USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta and Knicks forward Obi Toppin exchange jerseys as the soccer star watches New York beat the Hawks after World Cup last-16 heartbreak
USA soccer star Kellyn Acosta and Knicks forward Obi Toppin exchanged jerseys before the NBA player’s game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
Acosta had just returned from representing the USA at the international soccer stage in Qatar where the Americans were eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 loss to Holland.
Despite the heartbreaking exit, the USMNT has still garnered the interest and support of fans across the country and Acosta appears to have earned the respect of the Knicks star.
USA soccer star Kellyn Acosta (right) and Knicks forward Obi Toppin (left) exchange jerseys
In a clip shared on social media, the pair were seen meeting courtside before tipping off and changing jerseys.
The midfielder handed over the toppin the USA’s national team blue away jersey with his name on the back, while the six-foot-nine basketball star passed on a white Knicks jersey in return.
The two then stood in front of them with their names on the cameras and posed for pictures.
The USA crucially beat Iran 1-0 in their final Group B game to book their place in the last-16 against Holland, after drawing against both Wales and England.
Acosta just returned from representing the USA on soccer’s international stage at the World Cup
However, the Dutch quickly destroyed the optimism and ambition surrounding Berhalter’s young team as Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries were all on target to send the USA packing.
Despite the heartbreak in Qatar, the Americans will have a chance to prove themselves again at the next World Cup in 2026 – this time on home soil.
After returning to the US, Acosta claimed on Good Morning America that the team was hungry and ready for the ‘huge’ home tournament.
Memphis Depay opened the scoring with a clinical finish as the Dutch sent the US packing
‘It’s going to be a long four years but we’re building momentum,’ Acosta said. ‘I think having the games here on home soil would be huge. I know it’s going to be important and we’re excited for it.
‘We have a young group of boys who will gain invaluable experience from this World Cup and I know come 2026 that we will be hungry and that we will be ready.’
The Knicks beat the Hawks with a 113-89 victory, thanks to 34 points from Julius Randle.
Toppin and the Knicks went on to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in a 113-89 win on Wednesday
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