San Jose Earthquakes Complete Transfer of German International Timo Werner on High-Profile Designated Player Deal
In one of Major League Soccer’s most significant signings of 2026, the San Jose Earthquakes have officially completed the transfer of German international striker Timo Werner from RB Leipzig. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal represents a watershed moment for the California club, bringing a former Champions League winner and German national team star to PayPal Park on a contract through June 2028. This high-profile Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer showcases MLS’s growing ability to attract elite European talent in their prime years rather than merely serving as a retirement destination.
The San Jose Earthquakes have acquired forward Timo Werner from German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, the club announced Thursday. The 29-year-old German international is under contract through June 2028 and will occupy a Designated Player roster spot, representing one of San Jose’s biggest-ever transfers. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes announcement confirms weeks of speculation and negotiations that captivated American soccer fans eager to see another elite European striker competing in MLS.
The financial structure of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal involved creative negotiation between all parties. RB Leipzig is paying Timo Werner a severance payment of around €2 million as part of the transfer to San José Earthquakes. Werner would have earned just over €5 million in salary until the summer, meaning Leipzig “saves” around €3 million and is settling with Werner for about €2 million. This severance arrangement facilitated the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer by addressing Leipzig’s desire to remove his wages from their budget while compensating the player fairly for contract termination.
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Deal Structure Explained
Understanding the mechanics behind the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer requires examining MLS’s unique roster rules. Werner will be registered as a Designated Player for the Quakes, which means they are more likely to match his current salary at the Red Bull Arena. The Designated Player rule allows MLS clubs to sign up to three players whose salary exceeds the league’s maximum budget charge, enabling the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing despite salary cap constraints that would otherwise prevent such acquisitions.
To complete the deal, San Jose acquired Werner’s Discovery Priority from Red Bull New York in exchange for $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM). This transaction demonstrates MLS’s Byzantine allocation system, where teams must navigate discovery rights, allocation money, and various roster mechanisms. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer required San Jose to compensate Red Bull New York for relinquishing their discovery claim on Werner, a fascinating wrinkle unique to American soccer.
The permanent nature of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal distinguishes it from many European-to-MLS transfers that involve loans. Deal in place for the German striker to try new chapter in MLS. Werner leaves Leipzig and will sign at San Jose in the next days after verbal agreement reached, as reports confirmed. It will be a permanent deal. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes commitment through 2028 demonstrates mutual long-term vision rather than short-term experimentation.
RB Leipzig is still in talks with San José about whether a small transfer fee (low six-figure) will be paid or whether it will be a completely free transfer. The ultimate resolution of this detail affects the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer’s total cost, though the relatively modest figures involved suggest the severance payment represents the primary financial consideration. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes financial package prioritizes removing Werner from Leipzig’s wage structure rather than extracting significant transfer fee revenue.
Timo Werner’s Illustrious Career Before San Jose Earthquakes
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing brings to MLS one of the past decade’s most prolific German strikers. Werner has tallied 153 goals and 86 assists in 449 professional appearances since debuting for boyhood club VfB Stuttgart in 2013. This impressive statistical record validates the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes acquisition as a coup for both the club and the league, adding a genuinely elite goalscorer to MLS’s attacking talent pool.
The peak of Werner’s career came during his first stint with RB Leipzig from 2016-2020. The German has scored 171 goals over the course of his career, including 24 for the national team. He is Leipzig’s all-time top goalscorer with 113 goals for the club across multiple spells. This prolific Leipzig record provides context for why the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes move generates such excitement—at his best, Werner was one of Europe’s most lethal finishers.
Werner’s best run of form came during a four-season spell with Leipzig from 2016-2020 when he scored 95 goals in 159 league and cup appearances. This extraordinary productivity attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs, leading to his big-money move to Chelsea. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer aims to recapture elements of this peak form by providing Werner with the perfect environment to rediscover his scoring touch.
The Chelsea chapter of Werner’s career, while trophy-laden, proved frustrating from a personal standpoint. In addition to his Bundesliga career, he’s also featured for English Premier League sides Chelsea (2020-22) and Tottenham Hotspur (2024-25). Despite winning major honors, Werner struggled for consistent goalscoring form in England, a disappointment that eventually led to his return to Leipzig and ultimately the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer.
