U.S. Soccer Prospect Alex Freeman Joins Villarreal Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The 21-year-old fullback leaves MLS club Orlando City for a move to Spain's La Liga

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Alex Freeman, a rising star on the U.S. men's national soccer team, has agreed to join Spanish club Villarreal from MLS side Orlando City. The 21-year-old fullback, whose father is former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, has rapidly emerged as a key player for the USMNT and is now poised to take on a new challenge in one of Europe's top leagues ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Why it matters

Freeman's move to Villarreal, a Champions League-caliber club in Spain's La Liga, represents a major step up in competition that could boost his chances of securing a starting role for the U.S. at the 2026 World Cup. The transfer also serves as a feather in the cap for Orlando City, which developed Freeman through its academy and will profit from the sale.

The details

After logging just 10 first-team minutes for Orlando City over his first two professional seasons, Freeman broke out in 2025, winning MLS Young Player of the Year honors and earning a regular spot on the U.S. national team under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Spanish club Villarreal, currently sitting fourth in La Liga, beat out reported Premier League interest to sign Freeman for a fee that could reach $4 million with incentives. Freeman will look to cement his place in the USMNT's starting lineup by earning regular playing time with Villarreal, who are pushing for a Champions League spot this season.

  • In 2023 and 2024, Freeman made just 10 first-team appearances for Orlando City.
  • In 2025, Freeman won MLS Young Player of the Year and became a regular for the U.S. national team.
  • On January 27, 2026, Freeman agreed to join Spanish club Villarreal from Orlando City.

The players

Alex Freeman

A 21-year-old American fullback who has rapidly emerged as a key player for the U.S. men's national team after breaking out in MLS with Orlando City.

Antonio Freeman

Alex Freeman's father, a former NFL wide receiver who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.

Mauricio Pochettino

The manager of the U.S. men's national team, who has made Alex Freeman a regular in the USMNT lineup.

Villarreal

A Spanish La Liga club that currently sits in fourth place and has qualified for the UEFA Champions League, signing Alex Freeman from Orlando City.

Orlando City

The MLS club that developed Alex Freeman through its academy and will profit from his transfer to Villarreal.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.