Encounter 7 prolific soccer content creators making waves in the New York City scene
In the vibrant world of American soccer, a new breed of storytellers has emerged, shaping the conversation around the sport and forging deep connections with fans. These content creators, armed with passion, digital savvy, and a knack for engaging storytelling, are transforming soccer into a professional career that resonates with local and international audiences.
Ahmed Fadl, known as @pharaohtalks on Instagram, is one such creator. Based in New York, Fadl interviews fans outside NYCFC and Red Bulls games, balancing his content creation with a full-time job, all thanks to his trusty Google Calendar. With over 35,000 followers, Fadl's authentic and fan-driven approach has made him a fixture outside NYCFC and Red Bulls games, preparing for next year's World Cup while elevating soccer's presence in New York.
Lilibeth Rendon, @lilibethstar on Instagram, is another trailblazer in the scene. Despite her full-time job, Rendon covered Real Madrid during the Club World Cup this summer, demonstrating her commitment to bringing fans closer to the action.
Maria-Isabelle Parada, @sportsgirlnyc, started her content journey by livestreaming fan reactions during the 2016 Copa América. Today, she regularly covers NYCFC matches and has worked with the New York Mets, overcoming insecurities about her English, Spanish, and appearance to commit fully to content creation.
Meanwhile, Matty Farias, with over 280,000 followers on Instagram, recently left his job in cybersecurity to focus solely on soccer media. Farias has interviewed notable figures such as Thiago Silva and half of Manchester United's squad during their U.S. preseason tour. He started creating content on TikTok in 2022, launching a side gig that combined his love for speaking and soccer.
John Shin, @goodvibesjohn on Instagram, found his love for soccer through his grandfather, a die-hard fan of Park Ji-sung. Shin's love and admiration grew for Park after his goal against Portugal in the 2002 World Cup, and he has since been creating content full-time for four years. Shin has been invited by clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to their training grounds for fan activations during the Club World Cup.
These content creators have significantly influenced the conversation around soccer in the U.S. by bringing authentic fan perspectives, global insights, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans. They have leveraged social media platforms, collaborations with major soccer clubs and media outlets, and their close-knit community to build large followings and professional careers.
Some creators, like Katie Feeney, have been signed by major broadcasters such as ESPN to lead digital and social content strategies. Feeney's role includes creating short-form videos tailored for emerging platforms like Snapchat and ESPN's App, highlighting how soccer content creators are integral to modern sports media strategies.
Moreover, content creators contribute to broader conversations about soccer's cultural and community impact. Podcasts and storytelling focused on soccer's evolution in regions like Arkansas link the sport to identity and community growth.
In New York, Alfardy Ali, with over 47,000 followers on Instagram, started creating content at a scenic Pier 5 pitch near the Brooklyn Bridge. Ali has worked with Pelé Soccer Shop and Puma, helped drive a giveaway bus distributing Club World Cup kits, and interviewed Gotham FC players pitchside. Ali aims to continue telling New York's soccer stories because of the close-knit soccer community in the city.
Raheem Taylor-Parkes, @raheemovic on Instagram, had a winding professional career, including visa issues that prevented him from signing a provisional contract with FC Stade Lausanne-Ouchy in Switzerland and being told he wasn't cut out for the MLS. Despite these challenges, Taylor-Parkes continues to create content that resonates with soccer fans, reflecting the grit and determination that defines these U.S. content creators.
These content creators have cultivated vibrant, engaged communities by combining passion, access, digital savvy, and collaboration. Their work is turning soccer content into professional careers that influence how the sport is perceived and followed nationwide.
[1] "How Soccer Content Creators Are Shaping the Conversation and Finding Success" (2021, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2021/07/21/Soccer/Soccer-content-creators-influence.aspx [2] "The Rise of U.S. Soccer Content Creators" (2021, August 10). Retrieved from https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2021/08/10/Soccer/U.S.-soccer-content-creators-rise.aspx [3] "ESPN Hires Katie Feeney to Lead Digital and Social Content Strategy" (2021, September 8). Retrieved from https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2021/09/08/Media/ESPN-hires-Katie-Feeney.aspx [4] "How Soccer Content Creators are Bridging Cultures and Connecting with Fans" (2021, October 12). Retrieved from https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2021/10/12/Soccer/Soccer-content-creators-culture-connections.aspx
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