How America Stole European Football

[@AthleticInterest]

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[@CLOCKROOK]

a

[@Selfpaid96]

It’s a pyramid scheme

[@sagargurung7207]

Kale kand j

[@stuartclifton4764]

PLEASE stay away from scam sponsors such as masterworks

[@prinka2096]

How are they a scam?

[@MoonLightsxID]

I couldn't care less as long as they bring out quality content

[@farahnurow4367]

As a football fan, I'm not interested in MLS. They can sign all the top players from Europe but it still won't work with me. MLS should target Generation Alpha and future generations.

[@QuantumNoir]

Both are happening. People don't realize it's counter balancing the few who supposedly retire here with youth development. It's not even close to the league it was even 5 years ago

[@phoenicc935]

MLS salary cap means that teams have a lot of young players. You have to watch it to see for yourself.

[@carlosnn8150]

The salary cap is both a blessing and a curse, on one hand keeps clubs from going broke and makes them try to raise/acquire young talent, on the other hand a lot of that young talent will gladly want to go to Europe and only the lesser talented will remain. Perhaps it can be gradually raised, but not done away with. And even then, it will still suffer from the same eurocentrism that Mexico and Conmebol suffer from - but then, being equivalent to Mexico and Conmebol will already be a great advance. Do agree MLS has gotten better compared to 10 or even 5 years ago (and let's not even mention the pre-Beckham times), and with time it is gradually raising the fanbase from being just liberal suburbanites and/or urban hipsters (which needs to keep happening, most democrats arent into outdoor sports [if into sports at all], and hispanics are not solidly democrat anymore). Gradually raising salary cap will help, while still favoring those that come out of local youth academies, so increasing profitable transfers to Europe or even Mexico/Conmebol can increase global awareness of the league. Tapping into the Hispanic market will also help, but it will need to be focused on better, as Hispanics like watching worldclass players. It will also take time, because it is easier focusing on 2nd-3rd generation ones that arent into the clubs their parents were fans of back home. The Leagues Cup might help, but it is a double-edged sword, because those Mexican teams are also getting heightened exposure in the US. All in all, MLS will keep growing, but it won't be NFL level right away, it will have to go thru steps. It is already challenging basketball and baseball, and that's a great start, will need to keep pushing. European/Mexican/Conmebol clubs have a headstart of 80+ to 100+ years, after all. Plus it is being managed way better than the Chinese or Russians or Indians or Arabs or Australians have, for example, whose policies have floundered due to rampant state/corp financial profligacy and mismanagement, and/or other issues (Russia too localistic policies regarding transfers in and out the country [plus banned by recent events], plus hockey is way too big there, and depends too much on state+corps; China too state-regimented clubs [w/a lot of wasteful spending] and lifestyle, plus disciplined/amateur singleplayer sports are favored to teamsports; India still has most players used to playing barefoot, plus priv-corp financial mismanagement, and way too big cricket; Arabs spend on big stars but not much else, too dependent on oil corps, fractured in several countries w/different skill levels and advancements; Australians not mismanaged much but still have too much competition with ausfootball/cricket/rugby, market not nearly as big as US [similar to Canada rather, which also has advanced but still only big enough to share league w/US, and has competition w/way bigger hockey and also basketball]).

[@robs9237]

I'm American and I do not follow MLS at all. I just can't. I watch European leagues and the UCL.

[@satwickkancharana5918]

Well, I'm an Asian. I watch all the European leagues, but the only MLS games I watched were Miami's. They might be improving but it's still a long road for them.

[@Joe_Kifla_Iz_Kajmak_Citya]

Perfect example how this video just is not true. Europe is King still.

[@MagicalBread]

⁠@@Joe_Kifla_Iz_Kajmak_CityaWatch the video again then. The video is about the MLS’ potential and how to achieve it; which it has yet to achieve.

[@eldios831]

Just a sensational title....journalism 101

[@URJAMES10]

Ya most just watch the premier league, ucl , and maybe Liga Mx

[@BabsW]

The Athletic just uploaded a podcast a few days ago titled "Is Project Messi Working in the USA?" and it contradicts most of these points 😂

[@ananasboy1110]

what is their view?

[@yukidaruma3177]

I'll leave my comment here to get notified when someone get the answer of @ananasboy1110

[@pactolus]

@@ananasboy1110 That the hype has pretty much died down this season, especially compared to last season, and that there has been a failure to convert attention from Messi to the MLS more broadly. People will tune in to watch an Inter Miami game but other matches haven't seen an uptick in viewership. It's a half-hour podcast, so they delve into more detail, but they don't mention the part about developing youth. An interesting anecdote they mention is that last year the hotels they stayed at would get mobbed whereas now they (Inter Miami) can travel much more in peace.

