and KC specifically). That's just one more huge bummer about losing him now/so young.
Since I started seeing the posts re: Grant's possible death on Twitter not too long ago, I had been searching for confirmation from a journalist/news agency. I found this from Yahoo Sports posted about 15 minutes ago:
https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-2022-american-soccer-reporter-grant-wahl-dies-in-qatar-023454691.html
I thought it odd that he hadn't sent out his 3 thoughts after the ARG vs. NED game. Still hoping this is all some crazy dream but it seems like it's true...
Grant, I'm sure I speak for all of us subscribers to your site (and many more that read your work over the years), you will be truly missed. I'm so glad that I got to join a few of your Zoom calls and ask you a few questions directly. Sending all the prayers possible to your loved ones & family. I know your already up "there" interviewing all the soccer greats of the past. Rest in Peace Grant.
I'm so saddened by this news, and in many ways it feels like the loss of a friend, which I think is a testament to Grant's talent as a writer. As a long time reader of his work and listener to his podcasts, I've always loved his commentary on the game and respected his passion and willingness to engage in topics at the periphery of traditional sports reporting. I thought his piece about migrant workers in Qatar was a prime example of this, and demonstrated bravery from a journalist intending to return to the country so soon. His pieces around the women's game and the USWNT negotiations stand out as another example of his commitment to his ideals and support of them through his writing.
My sincere condolences to his friends and family. He will truly be missed.
Devastating and shocking news. I agree, it does almost feel like the loss of a friend - his personality, kindness, and integrity shined through in his writing, tweets, and especially his podcast conversations and interviews. I've been following Grant since the late 1990s and have always admired his passion and enthusiasm even when soccer, and especially women's soccer, was a laughing stock amongst the mainstream media and he played a huge role in changing that narrative through his work. I hold him in incredibly high regard for his willingness throughout to stand up for his beliefs and to fight for what is right. We lost a good one and it is a heartbreaking loss for soccer, sports, and journalism. My heart especially goes out to his family who he effused love and pride for and for all those friends and colleagues who truly new him. He seems like he was an incredible human. I miss him already.
Agreed. USMNT and USWNT and all things journalistic world soccer.
I am shocked and devastated by the news. Grant was my envoy through the beautiful game. I always enjoyed and learned from his insight. Such a loss. My thoughts are with his wife, “The Doc”. And also with all of Grant’s colleagues in the soccer world. He seemed to know everyone in soccer journalism. And thoughts for Witty, who has lost a good friend and colleague.
It's a stark thing to read a post from someone, issued only the day before, and recognize it to be his last bit of published writing. I didn't know Grant until this summer when my book was published. He championed "Generation Zero" in a way ... well, in a way one would only dare dream the dean of U.S. soccer writers would. So supportive. So generous. I was on his podcast only a month ago. I can only wish his family strength and solace in this terrible moment. Soccer is often described as the most important, least important thing. It seems a particularly moving and trenchant observation in light of the way Grant deployed his own well-earned place in the world of soccer media: risking/sacrificing his own job to protest the way SI was downsizing others; making time on his podcast to share straight Covid talk from his immunologist wife during the early days of the pandemic; and using his World Cup coverage to take his hosts to task on a range of pointed issues. I'm a refugee from the daily newspaper world, where colleagues often refer to the sports department as "The Sandbox". Grant Wahl was full of insight and compassion, but he was an excellent, serious and intrepid news man.
Grant was really a champion of other football writers. I'm FB friends with a local Seattle sports radio personality/sportswriter named Mike Gastineau. Your post here reminds of his post, published just yesterday on his Facebook page:
"In July of 2013, I met Grant Wahl for lunch at F.X. McRory’s before a Sounders FC match where I asked him for a huge favor.
My Sounders book was almost done and I wanted to see if he’d be willing to write the foreword. I had a backup plan because I fully expected him to politely decline. He was the top soccer journalist in the world. I was a former radio talk-show host trying to prove myself as a writer with a book I was self-publishing. It took me most of the lunch to bring the topic up and when I did it was in a nervous and stilted fashion.
“Of course,” was his immediate response. “I’d be happy to do it. Send me a copy of the manuscript so I can read it first.”
The book was my only project at the time and I had dedicated every working hour to creating it and making it better. I thought I had all the angles of the story covered and I was proud of it. Grant’s easy response to a question that I was almost too nervous to ask gave my book something it didn’t quite yet have.
Credibility.
