As sports fans, we occasionally get lucky with a new TV analyst who brings terrific depth, insight, and color to their work during broadcasts. For Fox’s Euro 2024 coverage, this person is undoubtedly Italian soccer legend Giorgio Chiellini.
He didn’t disappoint with his final thoughts from Fox’s Los Angeles studio after Lamine Yamal’s Spain advanced to the Euro Final this Sunday.
As Chiellini said goodbye to L.A. and the United States — he is heading to Berlin to cover the Euro Final on location and will eventually move back to Italy after living stateside for two years — he delivered a surprising speech about the beauty of soccer. More importantly, he pleaded with American soccer fans to continue investing in the game and helping it grow.
You genuinely almost get tears watching moments like this:
"Thanks to all you fans, because we shared a beautiful month together. A lot of emotions, and we really enjoyed this fantastic tournament." 🥹
Thank you, @chiellini!! 💙👏 pic.twitter.com/wWyTCFb2aE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 9, 2024
I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Here’s the critical part of Chiellini’s on-air request in full:
“I want to ask you something. Please continue to watch soccer everyday. Please continue to play soccer. Please continue to live soccer everyday … please help us to continue making it better and better.”
Chiellini’s comments put American soccer in a spotlight it soon won’t be able to escape. The 2026 World Cup will be partly hosted by the United States, with the Final being played in the New York Giants and New York Jets’ home stadium. If that tournament really resonates with American fans, the sky will be the limit.
Seeing soccer thrive on this side of the pond in the coming years would be tremendous. Kudos to Chiellini for understanding the stakes.
