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Grant Wahl’s death at the World Cup has prompted a flood of tributes.

AmarachiBy No Comments6 Mins Read

Grant Wahl, a renowned sports journalist, passed away while covering the World Cup in Qatar, and online tributes to the CBS Sports contributor flooded in shortly after the news broke.

According to his agent, Tim Scanlan, 49-year-old Wahl appeared to be in “some form of extreme distress” during Argentina vs. Netherlands quarterfinal game. Scanlan claimed that despite being called to the location, the paramedics were unable to revive the man. Yet to be determined is the precise cause of death.

Wahl was a prolific journalist who contributed to CBS Sports and wrote for several publications. Throughout the Qatar World Cup, he served as an analyst on CBS Sports HQ and contributed guest essays for CBS Sports that focused on the American men’s squad. Additionally, he served as an editorial consultant for Paramount+ soccer documentaries.
When working on a Sports Illustrated cover story with James in 2002, Wahl got to know the young LeBron James. In a media interview on Friday, the basketball player paid homage to Wahl.

 

 

“I’ve always kind of watched from a distant,” James said, “but I’m quite fond of Grant and having that cover shoot. Anytime his name would come up, I would always remember back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building down at St. V, even after I advanced in the ranks and became professional, and he sort of switched sports and things of that type throughout the years. Thus, the loss is terrible.”

Billie Jean King, a tennis icon and supporter of gender equality, tweeted in response to the news: “It was tragic to learn about Grant Wahl’s passing. Grant, a gifted journalist, was a vocal supporter of women’s soccer and the LGBTQ community. He elevated others whose tales needed to be told by using his platform. Gratitude for his family.”

 

Tyler Adams, the captain of the United States Men’s National Team, also posted a message of sympathy on Twitter “I, along with the @USMNT, extend my sincere condolences to @celinegounder and all those who are mourning the loss of Grant Wahl. As players, we have a great deal of respect for the work that journalists perform. Grant was a major voice in soccer who sadly lost his voice.”

 

Dr. Celine Gounder, a medical expert for CBS News and the wife of Wahl, expressed her shock and gratitude for the support of their friends and members of Wahl’s “soccer family” in a tweet.

Journalists and sports commentators alike praised Wahl’s illustrious career. Matt Norlander, a senior writer, and analyst for CBS Sports stated that he was unable to “comprehend” Wahl’s defeat.

“That isn’t computing, either. Grant would have been THE most renowned basketball writer in college if he had wanted to be. Instead, he took a different route and permanently changed how American soccer was covered and marketed. Legendary. What a catastrophe! “Tweeted him.

He described Wahl as “a great man and fearless reporter” in a subsequent post.

“There is always a reminder that life is short and to appreciate each moment for what it is. Focus on the here and now and don’t worry about the past or the future. The only assurance in life is that “Former American soccer player and media pundit Taylor Twellman wrote the article.

Jay Bilas, an analyst for ESPN’s basketball coverage, wrote on Twitter that Wahl embodied “everything a great journalist should aspire to and an even better person.”


Investigative reporter Don Van Natta Jr. for ESPN expressed his “devastation” over Grant Wahl’s passing. He was an amazing individual who covered soccer with fairness and courage.

Several soccer teams issued statements as well.

“The beautiful game is better because of him,” Angel City F.C. of Los Angeles tweeted, praising Wahl for his “contribution to the soccer community, particularly women’s soccer.”

The Washington soccer team, D.C. United, described Wahl as a “passionate and dedicated champion” of the game.

Wahl’s death has left the “entire US soccer family heartbroken,” according to the US Soccer Federation. “Grant’s love of soccer and commitment to raising its profile across our sporting landscape played a significant role in increasing interest and respect for our beautiful game. Grant’s faith in the power of sports to advance human rights was and continues to be an inspiration to all.”

“His love for football was immense, and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.


Prior to Saturday’s quarterfinal match between England and France, FIFA paid tribute to Wahl on Al Bayt Stadium’s video screens.

 

Grant Wahl tribute

In a statement, the stadium’s public address announcer said, “Through his work, Grant shared his love of football with millions.” “FIFA and the football world extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Céline, his family, and friends at this difficult time.”

Flowers and a photo of Wahl were placed at his designated press seat for the match, which was left empty.

 

Grant Wahl tribute

Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, stated that the league was “shocked, saddened and grieved” by his passing.


The National Women’s Soccer League posted a message on Twitter expressing its “heartbreak” over the news, stating that Wahl’s “passion to spreading the story of our beautiful game was unrivaled, but more importantly, his integrity, thoughtfulness, and kindness were central to the way he lived.”

 

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