Yunus Musah chose the United States over three more established soccer countries. We visited Spain to speak to the 19-year-old Valencia midfielder who could be the breakout U.S. star of the World Cup.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
What a loving and resilient family. I feel so lucky he picked the US.
I'm so glad you are keeping magazine-style writing alive. I love this kind of writing. Keep it up.
The long story I've been longing to read about Musah. A fascinating person. Thank you!!
Cool story Grant. Now I'm going to be looking for and rooting for Yunus.
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.
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.
Love Yunus.
Good work Grant thanks.
How about a story featuring a Buddhist player, a Christian, a Jew, and a Hindu? #diversity
Great stuff, Grant!
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.
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!
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.
Yet another great article, maybe the best one yet. You keep topping yourself. I can’t wait to see a *healthy* US team play.
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.
Great story
New subscriber here, great piece Grant.