[@BabsW]

@ananasboy1110 They were mostly saying that the Messi hype is not sustainable and is already showing signs of declining.

[@3062-l7g]

@@BabsW different stances, all from ChatGPT

[@Joe_Kifla_Iz_Kajmak_Citya]

0:20 There is no something larger. They got old . When they were in their prime they were playing in Europe. This is a major reach just for the sake of the video.

[@reversal]

They already had American Football but now they want ALL the Football 😂

[@Doomedgorilla]

It's all about money

[@ChronicTheHempHog-mf3nh]

Americans lack football culture

[@Santiago160]

They had handball and now they will have football too

[@rancidrhino4315]

It's the other way around. It's not like Americans searched for it, Beckham, Messi and others from European Leagues want to make money in the US. Football wants American money, it's not like Europe is'nt paying enough.

[@fabrifibraa]

They want money, classic USA move

[@gregilechef2806]

''How America Stole Football'' what are you smoking !?

[@ChronicTheHempHog-mf3nh]

Its just a title to bring in viewers bro calm down 😂

[@S84jLXRvWyRQNhm6]

@@ChronicTheHempHog-mf3nh prolly meth and then some shrooms on top

[@chukswilliam5451]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@md.abdullaalwailykhanchowd3974]

Meth

[@carlosteranneumane1888]

You missed one important little detail: American investors. They now own many clubs in Europe and Brazil. So it’s a more efficient way to move players from mls to Europe or Brazil or the other way around. It’s part of the plan. That doesn’t mean that those young players are really good haha. Think about it. And not so fast. There’s another region that’s competing with them: the Middle East. But that’s another story.

[@belstar1128]

the 2 things America does very differently from the rest of the world are 1 sports 2 measurement units

[@ssyoagesh]

LOL, bro just threw in Mbappé's clip with the "When you can't beat them, join them!" line.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

i'm 42 years old and i'd consider myself part of the first generation of american soccer fans i think the big shift was the sheer amount of kids who play sport at the youth level in the usa now yes not everyone sticks with it but its like baseball now as in pretty much every american kid has played atleast 1 season of it i'd say going back to the late 80s early 90s this started

[@Anonymous-fr2op]

A country that refuses to accept the true name of the game could never win the hearts of its fans.

[@polski1683]

to put this in the best way possible for your arrogant europhile mind can understand is In the US, Canada, Australia, and Ireland they have developed a sport also known as football that is considered more popular then Association football not to mention the existence of Rugby football. So to not confuse Association football with the more popular from they use a slang term developed ironically in the UK called soccer but soccer fans can't stand the idea that a people don't like their sport can't compete against the domestic games developed be these countries so they bitch and moan about in on the internet to feel like smug assholes.

[@DerrickSiebert]

Trueee

[@Ivancho93]

Can you now do a similar video about what Saudi Arabia is trying to do with their league and football overall? And please remain unbiased.

[@RubensOteroNeto]

IMPOSSIBLE HAHAHAHAHA

[@armanulhaq1715]

MLS is also obsessed with Latinas😍

[@MrReese]

Not sure if they "stole" football, but they are certainly improving. The worldwide Apple deal is the biggest perk in my opinion, sports broadcasting is a huge mess here in Europe that needs to be solved. The MLS acted a lot smarter in that regard.

[@sentiasatransformasi]

messi in MLS is untouchable… the league itself lacks integrity.. hopefully just stays in america w american viewers. let the rest of us enjoy european football

[@MertSerim]

8:33 I was waiting for a transition for a Nord VPN sponsored section and thank god Athletic Interest didn't deliver

[@Yamasuba]

I didnt have time to watch the video yet, but judging by the title....i dont think the usa can steal football for real..the culture is too strong here in Europe...yes they have some moments when it feels possible, but couple old legends joining the mls every now and then doesnt mean they stole football. Football will always be strongest in Europe, even if Argentina wins the WC...or Usa next...it wont mean anything for the culture there

[@danielhuynh9368]

In all the negative American bashing here, one thing is for sure. This is an American league. It was meant for an American audience. To some of my fellow US soccer fans. Stop trying to pander to Europe. Most of them will never watch no matter how much you try. Do you watch other foreign leagues in other sports. Baseball fans here. Do you watch Nippon? No. And for a tiny niche, Jappanese people don't really keep up with MLB except for Shohei maybe. Just enjoy MLS for what it is for God's sake. It's exhausting. If you're so in love in European football, then watch the Prem. It's not hard.

