MLS remembers Grant Wahl

MLSsoccer staff

The Major League Soccer community is coming together to pay tribute to Grant Wahl, the renowned soccer journalist and writer, who passed away Friday at the age of 49.

The following is a statement from MLS Commissioner Don Garber:

We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl. He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable. Grant was an important member of the soccer community for more than two decades, and he will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences are with his wife Celine, his family and loved ones.

On Friday and Saturday, the soccer community in the United States and abroad united to mourn Grant's loss and recognize his life and work:

I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight.

I'm in complete shock. https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE
— Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) December 10, 2022

Statement from MLS on the Passing of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/YTROTSKS9x
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 10, 2022

We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl. He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable. pic.twitter.com/ohJoZlGfk0
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) December 10, 2022

Our entire organization is heartbroken about the passing of Grant Wahl.

He championed soccer and covered it with passion. We loved working with him.

We extend our sincerest condolences to his friends, family and loved ones.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) December 10, 2022

The LA Galaxy mourn the loss of deeply respected American soccer journalist Grant Wahl. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in this trying time. pic.twitter.com/WC2OkrHlFF
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 10, 2022

There are no words to describe the loss of Grant Wahl, an eminence of soccer journalism in the U.S. and worldwide. Your stories, and most importantly your heart and passion, will be deeply missed. https://t.co/yvOvlyu6z3
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) December 10, 2022

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of longtime soccer journalist Grant Wahl. His commitment and passion to growing the world’s game was unparalleled. He will be missed greatly. https://t.co/XzeMcL5qKy
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) December 10, 2022

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Grant Wahl. He was a respected and integral part of our soccer community and he will be greatly missed.

Our deepest condolences to Grant’s family and friends. https://t.co/zEjThQ3LjD
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) December 10, 2022

Not many people loved our game like Grant Wahl did. He will forever be remembered for his incredible journalism, but even so more for the person he was outside of the press box.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 10, 2022

The club is heartbroken at the loss of Grant Wahl, a dedicated journalist, storyteller and respected member of the soccer community.

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 10, 2022

The Portland Timbers Statement on the Passing of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/kuibrqTSwC
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 10, 2022

Can't go anywhere in US soccer circles without bumping into someone Grant Wahl was good to -- anything from a quick hello & some kind words to some meaningful career advice. Just a truly good guy.

Heartbroken tonight.
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) December 10, 2022

In complete shock. Grant was the example so many of us in this business and sport looked to over the past 20 years. I echo what so many have said. He was kind. He was principled. He was inclusive, cheerleading and supporting others to grow the tent. He will be greatly missed.
— Andrew Wiebe (@andrew_wiebe) December 10, 2022

Grant Wahl was a really good person. He meant well, always. First and foremost. A good person.

He was a pillar in this industry and always welcoming with open arms to those below him, like myself.

I can’t imagine what his family are going through. It’s an unimaginable horror. https://t.co/h1AGT3ib7T
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 10, 2022

Life is fragile and there is always a reminder in there to live each moment for what it is. Don’t worry about the past nor the future, take care of the now. It’s the only guarantee in life.

RIP @GrantWahl

St Louis is still better than Kansas my friend. 💔💔💔
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) December 10, 2022

Grant Wahl '96 was one of us.

A Princetonian. A lover of sport. A citizen servant.

He was the best of us and he will be missed.

A Message From Bob Bradley '80 pic.twitter.com/UIZpA4wbRY
— Princeton Men’s Soccer (@TigerMensSoccer) December 10, 2022

Peter Vermes reflecting on the legacy of KC native Grant Wahl. We continue to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/ewfTiucKUJ pic.twitter.com/kTMeZxzDFz
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) December 12, 2022

NASR statement on the passing of our colleague Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/BXLr3sHSXA
— North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) (@soccerreporters) December 10, 2022

Grant Wahl was kind. Needlessly kind. I love him and I’ll miss him.

