America, Alex Freeman is a World Cup star. To TikTok, he's 'Diamond's Little Brother'

Freeman’s World Cup breakout is defined as much by TikTok as by on-field play, with a 21-year-old defender emerging for the United States at Lumen Field in Seattle ahead of Friday’s clash with Australia. Known on TikTok as “Diamond’s Little Brother” after his sister Diamond Spaulding posted about him, Freeman has seen his following double as fans flooded comments and even created jersey-ed images and memes. He recognizes the viral attention, calling it amusing but meaningful, and says it reflects growing interest in U.S. soccer. Freeman spoke to Stars & Stripes House about the new visibility and the broader audience now watching the team.