His trophy cabinet nonetheless impresses, validating the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing’s pedigree. He’s won seven trophies across club and country, including the 2021 UEFA Champions League and 2021 FIFA Club World Cup. These elite honors distinguish Werner from typical MLS imports, with the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal bringing genuine Champions League-winning experience to the Bay Area.
International Career Enhances Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Appeal
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer brings substantial international experience to MLS. Internationally, Werner has scored 24 goals in 57 caps for Germany. He appeared at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020. This international pedigree elevates the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing beyond mere club achievement, confirming Werner’s status as one of Germany’s premier attackers during recent major tournaments.
Werner’s international career peaked between 2017-2021 when he was a regular starter for the German national team. His pace, movement, and finishing ability made him an ideal fit for Germany’s counter-attacking system during this period. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer brings this international class to MLS, potentially raising the league’s profile by featuring a player who has competed at World Cups and European Championships.
His 24 international goals place Werner among Germany’s leading scorers of the past decade. While not reaching the stratospheric totals of all-time greats like Miroslav Klose or Gerd Müller, Werner’s international record demonstrates consistent production at the highest level. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes acquisition therefore represents a genuine coup, signing a player whose goal-scoring ability was validated on football’s biggest stages.
Recent years have seen Werner fall out of favor with the German national team as younger players emerge and his club form declined. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes move might represent an opportunity to rebuild his international credentials through consistent playing time and goal-scoring in MLS, potentially earning recall to the German squad if he rediscovers peak form in California.
Why Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Transfer Makes Tactical Sense
The tactical rationale behind the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal centers on addressing critical attacking deficiencies. Werner helps spearhead San Jose’s reworked attack after forward Josef Martínez (Club Tijuana) and winger Cristian Espinoza (Nashville SC) departed this winter. These significant losses stripped San Jose of 18 goals and 14 assists from last season, creating urgent need for attacking reinforcement that the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer directly addresses.
Bruce Arena’s tactical system should suit Werner’s strengths, making the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes partnership promising. The striker exploits spaces in quick transitions, makes incisive runs, and applies early pressure after possession is lost. Arena’s pragmatic approach typically emphasizes quick transitions and direct play, exactly the environment where Werner thrived during his Leipzig peak. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes tactical fit appears ideal for both player and coach.
At his technical peak, Werner played as a right or left winger (exploiting depth) and fulfilled roles as a second striker. This versatility benefits the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes tactical flexibility, allowing Arena to deploy Werner across the front line depending on opponent and match situation. Rather than being confined to a static center-forward role where his weaknesses become exposed, Werner can utilize his pace and movement in positions that maximize his strengths.
The partnership between Werner and Cristian Arango could become formidable in the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes attacking structure. The Earthquakes recently re-signed forward Cristian Arango to a new deal through December of 2027, providing Werner with an experienced strike partner. However, reports suggest Arango is likely headed to Colombian side Atlético Nacional, which could alter the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes tactical equation by making Werner the unquestioned attacking focal point.
Werner’s pressing intensity aligns with modern MLS tactical trends. The striker applies early pressure after possession is lost, fitting the high-energy, physically demanding style that characterizes successful MLS teams. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes pressing from the front will be crucial to Arena’s defensive organization, with Werner’s work rate ensuring San Jose can defend from forward positions effectively.
Bruce Arena’s Role in Completing Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Transfer
The personal involvement of legendary American coach Bruce Arena proved decisive in finalizing the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal. “It’s always a big decision to go to America, but everything is there to be successful,” Werner said. “The stadium and the facilities are beautiful. Also, it really impressed me that an experienced manager like Bruce, who has had so much success in the league, flew over here to Germany to talk to me about the plan.” Arena’s personal recruitment trip demonstrated to Werner that the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes project represents serious ambition rather than a paycheck-chasing retirement move.
Arena’s track record as one of MLS’s most successful coaches gave credibility to the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes sales pitch. With five MLS Cup championships to his name and experience managing both the U.S. Men’s National Team and top club sides, Arena commands respect from elite players. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes recruitment benefited from Arena’s reputation, with Werner recognizing that playing under such an experienced, successful coach maximizes his chances of rediscovering peak form.