He read the manuscript, liked it, and sent me about 800 words that I reread last night for the first time in a long time. In the foreword Grant was effusive in his praise for me and the book and for that I’m forever grateful. He also wrote a beautiful paragraph about the unique attitude of the fans in Seattle.
“There will always be some precincts of the U.S. soccer community that shun so-called ‘outsiders,’ in the same way that fans of an underground band get all cranky when their guys actually hit it big and go mainstream. Thank God this hasn’t happened with Seattle soccer. For the sport to keep growing in America, we need a big tent and fans quick to share a ready smile and a cold pint with anyone who wants to join the flock. That’s what I’ve always seen in Seattle. There’s a feeling of togetherness you just don’t get in other sports cultures.”
Grant Wahl had time for everyone and was generous in spreading his knowledge and passion for the beautiful game in a manner that exuded kindness and plenty of midwest nice.
Like so many others, I’m lucky I knew him."
Spot on. That was another thing I thought about mentioning but shied away from in this particular forum. A bit unseemly to talk about one's own book, potentially... But not everyone reads books ahead of all these book-occasioned interviews and podcasts! Or so I've leaned this year. Grant read the damn thing cover to cover — when he was clearly busy A.F. with his own work, AND reading everyone else's book! ... I'll reveal here this nugget, as well: After our podcast Nov. 10, we talked for a good long while off air. He said that Generation Zero was an American soccer story he felt as though he missed, one he should have noticed and written about. I thanked him for missing it (!), then forwarded the idea we were even: My next book was going to be a history of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry — but his new Good Rivals TV doc beat me to it!
That's a cool anecdote. I envy your long conversation with him. I came so close to meeting him at a bar this spring, but we missed each other. I will forever kick myself. I have watched part of the Good Rivals doc, and love Grant's role in it. We'll just have to cherish all the great work he did up until now, because there won't be any more. (Also: Congrats on your book!)
Cheers, David... Pretty sure Grant executive produced the Good Rivals project. It's very good, so far as it goes. Not enough history prior to 1994, for my taste, in the soccer sense but also the geo-political, border relation, sociologicaly/cultural sense. So maybe there IS a distinct book STILL left to write...
'I can't tell you how much I admire them'..
An hours later, Grant is gone..
So many of us now, I'm sure would love to tell Grant how much we admired him..
Beyond tragic..
What else can I add beyond how devastated I am by the news of Grant's death. For me, what stood out the most about Grant's coverage of soccer since he was let go by SI and started his own project here on Substack is how he was able to cut through the corporate packaging of the game and tell personal stories. These stories about people from all across the soccer landscape are what drew me closer to Grant's work and made his writing and podcast the cornerstone for how I've been engaging with soccer the past 2.5 years. Grant's work here has become the foundation for how I consume and interpret soccer. I've been following USMNT since 1994 and MLS since it started but Grant introduced me to a much wider world of US soccer including the women's game and the people behind the scenes. There is no replacing his work and what he brought to my life. Although I never met Grant in person, I will miss him deeply.
I just re-listened to his first podcast (https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/welcome-to-futbol-with-grant-wahl-9e9#details) and the first post here on Substack (https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/welcome-to-futbol-with-grant-wahl) where he introduces these projects. It made me cry. I will miss Grant and his work so much.
My first thought this morning when I saw this headline on another site "Sources: US almost sent Reyna home from WC" was, "I wonder what Grant will have to say about this?" Then I remembered that I'll never get to find out. I expect this pattern will carry on for quite a while.
Thought the same thing and I’ll bet a lot of us, his readers and followers, did too.
Waking up and seeing the news of Grant’s passing, I can’t believe it. Listening and reading his work daily during this tournament has somehow made be feel “closer” to him. Sounds strange I know but I have always felt when he wrote or spoke on podcasts his delivery made you feel as thought the story was intended for just you. Like you were just having a conversation with a buddy. I will certainly miss that but can’t begin to imagine what the family is going through. Please know there is a large community of people thinking and praying for you all at this time.
Your words really reflected a lot of what I was thinking. Though I never met Grant and only interacted with him here in the comments and on Twitter, I felt as though I knew him. His podcasts often felt less like a show and more like I was the pal tagging along while he chatted with fascinating people in the soccer world.
I am heartbroken. Prayers for grants family. Grant was an irreplaceable steward of the game and will be deeply deeply missed.
I first followed grant maybe 12 years ago and will truthfully feel a bit empty without him. This news hurt me a lot. Rip grant.
