MLS clubs pay tribute following passing of Grant Wahl
By Chris Smith
The US soccer world was rocked on Friday with the tragic news of the passing of renowned journalist Grant Wahl.
Wahl was one of the most prominent media members in US soccer history, a veteran of multiple major tournaments across the men's and women's game, and a key pillar in growing the game in North America.
An official cause of death has not been disclosed, but Wahl was at the Lusail Iconic Stadium covering the quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands on Friday when he is said to have collapsed in the press box. But after being transported by emergency services, he was later pronounced dead.
"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," Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "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."
Naturally, given his standing in US soccer, a huge outpouring of grief and condolences followed, including from clubs across MLS:
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 soccer community hurts tonight. https://t.co/jXBSzufwHw
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) 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.
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) December 10, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Grant’s family and friends. https://t.co/zEjThQ3LjD
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
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Grant Wahl. Grant was a tremendous person who was admired throughout the world of soccer.
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) December 10, 2022
The FC Cincinnati community is thinking of Grant’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time. https://t.co/QmzSRbnVSZ
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
Our entire organization is heartbroken about the passing of Grant Wahl.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) December 10, 2022
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.
A message from D.C. United CEO & Co-Chairman Jason Levien regarding the passing of Grant Wahl. pic.twitter.com/gCVTykrC8d
— D.C. United (@dcunited) December 10, 2022
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) 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
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
Nous nous joignons à la communauté du soccer nord-américain et offrons nos sympathies aux proches du journaliste Grant Wahl.
— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) December 10, 2022
Grant Wahl was a deeply knowledgeable and dedicated journalist. His sudden loss saddens us all. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/shffJl6KsI
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 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.
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) December 10, 2022
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.
The club is heartbroken at the loss of Grant Wahl, a dedicated journalist, storyteller and respected member of the soccer community.
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 10, 2022
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
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.
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 10, 2022
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
The entire Union family mourns the shocking loss of Grant Wahl and sends our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) December 10, 2022
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.
The Portland Timbers Statement on the Passing of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/kuibrqTSwC
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) 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
Club statement on the tragic passing of Grant Wahl pic.twitter.com/HUCTf4xChV
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) 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.
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) December 10, 2022
Our thought are with his family and friends.
Our organization is devastated to learn about the tragic passing of @GrantWahl.
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) December 10, 2022
His incredible work, kindness and passion for growing this sport will always be fondly remembered.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.
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