There wasn't many like Jedi in 2024.
In a heartwarming and unforgettable moment, U.S. men’s national team legend Tim Howard surprised Fulham and USMNT star Antonee "Jedi" Robinson with yet another thing to add to the left-back’s extraordinary form: Robinson is U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year for 2024.
Antonee Robinson is the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/0qGMhrw4xM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 5, 2025
The surprise came via a video call, where Howard, who also made himself a career in the Premier League, shared the exciting announcement with Robinson who had no idea that the news was the sole purpose of the call.
Video: Tim Howard surprises Jedi Robinson with U.S. Soccer Player of the Year reveal
“I was wondering why we had an extra interview… that’s mental! That’s unreal” said Robinson after hearing the news.
“Don’t really know what to say, to be honest. That wasn’t the call I was expecting. It’s an honor. Representing my country in general is an honor, it’s not something I do for any individual accolades — it’s always putting the team first… it feels unreal” he added.
"I can't really describe it, it feels unreal."
Tim Howard surprised Fulham and USMNT star Antonee Robinson with the news that he was named 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/6sBR2D5zIi— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 5, 2025
The 27-year-old, who has been a standout performer for both Fulham in the Premier League and the USMNT, has become one of the top left-backs in the world, recently being nominated for the league’s December Player of the Month.
His speed, defensive prowess, and attacking runs down the flank had already earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike, now with top clubs looking at the American for a big transfer in the upcoming windows.. But it was his consistent contributions to the national team, particularly in their 2024 Nations League championship run and international friendlies, that solidified his place as one of the top players in U.S. Soccer.
For 'Jedi', this recognition adds to what has already been an incredible year and now carries the title of U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year into the next phase of his promising career.