I am gutted. A truly good person, great soccer writer. This is just awful news. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and family.
Grant I’m devastated that you’re no longer with us. Thank you for your work and everything you provided to the soccer community in the U.S.
Like everyone on here, I am shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of Grant. And that's what it is... a huge loss for everyone: for the world of football, which he chronicled so passionately and deeply for so long; for journalism; for his wife and family; for his thousands of friends; and for his readership.
I'm roughly the same age as Grant, and first came to his writing like many did, in the pages of Sports Illustrated. He was a fine writer, and I devoured his book "The Beckham Experiment." When I stumbled on his podcast about a year ago and learned of his Substack site, I immediately signed up for a paid subscription. He didn't just cover the wins and losses--he took you behind the scenes and introduced you to the many amazing players, coaches, executives, and media figures whom he knew and admired. Pieces like the feature story about FC Sheriff were unique and penetrating, as was his coverage of the women's game (a particular favorite of mine). But I would read Grant Wahl's writing on anything, because his intelligence, warmth and humanity shone through in everything he produced. I can't believe I will never read another piece by him.
I'm a huge Seattle Sounders fan, and would often ask Grant questions about the club for his Friday Mailbag. He often answered, and would comment on my comments. So when the Sounders were playing in the CONCACAF Champions League Final last May, and Grant announced that he'd be in Seattle for the match, I messaged him through the site and suggested a meetup at a Sounders bar before the game. He agreed and we tried to make it happen, but he was extremely busy during his visit and we ended up not connecting. He was gracious about it, as always, and I told him, "No worries--we'll do it another time." Now, there won't be another chance for me to meet Grant and thank him for his work. I'm extremely sad about that.
I wanted to thank Chris Wittyngham for all his work on the podcast with Grant, and in particular for the short memorial pod he just posted. It really communicates what an amazing person Grant was, how many people he touched, and how much we have lost. That must not have been easy to do, especially so shortly after Grant's passing. God, I'll miss hearing Chris and Grant banter about the world's game. Soccer just won't be the same without it, and without Grant's writing. Thank you, Grant, for everything. RIP.
From being gifted the Beckham Experiment while in high school through my SI subscriptions, Grant was a constant in my life as a soccer player and soccer fan. I keep scrolling twitter hoping for some insane miscommunication but this loss is incalculable. My heart goes out to Grant, his family, and all his friends and colleagues around the world. A truly kind man we can all aspire to be.
Sending all my love to Grant's family, friends, and colleagues. What a terrible moment.
Hope Grant is ok.
I can’t believe this. Numb. The word gets thrown around a lot but this is in fact, tragic.
For any family members or close friends reading this, know that Grant was held in the highest esteem by his readers and know that he died doing what he loved more than anything. Covering the beautiful game and telling us what he saw.
Grant Wahl, a good man, gone before his time.
We will miss you.
NPR has confirmed Grant’s passing. Tragic.
Terrible. Only 48.
His brother posted that he passed on Instagram . But not seen any confirmed official news.
I continue to feel a huge void where Grant's voice was. When the story came out last night about Reyna and what was behind his lack of minutes at the WC, I immediately wanted to hear what Grant had to say about it. It's such a painful loss.
Is there any place where people can continue the conversation about Grant's work and what his life meant? I suppose Twitter is the natural place, but I wish there was more of a memorial place to put our thoughts and memories. Please reply if you have links or ideas.
Meanwhile I'll keep posting links of tributes to Grant's life here. I loved this one, from one of Grant's housemates in Qatar (another famous soccer journalist, well-known for his coverage of the Champions League): https://www.cnn.com/videos/sports/2022/12/12/grant-wahl-friend-guillem-balague-tribute-davies-pkg-ovn-contd-intl-ldn-vpx.cnn
Also, here's something that appeared on the paid site The Athletic (sorry for any firewalls):
https://theathletic.com/3990433/2022/12/11/grant-wahl-soccer-writer/.
Please post any other links to tributes that you might find in the comments!
Thanks for sharing these. I've also been thinking about how to continue the conversation about Grant's work and what his life meant. I don't want to use Twitter, so looking for other options. This comment section seems to be the place on Grant's site, at least for now.
It hit me this morning that we will have the World Cup here in 2026 with matches in Kansas City. Grant not being there to enjoy any of it just compounds the tragedy.
God, he would have been so fired up to cover the 2026 WC on home soil (USA, and KC specifically). That's just one more huge bummer about losing him now/so young.