Alex Freeman: NFL Star’s Son Who Scored at the World Cup

In June 2025, Alex Freeman made his first appearance for the U.S. men’s national team. A little more than a year later, he scored at the World Cup. In between came a Gold Cup run, a two-goal night against Uruguay and a move to Spain. Here is how the son of an NFL champion built a name of his own, along with everything you need to know about his age, family and career.

Alex Freeman at a Glance

• Age: 22 (born August 9, 2004)
• Hometown: Plantation, Florida
• Position: Right back
• Club: Villarreal (Spain)
• Height: 6 ft 2 in
• Father: Antonio Freeman

Not Just Antonio’s Son

Alex’s father, Antonio Freeman, played nine seasons in the NFL, made the All-Pro team in 1998 and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. Alex chose a different sport, and his first soccer coach was his stepfather, Jake Hinkle. His mother, Rochelle, is a Liverpool fan who jokingly called him her “little Trent Alexander-Arnold” while he was growing up.

Freeman has said he spent his whole life being known as Antonio’s son, and that he wants to make a name his own children can be proud of.

The 12 Months That Changed Everything

• June 2025: He made his USMNT debut against Türkiye, a 2-1 loss.
• Summer 2025: He started all six Gold Cup matches, becoming the youngest player to make six consecutive starts for the USMNT in a single tournament, and was picked for the MLS All-Star Game.
• November 2025: He scored two goals in a 5-1 win over Uruguay and was named Man of the Match.
• January 2026: He left Orlando City for Villarreal.
• May 2026: He was named to the World Cup roster as its youngest player.
• June 19, 2026: He scored in the 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle.

What His 2025 Season Looked Like

Freeman joined the Orlando City academy in 2020 and won the U.S. Open Cup with the club in 2022. His breakout came in 2025, when he scored six goals and added three assists in 29 MLS games. His six goals tied for second among MLS defenders, and he was named to the MLS Best XI and the All-Star team. He was also voted MLS Young Player of the Year, the first Orlando City player to win the award. You can read more about his MLS season in this MLS.com feature.

The Move to Villarreal

According to ESPN, Freeman joined the La Liga club in January 2026, and Orlando City will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee. Reports put the initial fee at no less than $4 million and the potential total at close to $7 million. His first months in Spain brought limited playing time, which is normal for a young player adapting to a new league.

Where He Fits in the USMNT

Coach Mauricio Pochettino picked Freeman among the 26 players on the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster. At 21, he was the youngest of them all. Forwards such as Folarin Balogun scored most of the team’s goals, while Freeman gave the U.S. an attacking option from the back. The younger group also included midfielder Malik Tillman.

What’s Next

Freeman now needs steady minutes at Villarreal to stay in the national team picture. He will be 25 at the 2030 World Cup, so he has time to grow into a leading role.

FAQs

How old is Alex Freeman?
Alex Freeman was born on August 9, 2004, so he is 22 years old.

Who is Alex Freeman’s father?
His father is Antonio Freeman, a former Green Bay Packers wide receiver who won a Super Bowl.

Which club does Alex Freeman play for?
He plays for Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga, after moving from Orlando City in January 2026.

What position does Alex Freeman play?
He plays as a right back.

Did Alex Freeman score at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. He scored in the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia on June 19, 2026.

What awards did Alex Freeman win in 2025?
He was named MLS Young Player of the Year, and earned MLS Best XI and MLS All-Star honors.

Last updated: October 2026