[@Raynax235]

the biggest problem is time zone , I like the UFC but barely get to watch it since its so late at night

[@damon-burton]

The signings of high-profile players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi have undoubtedly elevated the league's global appeal.

[@weroluis]

Never going to happen if they keep calling it "soccer"

[@DerrickSiebert]

That's what I'm saying

[@amanmishra6990]

Hypothetically, even if MLS were to overtake Europe later, how would they address the time zone disadvantage? European football is an integral part of Asian/Indian football fans. We’re used to staying up slightly late for midnight kickoffs, but the American early morning kickoff times don’t work at all.

[@ok-___okokokokoko7661]

that can also apply for Europe; we're not going to watch MLS due to the timezone differences; heck, i would love to see Libertadores and Sudamericana but i can't due to the bad schedule for us (and Africa as well, whom is growing very fast)

[@davidvalencia129]

Did they? Like dude as much as I love Messi, Busi, Suarez, alba and neymar (if he goes to Inter miami) I ain't watching the MLS.

[@Casual-Netizen]

Different topic: North and South American Football governing bodies should just merge to organize the one true Copa America. 🏆

[@jiimmyboi12]

never gonna happen. conmebol and concacaf dont get along. $$$$

[@random_adlib]

concacaf wants the money from USA v MEXICI games and comnebol is also corrupt

[@thehaydnpaterson]

not having australia highlighted on your map is an insult lol. we love football here, we have a decently competitive league that signs world-class players just as MLS did years ago, not to mention a large portion of immigration here are football fans. update your graph and colour us in please

[@AlexRN]

I think you were not highlighted because football is not your biggest sport like in most of the world. Rugby (and possible Australian rules football?) trumps football big time.

[@PoppinC-l3w]

@AlexRN Australian Football and Rugby League specifically.

[@dfu7474]

ranking of leagues in europe is also based on history. you can see that arabia also has many strong teams with famous players, but history is history. Miami could be the most popular team, but that doesn't mean they're most respected.

[@sartofournier1908]

Forgot to mention 2 teams in Canada and 1 in Quebec, but that's okay. MLS is in the USA, we get it.

[@jayanand_1993]

Quebec is in canada

[@dgh6g33gf]

Vive le Quebec libre

[@Northwest360]

People hate on MLS, but it’s a ton of fun. Great friendly fans, new stadiums, developing new talent, sure it’s not the best, but it’s what we have and we’re trying to grow it.

[@luukhoogland1431]

I think that's exactly the problem for most Europeans. You have friendly fans, here we are used to ultras for passion and support. You have fancy new stadium, here we have the historical grounds. There everything is starting, here many clubs have been going on for more than a 100 years. For now most Europeans see the MLS as an entertainment product, an artificial league, without the underlying passion, heartbreak and history that most European clubs have had. Things like the buy your way into the league, without any promotion/relegation feeds into that. That's also why the Saudi league and clubs like RB Leipzig get hated on. They're created with money, not by fans. But who knows, real passion and history takes time, so maybe someday MLS will be bigger. But most European clubs have had 100 years of advantage in building that.

[@Northwest360]

@@luukhoogland1431I think you’re spot on. With the history, heartbreak etc especially. Like you said, it’s a new league, where teams in Europe have a century of history. I would like to call said Europeans out on the “fake” nature of MLS. Yes, many clubs in Europe started as a workers club with a union vibe, but they’re all owned by billionaires now, treated like a business, just like MLS. If authenticity only comes with history, then just give MLS time.

[@xXGziAcxMoErRoZXX]

@@luukhoogland1431think copa90 had a video on this exact point a while ago

[@danielhuynh9368]

@@luukhoogland1431 I am American and I don't expect Euros to ever watch MLS ever. Even if it becomes the best league in the world which would be decades if it happens. And why would they? People in London have a team to follow at a reasonable hour. The league you watch for the most part is tied to the country and culture you're connected to. It's that simple. There are foreign fans yes. And that's cool, but they'll always be a niche. US fans need to accept the faster we stop pandering to the Euro crow the better for all of us as a soccer nation.

[@Eintrachtfrankfurtbeste]

@@Northwest360 I wouldn't agree that Europe teams are all owned by billionares. For example my home team Eintracht Frankfurt is owned by the members of the club, like most of the teams in Europe. Yes I know it's a bit different in England or France but most of the clubs are still owned by their fans.

[@chad9971]

As an American, I can attest that most all my "soccer" friends and I watch the Prem or UCL. Messi-mania was true tho. I go to Cal State Dominguez Hills which sits next to the LA Galaxy's soccer stadium in Carson, California. I have never seen that stadium more packed until Messi showed up haha they had to send out school-wide alerts and emails. I HOPE MLS becomes as competitive as the EPL because I would love to just go to my local LA Galaxy games more than stream Chelsea games (although I should have been watching more LA Galaxy the last 2 seasons cuz Chelsea was in the wilderness).

