World Cup & Soccer News | June 8, 2010

Hollywood stars aligned to support U.S. World Cup team

Martin Rogers
June 9, 2010


Manchester, GB — America's newest soccer hero stepped forward in front of the capacity crowd for his moment of truth, swung his right boot and broke thousands of English hearts.

After he emerged from being mobbed by his jubilant teammates, the man of the hour punched the air, screamed towards the heavens and broke into a massive grin.

"That was awesome," said Woody Harrelson, lifting his soccer shirt to wipe sweat from his brow.

Only the most rabidly superstitious of fans would read any ominous portents into the events of Sunday night at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, where the actor combined comedy, drama and adventure in striking the winning penalty kick as a Rest of the World team including Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Henrik Larsson beat an England celebrity side.

Forgive me for stating the blindingly obvious but the dramatic finish from Harrelson, a star of "Cheers," "Indecent Proposal" and "Natural Born Killlers," won't make a shred of difference to the outcome of Saturday's World Cup clash between the United States and England in Rustenburg.

That didn't stop the English tabloids from having some fun with the story, especially given England's horrific history in penalty shootouts and the feverish anticipation for the tournament that is now in full flow.

However, Harrelson's involvement in the match was just the latest example of the American celebrity circuit's increasing fascination with soccer, a phenomenon which has ensured U.S. coach Bob Bradley and his men will have some heavyweight support when the tournament kicks off this week.

"Everyone I talk to in the showbiz industry is obsessed about what is going to happen at the World Cup," Harrelson said. "We all want to see the passion, the excitement and the greatest stars in the world. But most of all, we want to get behind the USA."

Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt took his love of soccer to a different level last week in becoming an official member of the bidding committee that hopes to bring the World Cup to America in either 2018 or 2022. While the celebrity scene has always had a smattering of soccer fans, it was previously regarded as a guilty pleasure, not an interest to be broadcast.

"Soccer is something the world has been in love with for a long time and that America is now learning to love," Pitt said. "There will be more excitement for this World Cup than any before it and it is only going to grow."

Bradley's squad has already been promised an appearance by President Barack Obama if they reach the latter stages of the tournament. Pitt and director Spike Lee, who is also part of the 2018-2022 bidding committee, are expected to drop by for USA matches as well.

Other high-profile American sports stars are planning to spend time taking in World Cup games this summer, meaning the U.S. could have the glitziest backing of any team in the tournament.

"The World Cup is one of the most amazing things in sports," basketball superstar Kobe Bryant said. "I love it. I love watching the games and seeing it all. I love seeing the greats and the big teams and we all want to see our country fighting hard against those big guys."

Bryant is featured in Nike's mega-budget World Cup commercial, alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he has admitted he will be glued to his television once the NBA Finals are over.

"It is a pretty cool thing for us to have people behind us in America and the fact that famous celebrities are now getting into soccer represents the growth in the game," USA captain Carlos Bocanegra said. "I'm not sure if it makes you play better, but it certainly gives you a big incentive to do well for yourself, your country and for the people rooting you on."

A smattering of female celebrities has also caught the soccer bug, although their following may have more to do with the physiques of certain star players than a deep-rooted love of the sport. Reports have indicated that socialites Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian are considering making the trip to South Africa, due to their, ahem, friendships with Portugal and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo.

So, in more ways than one, showbiz America is falling in love with soccer.

•  Soccer, World Cup News Archive Index
2010, 2009
•  Soccer Tickets
•  World Cup Tickets