“We’re excited about signing Timo Werner,” said Earthquakes sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena. “I think he’ll be an excellent acquisition for our team, and we’re really looking forward to him coming to San Jose. To have a player of Timo’s caliber coming in is simply outstanding for the club and the community. I believe he’ll offer us quality on the field, experience and leadership.” Arena’s public comments on the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing emphasize not just the player’s on-field abilities but also his leadership qualities and experience—intangibles that could transform San Jose’s culture.
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes partnership enters Arena’s second season managing San Jose. They’re entering the club’s second season under Arena, providing continuity that should benefit Werner’s adaptation. Rather than joining a club in transition with new management, Werner enters an established system where Arena has had time to implement his philosophy. This stability makes the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes integration process smoother than if Werner were joining during managerial upheaval.
Arena’s German trip reportedly included a secret meeting between the Earthquakes and Werner a couple of weeks ago. This clandestine recruitment effort demonstrates the seriousness with which San Jose pursued the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer, with Arena willing to travel internationally and conduct discrete negotiations to secure his signature before rivals could hijack the deal.
Werner’s Motivations for the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Move
Understanding why Werner embraced the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes opportunity requires examining his situation at RB Leipzig. Werner, 29, has made just three appearances totaling 13 minutes this season in what is his second stint with Leipzig. This dramatic lack of playing time made the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes offer attractive, providing guaranteed starter status rather than continued bench-warming in Germany.
Werner’s contract situation created urgency for all parties in the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes negotiations. Werner’s current contract with the “Red Bulls” runs until the summer of 2026, meaning Leipzig faced losing him on a free transfer in just months. This reality motivated Leipzig to facilitate the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal by accepting modest compensation and paying severance rather than receiving nothing when his contract expired.
Leipzig’s sporting director acknowledged that Werner needed a fresh start, indirectly endorsing the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes move. “He always conducted himself professionally and correctly,” Leipzig director of sport Marcel Schäfer said. “Despite that, I think he wants more playing time, and we have discussed with him that it is perhaps time for a change.” This mutual recognition that Werner’s Leipzig career had reached its end cleared the path for the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer without acrimony.
Werner’s recent loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur proved disappointing, further motivating the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes fresh start. He played for Tottenham Hotspur while on loan for parts of the last two seasons, where he managed just three goals in 41 league and cup appearances. This poor return in English football suggested Werner needed a complete change of environment rather than another European opportunity, making the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes move to MLS appealing.
The competitive drive that characterized Werner’s peak years motivates his Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes approach. “The Earthquakes fans can expect to get a player who gives everything on the pitch, every game. Every club I’ve joined, I’ve wanted to win a trophy. In the end, I’ve always delivered. That’s why I want to come to San Jose – to win.” This winner’s mentality suggests the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes partnership could prove transformative if Werner rediscovers even a portion of his Leipzig form.
Inter Miami Miss: How San Jose Won Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Battle
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal occurred despite initial speculation linking Werner to Inter Miami. Werner became one of the favorites to sign with Inter Miami following reports of Lionel Messi’s team seeking attacking reinforcement. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes outcome represented a significant win for San Jose over MLS’s highest-profile club, demonstrating that factors beyond mere glamour influence elite player decisions.
Inter Miami’s priorities shifted away from Werner, enabling the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer to proceed. However, the priority given to signing Tadeo Allende on a permanent basis ultimately changed the initial plans to sign the veteran German striker. Inter Miami’s decision to pursue other targets opened the door for the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes negotiations to advance without competition from Messi’s team.
The connection to Red Bull’s soccer network initially suggested Werner might join New York Red Bulls rather than resulting in the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal. Werner has been linked with a move to the US for a while now, first with Leipzig’s sister club, New York Red Bulls and then several other teams throughout the league. The eventual Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes outcome demonstrates that the Red Bull connection wasn’t determinative, with Werner choosing the best sporting project rather than organizational familiarity.