He treated me with a level of respect I didn’t deserve. He gave me an opportunity when I needed one. And most importantly he was kind. Needlessly kind

I’ll miss him. I’m devastated beyond words
— Chris Wittyngham (@ChrisWittyngham) December 10, 2022

Grant Wahl was my friend and was one of the most generous, kind, and encouraging people I knew in or out of sports media. He was such a bright presence; I never talked to him without feeling a little better about the world afterward. This is crushing. https://t.co/PexnfvmZbC
— Brian Phillips (@brianphillips) December 10, 2022

I’m grateful to Grant Wahl for helping me make it as a soccer writer, but I’m more grateful that his urge to help people who could use his help extended all throughout soccer and way beyond it. I hope we live up to that.
— John Muller (@johnspacemuller) December 10, 2022

No writer has done more for American soccer than @GrantWahl. As a reporter, he was sharp, incisive and principled. As a person, he was warm, kind, generous and inclusive. He was at the apex of his beat and only ever pulled others up to join him. What a horrific, tragic loss 💔
— Matt Ufford (@mattufford) December 10, 2022

Everytime that I had the opportunity to speak to Grant, he was always class. Someone who was truly dedicate to the game of soccer. RIP Grant Wahl You will be missed deeply.💔 https://t.co/QT5SNhMFjB
— Paul Arriola (@PaulArriola) December 10, 2022

As a complete nube in the soccer space in 2016, Grant Wahl made me feel like I belonged. The first to offer support, the first to congratulate you on any level of success. I always had to pinch myself that someone like Grant even knew who I was. What a seismic loss💔
— Susannah Collins (@susannahcollins) December 10, 2022

Our condolences to the family and friends of soccer journalist Grant Wahl 🙏 https://t.co/CUDOssbBfX
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) December 10, 2022

We are deeply saddened over the passing of sports journalist, Grant Wahl. Our heartfelt condolences are with his wife, his family, and his love ones in this period of mourning.

RIP, Grant. pic.twitter.com/c7qNf7WtwQ
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) December 10, 2022

Despite being the most prominent soccer journalist in the country, Grant Wahl always had time for anyone who shared in his passion for soccer. From myself to aspiring journislts to fans, he was top class and kind.

My heart goes out to @celinegounder and his family 🙏
— Jillian Sakovits (@JillianSakovits) December 10, 2022

Shocked by the news on Grant Wahl. Hearthbreaking, unbelievable. My heart goes out to family, friends, wife. He was a fantastic guy and journalist.

Sad, shocked.
May you rest in peace, Grant.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 10, 2022

Numb. Shocked. Devastated to hear the news about Grant Wahl. The world lost a kind human being. Met Grant as a young reporter and later had the pleasure of working with him last WC. He loved people, life and our sport. May your soul rest in peace Grant. 🙏🏻
— Tony Meola (@TMeola1) December 10, 2022

LeBron James offered his remembrance of journalist Grant Wahl tonight in Philadelphia. Wahl, who died at the age of 48 while covering the World Cup in Qatar, wrote the first Sports Illustrated cover story on James - “The Chosen One” - when LeBron was still a teenager. pic.twitter.com/mZIMx1TJiB
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 10, 2022

Ahhh, still trying to process this all… we lost one of our greats today. Grant Wahl not only elevated the game here in the US thx to his coverage, he LOVED the game & knew it’s power was transformational… much more than Xs and Os, than wins and losses. RIP Grant. 🙏❤️
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) December 10, 2022

On behalf of myself and the @USMNT, we offer our deepest sympathy to @celinegounder & all those who mourn the loss of Grant Wahl. As players we have a tremendous amount of respect for the work of journalists, & Grant's was a giant voice in soccer that has tragically fallen silent https://t.co/RANXfTnQGj
— Tyler Adams (@tyler_adams14) December 10, 2022

Do not want to make this about me, only about the great person Grant Wahl was. After my horrific injury i was in a dark place & was refusing every media request, was not in a space to speak about it. Grant flew to Seattle & convinced me to speak for two hours. It was therapeutic
— Steve Zakuani (@Zakuani11) December 10, 2022

Rest in Peace, Grant. pic.twitter.com/4pNLmhFldg
— Jesse Marsch (@jessemarsch) December 10, 2022

Grant Wahl was a friend, colleague, trusted journalist, an American soccer tour de force. He willed the sport upon those who didn’t know they needed it. His contacts were unheard of. His writing captivated. Profoundly sad, but honored to have had him in my/our lives.
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) December 10, 2022

