USMNT fans were surprised that Giovanni Reyna barely featured at the Qatar World Cup, and the Borussia Dortmund star has since issued a statement following claims he showed a 'lack of effort'.
The 20-year-old played a total of 55 minutes across their four World Cup games, with only ten of those minutes coming from their three group stage matches. The USMNT were knocked out by the Netherlands in the round of 16, and there was a sense of unrest within the camp.
Christian Pulisic may be their star man, but Reyna is seen as the future for the USMNT, which is why head coach Gregg Berhalter received criticism for barely giving him a look. But in the wake of their exit it's become clear that Reyna's attitude wasn't tolerated, and he's since apologised and even issued a statement on social media.
The Athletic reported that Reyna's attitude affected his involvement in the World Cup, after they received intel from sources close to the USMNT that explained why he sidelined for most of the tournament. Reyna reportedly showed an alarming lack of effort in training ahead of their World Cup opener against Wales, and he began to cause frustration within the team.
Reyna launched his shin pads after he wasn't picked to come on against Wales, and his lack of effort began to snowball from there. Berhalter brought Reyna on for the last 10 minutes against England, and snubbed him once again against Iran.
Following the claims within the media that Reyna wasn't giving 100 percent, he's offered his side of the story on Instagram, admitting he felt 'devastated'. "I hoped not to comment on matters at the World Cup. It is my belief that things that happen in a team setting ought to remain private," Reyna said.
"That being said, statements have been made that reflect on my professionalism and character, so I feel the need to make a brief statement. Just before the World Cup, Coach Berhalter told me that my role at the tournament would be very limited. I was devastated.
"I am someone who plays with pride and passion. Soccer is my life, and I believe in my abilities. I fully expected and desperately wanted to contribute to the play of a talented group as we tried to make a statement at the World Cup.
"I am also a very emotional person, and I fully acknowledge that I let my emotions get the best of me and affect my training and behaviour for a few days after learning about my limited role. I apologised to my teammates and coach for this, and I was told I was forgiven. Thereafter, I shook off my disappointment and gave everything I had on and off the field.
"I am disappointed that there is continuing coverage of this matter (as well as some highly fictionalised versions of events) and extremely surprised that anyone on the U.S. men's team staff would contribute to it. Coach Berhalter has always said that issues that arise with the team will stay "in house" so we can focus on team unity and progress.
"I love my team, I love representing my country, and I am focusing now only on improving and growing as a soccer player and a person. I hope that going forward each person involved in U.S. Soccer focuses only on what is in the best interest of the men's national team so we can enjoy great success at the World Cup in 2026."
Reyna came on for the entire second half against the Netherlands in the last 16, but it wasn't enough as they lost 3-1 to end their tournament early. Reyna may have apologised to his team-mates, but his agent backed his corner, saying is was 'more complicated' than first reported.
"Gio obviously did not have the experience anyone hoped for at the World Cup," agent Dan Segal said. "The situation, relationships and interactions among parties are far more complicated than what has been reported.
"It is disappointing and disrespectful for certain parties to be commenting on private team matters publicly, especially when some do so without full knowledge of the facts and others do so in a self-serving manner. At this point, our view is that nothing more is gained by those associated with the national team turning on each other, and we plan no further comment on this matter."
The USMNT will now look ahead to 2026, when they have the privilege of hosting the competition alongside Canada and Mexico. Reyna will be older and more experienced by then, and could have a huge part to play.