[@kamatmehbro]

I mean its pretty clear what is happening... play good football in your prime years... then move to the US/Saudi to get the bag when your body is at 10% capacity (they are both shit leagues)

[@yougotkained]

Yes... It is because they are old - and Messi rejected all European offers because he didn't want to go to another European club if he couldn't go back to Barcelona after he hated going to PSG.

[@anthonytippett5997]

I like the strategy and nothing’s wrong with wanting to be the biggest. That’s what every organization should want. Just stick with the plan.

[@Mitra131]

I doubt MLS is actually top 10 league in the world

[@gregorkalinkat7657]

By some metrics yes it is

[@TheWatchPartyForever]

As an American who only watches nations.This doesn’t affect me.Ima still root for Brazil.

[@sdeepj]

Most of Miami’s Latin population comes from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, where baseball is more popular. It’s why the World Baseball Classic was in Miami

[@krisvanherzeele7300]

Are there any Europeans who watch the MLS ? 🤷‍♂️

[@georgesantana3888]

It's not gonna work, it will flop after Messi retires. It's the same as always, you have to make it big in Europe to get the following. America has too many high profile sports to get every fan engaged, NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL has to share with MLS.

[@dumisanimaseko1417]

They didn't stole football they influence the football in a wrong way by capturing FIFA ..

[@TheMan-cz5mu]

planning to make bigger than la liga where Madrid and Barca play 🤣

[@Anonymous-fr2op]

Messi, the protected MLS baby, can only carry them so far. In fact, if it ain't messi, it ain't business for MLS.

[@riccorich]

America still is trying to develop a unique soccer culture

[@anugerahpambudi8175]

So basically, Beckham is a genius, on and off pitch

[@izzyshootsiphone]

If America takes over, will the world have to call it soccer?

[@luisponceart]

MLS is a baby in the world of football but once we get some domestic goat status players, it will have a dramatic shift

[@est7720]

0:35 Ain’t Adidas a german company?

[@azrrrrrrrr]

Now imagine if they brought Cristiano Ronaldo...5x better player and 10x more popular...

[@CharlesMartinsJuviniano]

There is one problem with the video. It didn`t.

[@thatRyzzle]

Yes, yes, sure. But: MLS isn't part of the Champions League, which is THE club competition I'm interested in. So, MLS may have the potential to win new fans of the sport of football, but I doubt it has the power to draw in existing fans like me.

[@Santiago160]

They are finally calling football to the real sport and not that handball with a wierd shape ball 😂

[@apaulson6590]

We gave the yanks F1 and now their coming for football. Money is the how they do it.

[@caspernoir4028]

MLS can never be taken seriously until they remove their lottery system and add relegation and get rid of the playoffs

[@ayeeeitskev]

Messi. That's how.

[@SCTheBrand]

Cool. Now in part 2 talk about how MLS looks a lot like a Ponzi scheme.

[@theonlydiego1]

I am one of those Latinos that MLS wants! I’ve been following the Fire since 2010 and only started going to their games in 2022.

[@riccorich]

MLS is still struggling the Apple deal, no promotion no real visibility

[@miguelalejandrohernandez1271]

As a Marketer, I loved this strategy from MLS

[@CrimsonKobaNakirigumi]

This is kind of a stretch. Their approach to sign veterans who barely care about being on the pitch hasn't changed. The only difference is that Inter Miami was able to snag Messi because he loves that city and already lived there. If Messi loved, idk, London, MLS would remain the same, and once he retires MLS will keep being the same. Their growth as brand worldwide has been meaningless over these past years. In fact, what they want, and you can see this from their expansion strategy and marketing, is to attract a younger audience in order to compete with the big leagues of the country in rating. They don't even consider themselves as a competition for the big European leagues, hell they don't even consider themselves a competition to Liga MX in their same country, and instead they try to promote them too to attract viewership within the States. So no, they didn't stole anything.

[@miranakyurek816]

Never ever somebody will watch mls in Europe.

[@labannyanyuki5380]

and welcome to the ATHLETIC INTEREST, very iconic

[@alexanderhernandez71197]

This is something that NEVER is going to happen in 'merica! The truly 'merican already haver their own rugby version of sport, called 'merican football. Therefore MLS which yes, it's a retirement league will never be a real football league. Not today, tomorrow or in 100 years!

