The Return of Gio Reyna: What to Know About the U.S. Soccer Star, His Iconic Goal & World Cup Controversy

Gio Reyna’s stoppage-time strike against Paraguay capped the USA’s World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium on June 12, drawing 70,492 spectators and signaling his growing role for the host nation. The 23-year-old midfielder entered as a substitute in the 82nd minute for Malik Tillman and is again expected to feature when the United States faces Australia on June 19. After scoring, Reyna covered his ears in an inside joke with friends, then tucked the ball under his jersey and blew a kiss to the camera, a gesture widely seen as signaling that a player is going to become a father.

The moment underscored Reyna’s importance to a U.S. squad seeking to balance talent and controversy as the World Cup unfolds on home soil.