32 Comments
author

Correction that has been fixed in the copy: Musah is not the first Muslim USMNT player, though he is in the modern era. Amr Aly and Imad Baba both played for the USMNT as well. Thanks to reader Vincent Stravino for catching this!

Expand full comment

What a loving and resilient family. I feel so lucky he picked the US.

Expand full comment

I'm so glad you are keeping magazine-style writing alive. I love this kind of writing. Keep it up.

Expand full comment

The long story I've been longing to read about Musah. A fascinating person. Thank you!!

Expand full comment

Cool story Grant. Now I'm going to be looking for and rooting for Yunus.

Expand full comment

Fabulous profile of an amazing kid and family. He’s the kind of guy I would love to meet someday. He’s a real inspiration. Thanks for taking the time, Grant, to get to know him and give us such an insightful view.

Expand full comment

It's interesting that Gattuso chose to move Musah centrally after watching him play there for the U.S. Cool that Berhalter was able to influence Musah's club career that way.

Expand full comment

Love Yunus.

Good work Grant thanks.

How about a story featuring a Buddhist player, a Christian, a Jew, and a Hindu? #diversity

Expand full comment

Great stuff, Grant!

Expand full comment

What a journey he and his family have taken! Thanks for bringing it to life. I can imagine one of his recent Valencia rockets hitting the back of the net in Qatar and this story will let us all better appreciate what it will mean for him and his family.

Expand full comment

This is one of my 2-3 favorites that you’ve done thus far; thanks for a great story.

Now, I’ve got yet another club team that I’ve got to follow. The sidebar about his Valencia manager that got the “center midfield light bulb” was a great touch. There’s so many to follow now (Leeds, Dortmund, Valencia, Fulham).

Keep ‘em coming!

Expand full comment

Fantastic story, Grant. It's amazing to get to know the players that are representing the U.S., especially the ones with unique experiences from different backgrounds, like Yunus. I can't imagine what his life might be like in a month after his career potentially hits a new level at the World Cup.

Expand full comment

Yet another great article, maybe the best one yet. You keep topping yourself. I can’t wait to see a *healthy* US team play.

Expand full comment

With such an incredible background, he fits in so well with the traditional “melting pot” label the US gets. This whole team does. Yunus and is family are a shining example of that. Can’t wait to watch him perform in this World Cup. Thanks for an incredible and inspiring story, Grant.

Expand full comment

Great story

Expand full comment

New subscriber here, great piece Grant.

Expand full comment