I went from being a complete unknown to an idol all around the world

There are no discussions about the United States' participation in their own World Cup without mentioning the iconic image of Alexi Lalas, with his long beard and wild hair that stereotypically seemed more suited for a music stage than a soccer field.

While the former defender was always passionate about music he was studying it at Rutgers when he was spotted by Milutinovic for the 1994 process he was also deeply involved in different musical styles and louder bands. However, his on-field abilities were never to be underestimated. He established himself as a physically imposing center-back, demanding in his marking, with high levels of concentration that quickly identified him as a standout player following the 1994 World Cup. This recognition led to a move to Padova, a modest team that had just returned to Serie A in the 1994/95 season. At 25 years old, Lalas had earned this opportunity through his strong performances for the national team, a breakthrough considering that just months earlier, he was playing for Rutgers Scarlet Knights, a university team with little weight in football. His life transformed, and Lalas also had a visionary understanding of soccer as an industry capable of generating significant media attention through image.

The "rocker" defender would climb to exceptional heights within the American soccer landscape. Reflecting on what he represented and the benefits it brought, Lalas is unequivocal about 1994. "I unequivocally experienced the power of a World Cup. If I’m giving this interview, it’s because of that! It changed my life forever; I went from being a complete unknown to an idol around the world. It opened up and generated immense opportunities, both on and off the field. I would never have had these opportunities growing up in the seventies and eighties," he admits, focusing on a broader influence. "It fundamentally changed people's perception of the sport and altered the landscape. That summer of 1994 remains a seminal moment, still having a decisive influence today," he adds, recalling the process that led to his recruitment as a player and a figure in the squad, as he was prematurely placed in a developmental group that worked for months to enter the competition. "Bora Milutinovic was extremely important for my development as a player and as a person. He was exhaustive in everything, a bit crazy too, and made me improve a lot. He forced me to see the game and the world differently," acknowledges the former defender, who had previously tried out unsuccessfully with Arsenal in 1992.

Lalas emerged from the 1994 World Cup and the entire 90s generation as one of the great ambassadors of the first wave of American soccer to the world. "Almost all the players from 1994 had successful careers after the competition. We are still involved in the game and the sport today. We share this very special bond. Together, we helped soccer in the country and also in the world. We are proud fathers of American soccer," asserts Alexi Lalas, reflecting on the glorious and tragic impacts of that dream tournament.

"The victory over Colombia at the Rose Bowl was an incredible moment in my life. The joy across the country, celebrating a historic win, is something I will never forget. Of course, the tragedy of Andrés Escobar is part of that history, but it’s all part of the story of soccer in America. To have participated in such memorable matches was very special," he highlights, not forgetting the daunting encounters with Brazil's stars in the round of 16.

"Those players could destroy you in so many ways. You had to be alert to every possibility. Romário, in particular, had an incredible low center of gravity and could pivot and make a move in an instant. A fantastic player who formed a remarkable partnership with Bebeto in that World Cup," recalls Panayotis Alexander Lalas, who later played a key role in bringing David Beckham to American soccer as an executive for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"I Was a Kind of Performer"

The long-haired blonde Lalas candidly rewinds to the stimuli he carried, guided by those sonic landscapes of his youth and daring visuals that made him a frequent topic of conversation and attention.

"I have to confess that it was all somewhat calculated. I always grew up and learned a lot from the music industry. I'm talking about appearance, our type of presentation, aesthetic care. These were important aspects for me. At that time, besides being a player, I also considered myself a kind of performer. The way I dressed, how I presented myself, were situations I projected to draw attention. But I also guarantee that it was genuine and authentic. I always felt very comfortable, but today I recognize that there were some exaggerations that gave more strength to my name and facilitated the spotlight," Lalas analyzes.

"Today, they would call it creating a brand. Back then, I just knew that the World Cup would be a platform that would give me an incredible opportunity to sell an image to the world. I used that to my advantage and made the most of it, on and off the field," he asserts. The musical chapter of the former center-back's life is a constant exploration, though his bearded image associates him with generous decibels and dense rock. Besides being a good listener, Lalas is also a musician and keeps himself entertained with chords. "I still continue to write, record, and release music. It’s something I love and am good at," the former center-back shares.