Alex Freeman Adjusts to New Normal After Breakout World Cup
The 22-year-old USMNT star navigates increased fame and life in Spain.
Alex Freeman, the 22-year-old Villarreal star, is adjusting to a "new normal" following his standout performance in the recent World Cup. Freeman started every game for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) during the tournament, contributing a goal and quickly rising to celebrity status.
His experience has drawn parallels to his father, former Packers receiver Antonio Freeman, who was accustomed to being recognized. However, Alex noted that the nature of fan attention has shifted. "When I went away to Spain, it was different cause everyone plays football there. Obviously football is big, but there’s so many big players as well," Freeman told The Post. "After the World Cup, it was a different kind of recognition."
Since Mauricio Pochettino took the helm of the national team, Freeman's stock has significantly increased. After the World Cup, he took what he described as a break of sorts in Fort Lauderdale, but his definition of "normal" has changed.