On the opening day of America’s top soccer league, one of her most prominent voices was mourned and honored.
Major League Soccer announced that a spot in the league’s press boxes would be reserved for the late Grant Wahl following his death in December.
“In December, the football community lost a friend and colleague, Grant Wahl,” read a message from MLS’ communications department.
“As one of the most recognized and revered voices in football, Grant’s impact on the game has been immeasurable. As a tribute to Grant, MLS clubs will reserve a seat in the press box at their home game.’
Images of Wahl were placed alongside flowers, rainbow banners, memorabilia from his podcast and cards in press boxes across the league, encouraging people to share interactions with him as well as other memories from his life that influenced others.
Tributes to American soccer journalist Grant Wahl were placed in MLS press boxes like this one in Philadelphia ahead of the start of the 2023 Major League Soccer season
In December, the football community lost a friend and colleague, Grant Wahl. As one of football’s most recognized and revered voices, Grant’s impact on the game has been immeasurable.
As a tribute to Grant, MLS clubs will reserve a seat in the press box at their home game in his honor. pic.twitter.com/h8VvbBGXoy
— MLS Communication (@MLS_PR) February 25, 2023
Wahl worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, covering football and college basketball, before launching his own website.
He has also worked for Fox and CBS and has written The Beckham Experiment, about England star David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, and Masters of Modern Soccer.
Wahl – an accomplished sportswriter for over 25 years – was in Qatar covering his eighth men’s World Cup and 12th World Cup overall.
During the game, Wahl suddenly collapsed in his seat in the press box at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar.
Paramedics at the scene treated him for about half an hour before he was taken to Hamad General Hospital in Doha, where he was pronounced dead on December 10.
An autopsy by the New York Medical Examiner’s Office found the cause of death to be a ruptured aortic aneurysm with a hemopericardium, his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder in a blog post.
Earlier this week, Wahl had visited a medical clinic complaining of chest pains. He was given cough syrup and antibiotics, believing he had bronchitis.
Gounder, a leading epidemiologist and professor at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, refuted claims that Wahl’s death had suspicious motives or was in any way related to the coronavirus.
Other tributes to Wahl were left at stadiums (top to bottom) in Atlanta, Nashville, and Austin
Wahl had spent his journalism career at outlets such as Sports Illustrated, Fox and CBS
Grant Wahl (shown here with his wife) Celine Gounder is presented with the Colin Jose Media Award by the United States Soccer Hall of Fame in May
“No amount of CPR or shock would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing shameful about his death,” she wrote.
Immediately following news of Wahl’s death, his brother Eric said Grant received death threats after he was arrested for wearing a T-shirt supporting the LGBTQ+ community at a game. Eric said he believed Grant was killed, a statement he later recanted.
Before the games started, Eric shared his feelings about starting the season without his brother.
“Starting the first MLS season without Grant is hard for me but would be super excited for all the action and new developments especially the MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+,” wrote Eric.
Starting the first MLS season without Grant is tough for me but he would be super excited with all the action and new developments especially the MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+. This picture is awesome! #MLSisBack Xoxo https://t.co/dOVB84AMaK
— Eric Wahl (@ziplamak) February 25, 2023
After Wahl’s death, Gounder shared two letters written to her by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I know what it means to lose a spouse – your rock, your inspiration, your be-all and end-all. I hope you find comfort in knowing that the love you had for Grant and the love he had for you will endure. He is always with you,” President Biden shared.
“Celine, it may take many seasons, but I promise there will come a day when the memory of Grant will bring a smile to your face before it brings a tear to your eye. I pray for you that that day comes sooner rather than later.’
Wahl died suddenly at the age of 49 from a “ruptured aortic aneurysm” at the World Cup in Qatar
“Grant’s cheerful spirit and compassionate heart were gifts to all whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on through you and the countless people he has inspired,” wrote Vice President Harris.
US Soccer previously honored Wahl at two friendlies in January by placing a jersey in an empty seat in the press box that read “Wahl,” “along with a framed photo and flowers.”
“All @USMNT and @USWNT home games will always have a seat available for Grant from now until the 2026 World Cup,” US Soccer Comms said in a tweet.
Wahl will be honored at the induction into the US National Soccer Hall of Fame on May 6 in Frisco, Texas.