Grant Wahl was the first ever guest on our FuboTV show. He was kinder to us than he ever needed to be and always looked out for us. He'd even come to our stand-up shows occasionally. This legendary sports journalist embraced two comedians who loved soccer. We are devastated. 💔 pic.twitter.com/b8gdjs4yp9
— The Cooligans (@SoccerCooligans) December 10, 2022

Shocked and saddened by the passing of Grant Wahl. We shared a lot of stories and memories over the years. A great man who always had my respect. My condolences to his family. Praying for you all💔 RIP Grant 🙏🏾
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) December 10, 2022

We are heartbroken to hear of Grant Wahl’s sudden passing. Beloved by all who knew him, Grant’s dedication and impact on the game was immeasurable. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends.
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 10, 2022

The Rapids are saddened to hear of the passing of Grant Wahl. We join the soccer community in mourning the loss of such a passionate and influential figure in the growth of our sport in the U.S. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. https://t.co/m0lTzyWhLM
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) December 10, 2022

Columbus Crew statement on the passing of Grant Wahl: https://t.co/c8RjywBL9c pic.twitter.com/JQVXmRCcXt
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 10, 2022

It is impossible to measure the impact Grant Wahl had on soccer in the United States.

Not only was he a passionate and dedicated champion of our game, but he was a kind and thoughtful person.

The club send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
— D.C. United (@dcunited) December 10, 2022

pic.twitter.com/Nwp6sy0bB9
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) December 10, 2022

Sporting Kansas City mourns the loss of Grant Wahl. The Kansas native was so much more than just a journalist to many. His passion for storytelling and the beautiful game made him a beloved member of the soccer community.

Our thought are with his family and friends.
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) December 10, 2022

LAFC is shocked and saddened by the passing of legendary soccer journalist Grant Wahl. The global soccer community and journalism lost a giant. There was no one like him. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family.
— LAFC (@LAFC) December 10, 2022

Our club is heartbroken at the news of Grant Wahl’s passing. His passion for covering and growing the sport of soccer was unmatched. He will be missed deeply by everyone in our soccer community and the sport will not be the same. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) December 10, 2022

We are heartbroken to hear of Grant Wahl’s passing. He was a pillar in the American soccer community and beloved by all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be missed. RIP 💙❤️
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) December 10, 2022

Alongside the entire soccer community, NYCFC mourns the passing of Grant Wahl who had an immeasurable impact on helping grow the game we love. Grant was a great journalist and person who will be dearly missed.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) December 10, 2022

The entire Union family mourns the shocking loss of Grant Wahl and sends our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

The soccer community has lost a caring, passionate voice and a wonderful human being who dedicated much of his life to the sport we all love.
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) December 10, 2022

Club statement on the tragic passing of Grant Wahl pic.twitter.com/HUCTf4xChV
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 10, 2022

Whitecaps FC are mourning the loss of Grant Wahl, an incredible journalist who loved the game and every story that comes with it. We are thinking of his family, friends and the soccer community during this difficult time. https://t.co/utLob2CZNy
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) December 10, 2022

We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of Grant Wahl. Grant's storytelling brought us all closer to the sport, and our community was made better by both his commitment to the game and the individuals behind it. We send our sincerest condolences to all his loved ones.
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) December 10, 2022

Have just woken in Doha to hear the shocking news that Grant Wahl has passed. The game in America was lucky to be served by such a brilliant journalist and , in my time covering the US men’s and women’s teams , a kind and helpful companion. I can’t quite believe this. RIP Grant.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) December 10, 2022

Incredibly shocked & saddened to hear of Grant Wahl’s passing. He gave so much to the game he loved & helped it grow. Gone way too soon but his legacy will live on and not be forgotten! My deepest condolences to his family & friends, you will be missed bro! RIP @GrantWahl 💔💔💔
— Maurice Edu (@MauriceEdu) December 10, 2022

Sending my deepest condolences to @celinegounder & all of those who mourn the loss of Grant Wahl. A pioneer when it comes to his journalism and work across all sports. Grant was so fundamental in promoting soccer in the United States and will be sorely missed by so many.
— Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) December 10, 2022

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