San Jose’s ability to complete the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal ahead of wealthier, more glamorous rivals validates their increasingly sophisticated recruitment operation. The combination of Arena’s personal appeal, the club’s commitment to winning, and San Jose’s willingness to structure a deal favorable to Werner overcame any disadvantages relative to larger-market rivals. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success shows that smart recruitment can level the playing field against financially dominant opponents.
What Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Means for MLS
The broader implications of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer extend throughout Major League Soccer. Werner represents exactly the type of signing MLS needs to elevate its international profile—a current German international in his late twenties joining a club outside the traditional glamour destinations. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal demonstrates MLS’s growing appeal to elite European players seeking competitive, professional environments rather than semi-retirement.
The timing of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes announcement during 2026 World Cup year carries additional significance. With the tournament hosted across North America, MLS benefits from increased global attention to soccer in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing during this pivotal year showcases the league’s quality to international audiences who might otherwise dismiss MLS as inferior to European leagues.
Werner’s arrival continues MLS’s evolution from retirement league to legitimate destination for players in their prime. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal follows similar recent signings of European stars who still have elite years ahead rather than merely cashing final paychecks. This trend validates MLS’s investment in infrastructure, coaching, and competitive balance that makes the league attractive to ambitious players like Werner.
The financial structure of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer might establish precedent for future European-to-MLS deals. The combination of severance payments from selling clubs, creative use of allocation money, and Designated Player slots could become a template for acquiring players whose European contracts are winding down. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes model demonstrates how MLS clubs can compete for players they couldn’t afford through traditional transfer fees.
San Jose Earthquakes’ Transformation and Werner’s Role
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing represents the centerpiece of San Jose’s ambitious squad rebuild. The Earthquakes kick off their 2026 campaign at home against Sporting Kansas City on February 21, a fixture that could well see Werner make his MLS debut. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes era begins with this opening match, where San Jose fans will get their first glimpse of how their new star adapts to American soccer.
San Jose’s recent struggles make the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes acquisition crucial to their competitive revival. The club missed the playoffs in recent seasons despite intermittent success under Arena’s management. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing signals ownership’s commitment to providing Arena with the resources necessary to return San Jose to playoff contention and beyond.
The Western Conference landscape makes the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes impact potentially decisive. With the Western Conference undergoing significant changes—several teams have hired new managers, and reigning regular season champions San Diego are expected to field a revamped squad—the stage is set for a wide-open race. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes addition positions San Jose to capitalize on this competitive uncertainty by adding established quality while rivals rebuild.
Youth development considerations factor into the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes strategy. Having an elite European striker like Werner provides developmental benefits for San Jose’s young players who can learn from training and playing alongside a former Champions League winner. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes presence elevates expectations and standards throughout the organization, potentially accelerating the development of homegrown talent.
Commercial implications of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal could prove substantial for the club. Werner’s international profile should drive merchandise sales, ticket demand, and media attention that benefit San Jose’s business operations. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes marketing potential extends beyond the Bay Area to German-American communities and international soccer fans interested in following Werner’s MLS journey.
Tactical Challenges Werner Faces in Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Adaptation
Despite his pedigree, the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transition presents adaptation challenges. However, the German striker has struggled in recent years with low finishing efficiency, difficulty maintaining consistency in his game rhythm, and less impact when isolated on the wing. These documented weaknesses could resurface during the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes adjustment period, particularly as MLS’s physical, direct style differs significantly from European football’s technical emphasis.
The pace and style of MLS matches will test Werner’s adaptation in the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes integration. American soccer’s emphasis on athleticism, counter-pressing, and physical duels contrasts with Bundesliga football where Werner previously thrived. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success depends on whether Werner can adjust to these stylistic differences or whether MLS’s unique characteristics expose his weaknesses.
Travel demands represent another Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes challenge unique to American sports. MLS’s transcontinental travel schedule with matches from coast to coast and into Canada taxes players physically more than European domestic leagues. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes campaign will test his fitness and recovery capacity across a grueling schedule that includes long flights and multiple time zones.
Altitude matches pose specific challenges in the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes context. Fixtures against teams like Real Salt Lake or Colorado Rapids at high altitude create physical demands foreign to Werner’s European experience. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes adaptation must account for these environmental factors that can significantly impact performance.