[@KomodoSoup]

Anyone with Apple account can access the 2026 World Cup? That isn’t working

[@EliasMelese-x4j]

wtf the ad was so long

[@und3rcut535]

The nba has 30 teams and every team has at leasst 2 players that gets paid 40 million dollars a year. if MLS can do that I swear to god everyone will want to play there.😊

[@Yee-r7m]

Baby Wake Up Athletic Interest is back with a banger

[@suyashneelambugg]

Stop the silly PR campaign of MLS. No, messi changed nothing.

[@jeunevieux9582]

American gettin his hands on football..... Then nobody will watch football anymore

[@jamavra]

Y'all fighting for america or europe blah blah let football grow in the Philippines for christ sake we'll be the best on the world

[@jp_ap_1]

Omg I feel like this topic is getting exaggeratedly milked. Please begin to approach other topics again 😵‍💫 (F1 hopefully?)

[@atillaucan8314]

Yeah.... no, and never will be. You can't change culture like that i mean Saudi try it very likely with all these star players but you simply can't. Also in europe very less people care about Inter Miami or Al Nassr sad but true :)

[@HC-kn2sq]

The figures in this are skeptical at best

[@Rodiz134]

MLS being top 10 because of messi is a joke, farmers league

[@jennylithgow2993]

Hopefully the growth from Messi stays after he leaves or retires.

[@JohnDoe-we]

Fantastic video as always guys!

[@detoyto6088]

225 k just Madrid VS Barcelona was more than 400 Millions

[@dfpelletier]

Overly optimistic. At its base, sports is cultural. And, culture does not change that easily. Especially, the culture of strong nations like the Americans. So, to think that the MLS will one day surpass the NFL is nonsense. Due to the US economic power, the MLS might be able to more and more easily attract quality players. And, it does, every year. But, to think that the MLS is on an unlimited and stratospheric growth is not reality. To get a reality check, one just needs to look at the TV figures. So, my dear European friends, no need to worry about the MLS taking over your sports as this video suggests.

[@somanshusingh1826]

Please don’t allow USA to enter football

[@leostabauer5930]

We should keep soccer out of football

[@ChronicTheHempHog-mf3nh]

I think football history and the champions league just makes Europe more attractive the only way MLS beats that is buying all the top players in the world at once and I don’t see that happening personally

[@BabsW]

They would also need to Europeanise their league

[@bayokoebi9351]

CR7 fans gather here let's cry 😭😭😭

[@carloscancino20]

Who TF said that the MLS is in the top 10? 😂

[@carloscancino20]

Whoever made this video has no idea of how football works at all and why MLS sucks and still will be a retirement league! Liga MX is a good business but lacks talent like no other! Both leagues are miles away from any European team!!! 😂😂😂

[@InfinteIdeas]

3:10-3:20, that Map of teams locations is very off

[@bachvutuyetvoi3789]

I watch Johnny Harris too, good move with the title 😂

[@HarryWessex]

Such a laughable idea that they'll take over football 😅

[@marcelotononBR]

Mark my words: MLS youth academies will only work if they steal talents from other countries. People think it is easy to find and grow talent. US invest in too many sports, and not like it should in football. And its not just a matter of money, but also how to spend on it.

[@aaronmalpica2369]

Messi couldnt even win the first round of the playoffs lmao but somehow FIF has them going to the CWC this man is handed everything and still couldnt win the MLS

[@theonlydiego1]

Miami still won the supporters shield. You are rewarded it when you get the most point at the end of the season. At one point it did give a spot to the Concacaf Champions League.

[@TDOTSE1]

Man i kove the voice over actor 👑👌🏾

[@PanteraRossa]

LMAO yes that's just what we need, more nepo babies in pro sports!!! Bronny MVP am I right?

[@meetshah123]

Stop smoking weed brother

[@Nik-cg6qr]

Honestly noone watches football in america its even less popular than golf . Unfortunately

[@allemon93]

Sorry I cant take this video seriously when in the beginning it is atated that MLS is the top 9 League in the world LMAO!

[@FardinFI7]

Nope. They just stole soccer.

[@eloyvv]

i see maybe 1/2 messi clips a week... the only thing i care about when it comes to american football its the talent. the mls ect are just not exciting

[@belluh-1huey102]

Pls talk about Japan

[@United_Wings]

I don't think so

[@Unova007]

Let's go a new video!!

[@ChronicTheHempHog-mf3nh]

MLS is only top 10 because of PR

[@hridoyabdullah5133]

Messi the GOAT

[@JajaofAbuja]

This video will age like a cracked egg. This comment? Like fine wine.

[@Casual-Netizen]

Change MLS to MLF and we good 😂