ORLANDO, Fla. — In a significant transatlantic move, United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) defender Alex Freeman has finalized his transfer from Major League Soccer’s Orlando City to La Liga club Villarreal CF. The 21-year-old rising star, whose transfer was confirmed on Thursday, represents one of the most promising American talents to make the leap to European football.
Freeman, son of former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman, has rapidly emerged as a key defensive prospect for the USMNT program. His international breakthrough came during May’s friendly against Turkey, where he capitalized on playing opportunities created by Sergiño Dest’s ACL recovery period. Freeman’s impressive performances yielded 13 international caps and a memorable brace against Uruguay in a November exhibition match.
His club trajectory demonstrates remarkable progression: after minimal playing time in his initial MLS seasons, Freeman claimed Orlando’s starting right back position last season, displacing Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. The defender’s 2023 campaign proved particularly productive with six goals across 29 league appearances, earning him MLS All-Star honors and the league’s Young Player of the Year award.
The transfer agreement includes a significant sell-on clause for Orlando City, ensuring the MLS club will receive compensation percentage should Villarreal transfer Freeman to another club in the future.
Freeman’s athletic pedigree extends beyond soccer—his father Antonio enjoyed a distinguished nine-year NFL career that included All-Pro recognition in 1998 and a Super Bowl XXXI championship with the Green Bay Packers.
This move positions Freeman favorably for inclusion in the upcoming U.S. World Cup roster as he joins a Spanish club renowned for developing defensive talent and competing in top European competitions.