Soccer fans, have you heard the news? Antonee “Jedi” Robinson just capped off an incredible year by being named U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year for 2024. It’s a massive achievement and well-deserved recognition for a guy who’s been an absolute rock for both Fulham and the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) this past year.
Let’s talk about why Robinson stood out in 2024. For starters, he’s been a consistent force at left-back for Fulham in the Premier League. Not only has he locked things down defensively, but he’s also been making waves on the offensive end. How about this stat: Robinson led all Premier League defenders with seven assists this season. That’s right—not just solid at the back but a legit playmaker going forward. Oh, and he’s caught the eye of some pretty big clubs. Word on the street is that Liverpool might be knocking on his door soon.
On the international stage, Robinson’s been just as clutch. He made 11 appearances for the USMNT in 2024 and played a pivotal role in securing a third straight Concacaf Nations League title. Oh, and did we mention he’s helping the team push toward the semifinals of the 2025 tournament? Yeah, Jedi’s been everywhere, making sure the U.S. stays dominant in the region.
By the way, Robinson’s win is a pretty big deal historically, too. He’s the first defender to snag this award since Oguchi Onyewu did it way back in 2006. For a position that doesn’t always get the spotlight, Robinson’s achievement reminds us how vital a great defender can be.
If you’re wondering about the selection process, it wasn’t just a popularity contest. The vote involved fans, USMNT players, coaches, media members, and even U.S. Soccer’s board of directors. In the end, Robinson earned more than half the weighted votes, beating out teammates like Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, and Tim Ream.
When Robinson got the news from none other than USMNT legend Tim Howard, his reaction was as humble as you’d expect: “It’s an incredible honor. Representing our country isn’t something you do for individual accolades. It’s always about putting the team first and trying to do my best for the boys and for the country, so to be rewarded for that is an amazing feeling.”
Robinson’s rise to the top is a story of hard work and perseverance. Born in Milton Keynes, England, he’s the son of an American father and an English mother. That dual nationality gave him the chance to represent the U.S., and boy, are we glad he chose us. His nickname, “Jedi,” comes from his childhood love of Star Wars, and let’s be honest, it fits perfectly. He’s been slicing through opposition like a lightsaber all year long.
His time at Fulham has been equally inspiring. Starting out in the English lower leagues, Robinson’s steady development eventually led him to the Premier League, where he’s now one of the most dependable left-backs in the game. And at just 26, there’s still plenty of room for him to grow.
Looking ahead, Robinson’s stock is only going to rise. The USMNT has its sights set on more silverware, and Robinson will no doubt be a key part of their plans. Fulham, meanwhile, will be counting on him to keep delivering those world-class performances—unless a certain Merseyside club swoops in first, of course.
Robinson’s award isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a reminder of how important defenders are to the modern game. Sure, attackers get the headlines, but guys like Robinson show that a great defender can be just as impactful. From shutting down opponents to creating scoring chances, Robinson’s all-around game has set a new standard for American soccer players.
Antonee Robinson’s 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, and being named the top USMNT player is the cherry on top. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, it’s players like Jedi who make soccer so exciting to watch. Here’s hoping 2025 brings even more magic—because let’s face it, we’re not ready to stop talking about this guy anytime soon.