Playing surface variations could affect the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes performance. MLS features both natural grass and artificial turf fields, with Werner potentially struggling on synthetic surfaces if previous European performances on turf proved problematic. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success may depend partly on how well he adapts to playing across different surface types.
What Success Looks Like for Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Partnership
Defining success for the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes collaboration requires establishing clear benchmarks. In his first season, Werner should target 15-20 goals and 8-10 assists to be considered successful. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes goal-scoring expectations reflect MLS’s attacking nature while accounting for Werner’s adjustment period and potential rust from limited recent playing time.
Team success metrics matter equally to individual statistics in the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes evaluation. San Jose begin their 2026 MLS campaign seeking playoff qualification after recent disappointments. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes partnership succeeds primarily if San Jose returns to the postseason, with Werner’s individual contributions secondary to collective achievement.
Leadership impact represents an intangible Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success factor. Werner’s Champions League-winning experience and international pedigree should elevate his teammates’ standards and mentality. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes influence extends beyond goals to cultural transformation, with success measured partly by whether Werner helps instill a winning mentality throughout the organization.
Durability and availability constitute crucial Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success components. Werner must avoid the injury issues that plagued other aspects of his career, remaining consistently available across MLS’s demanding schedule. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes value diminishes significantly if Werner misses substantial time, making fitness maintenance essential to partnership success.
Commercial and fan engagement metrics also measure Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success. Increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and social media engagement indicate whether Werner’s signing resonated with supporters and casual fans. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes business impact matters to ownership evaluating whether the investment in Werner generated returns beyond on-field performance.
Long-Term Implications of Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes Transfer
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal’s impact could extend well beyond Werner’s playing career. If successful, this signing might establish San Jose as a destination for elite European players seeking competitive American opportunities. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes precedent could influence future recruitment, with other high-profile players viewing San Jose as legitimate option rather than afterthought to Los Angeles, Miami, or New York.
Werner’s potential influence on German players considering MLS moves carries significance for the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes legacy. If Werner thrives in San Jose and speaks positively about his experience, other Bundesliga stars might follow his path. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes success or failure could determine whether a pipeline develops between German football and MLS specifically through San Jose.
The contract length through 2028 suggests San Jose views the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes partnership as long-term investment rather than short-term publicity stunt. This multi-year commitment allows Werner to become embedded in the community and fully adapt to American soccer. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes relationship could define an era at PayPal Park if Werner remains productive throughout the contract.
Post-playing career opportunities in MLS could emerge from the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes connection. If Werner enjoys his American experience, he might pursue coaching, scouting, or broadcasting roles within MLS after retirement. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes move potentially establishes connections that benefit Werner’s long-term career beyond his playing days.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes
The completion of the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer represents a pivotal moment for player, club, and league. For Werner, it offers the opportunity to rediscover the goalscoring form that made him one of Europe’s most feared strikers during his Leipzig peak. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes fresh start provides Werner with guaranteed playing time, a competitive environment, and a legendary coach in Bruce Arena who can maximize his remaining prime years.
For San Jose Earthquakes, the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes signing demonstrates ambition and resources necessary to compete at MLS’s highest level. By securing a Champions League winner and German international, San Jose signals that they intend to contend for championships rather than merely participate. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes acquisition represents a statement signing that elevates the club’s profile regionally, nationally, and internationally.
For Major League Soccer, the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes deal validates the league’s progress toward becoming a destination for elite players in their prime. Werner’s decision to join San Jose over European opportunities or retirement-focused moves demonstrates MLS’s growing appeal based on competitive quality and professional standards. The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer contributes to MLS’s evolution from niche American league to globally relevant competition.
As Werner prepares for his February 21st potential debut against Sporting Kansas City, expectations soar for the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes partnership. From Champions League nights to PayPal Park lights, as the club’s announcement cleverly stated, Werner has chosen a different path than most elite European strikers.
The Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes story will unfold throughout 2026 and beyond, potentially redefining what’s possible when elite European talent meets American soccer ambition. Success would validate both Werner’s decision and San Jose’s vision, while failure would raise questions about whether stars of Werner’s caliber can truly thrive in MLS’s unique environment. Either way, the Timo Werner San Jose Earthquakes transfer has already made its mark as one of 2026’s most significant soccer stories.
