As the Super Bowl draws near, fans worldwide are gearing up for the NFL‘s biggest event, with this year’s matchup featuring the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Although soccer remains the globe’s most popular sport, interest in American football has expanded internationally, capturing the attention of several renowned soccer players. This growing enthusiasm is evident in the strong ties many of these stars have with either the Patriots or Seahawks, highlighting their surprising loyalties ahead of Super Bowl LX.
Harry Kane’s Connection to the Patriots
Harry Kane, one of soccer’s foremost forwards, is also a notable fan of the New England Patriots. His fandom developed during the Tom Brady era, inspired by Brady’s rise from an overlooked draft pick to a legendary quarterback. Kane witnessed the Patriots’ thrilling 2019 Super Bowl victory over the Los Angeles Rams in person and has even expressed interest in a future NFL career as a kicker, showcasing his deep appreciation for the sport and team.
DeAndre Yedlin: A True Seattle Supporter
Born and raised in Seattle, DeAndre Yedlin has established himself as a prominent figure in both soccer and the city’s sporting community. His journey across clubs in the U.S. and Europe has not diminished his connection to his hometown. Yedlin has proudly taken part in Seahawks traditions, including raising the 12th man flag at Lumen Field, the shared stadium of the Seattle Sounders and Seahawks, symbolizing his passionate support for the team.
Alyssa Naeher’s Patriots Affiliation
Alyssa Naeher grew up near the border of New England and New York fandom zones in Connecticut yet has firmly backed the Patriots. The former number one goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team has been a long-standing supporter of the team. Her connection was notably highlighted when, upon her retirement at the end of 2024, Tom Brady sent her a special message on TNT’s broadcast, offering a memorable moment linking two elite athletes from different sports.
Jordan Morris as a Seahawks Loyalist
Seattle native Jordan Morris, a World Cup veteran and the all-time leading scorer for the Seattle Sounders, shares a deep-rooted bond with the Seahawks. He has credited the energy of Lumen Field’s crowds as a major influence on his determination to excel for his hometown club. His long-standing admiration for the Seahawks reflects the intertwined sports culture of Seattle, reinforcing his status as a star both on and off the soccer field.
Sam and Kristie Mewis: Patriots Fans from Boston
Alongside Alyssa Naeher, sisters Sam and Kristie Mewis, key players on the U.S. Women’s National Team, also support the Patriots. Raised as devoted Boston sports fans in Massachusetts, the Mewis sisters maintain their allegiance to the Patriots despite the demands and travels dictated by their professional soccer careers. Their shared love for the team has further cemented their place among prominent soccer stars backing New England’s NFL squad.
Tim Kleindienst and Kevin Muller Embrace Seahawks Fandom
Representing the NFL’s expanding global footprint, German Bundesliga players Tim Kleindienst and Kevin Muller have been officially recognized by the Seahawks as “12s Everywhere” ambassadors. Kleindienst, who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach, became a Seahawks fan during his teenage years, while Muller, a goalkeeper for FC Heidenheim, has supported the team for over ten years. Their affiliations highlight the growing international reach and influence of the NFL.
Asmir Begovic Champions the Patriots
Asmir Begovic, a Bosnian goalkeeper with experience at clubs including Chelsea, Bournemouth, Stoke, and Everton, has strong ties to North American sports after spending part of his childhood in Canada. He counts himself as one of the Patriots’ most fervent fans, frequently expressing his admiration for the team on social media. Begovic has publicly praised Tom Brady, calling him the
Greatest QB to have ever played the game, no doubt about it.
– Asmir Begovic, Professional Goalkeeper
The diverse loyalties of soccer stars toward the Patriots and Seahawks underscore the Super Bowl’s significance as a global event that transcends American borders. With players like Jordan Morris and DeAndre Yedlin representing the Seahawks, while figures such as Harry Kane, Alyssa Naeher, and the Mewis sisters support the Patriots, the intersection of soccer and American football fandom has never been more pronounced.
This international interest not only amplifies the spectacle surrounding each Super Bowl but also serves as a testament to the NFL’s successful efforts to expand its reach worldwide. As American football continues to attract attention across various sporting communities, the crossover appeal demonstrated by these soccer stars may inspire more fans globally to engage with the NFL in future seasons.
