Former USMNT star and Fox Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas splits fans as he attends Republican Convention in Milwaukee and voices support for GOP and Trump’s running mate JD Vance

The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week welcomed one of the country’s most divisive nonpolitical figures.

Fox Sports soccer analyst and former U.S. men’s national team defender Alexi Lalas has arrived in the Badger State. He’s already been photographed onstage at the RNC and at one of Donald Trump Jr.’s keynotes.

The 54-year-old Lalas has had a busy few weeks with the Copa America, which included a disappointing group stage defeat.

Now the conservative football analyst is publicizing his trip to the RNC on his own social media pages, where he’s endorsed Trump’s new running mate, JD Vance, among other Grand Old Party decisions.

“Smart man, smart choice,” Lalas wrote on X of Vance, a former Trump critic. “I think he’s smart to justify his past criticism of Trump as an example and admit that we can be wrong about someone and ultimately judge them by their actions. I don’t think he’s alone in that.”

Alexi Lalas speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin

It’s unclear whether Lalas will participate in any official events at the RNC. When asked online if he would speak, the former New England Revolution star said he would “mostly listen.”

The tall, red-haired woman also enjoyed Teamster President Sean O’Brien’s speech at the RNC, in which the union leader didn’t just endorse Trump but urged politicians to distance themselves from partisanship.

“I thought it was an interesting dynamic when the Teamsters president addressed the GOP convention for the first time,” Lalas wrote on X. “He crushed both parties on the big issues. Listening to Trump twice (and responding) was great theater, but it also cleverly demonstrated that Trump and the GOP are willing to let the convention be more than just a love fest.”

Lalas was a popular target for American soccer fans and his presence at the RNC made him popular among conservatives online.

“Okay, I like you now,” one supporter wrote online.

Others were unhappy that a prominent figure in American soccer was supporting the GOP.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I could hate you any more than I already do,” one critic responded to X.

“Now the Republicans won’t get past the group stage because you’re in it,” joked another.

“Lmao, you’ve been unbearable for years,” one critic responded. “This just confirms it.”

After supporting Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, Lalas is now all about Trump and JD Vance

While Lalas and Lloyd received criticism for their coverage of the Copa America, some were positive

Lalas previously supported the failed presidential campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

He and his Fox Sports co-host Carli Lloyd were heavily criticized for their coverage of the Copa America by popular soccer podcast Men In Blazers.

“Warning: You only have 15 minutes left of this Summer of Soccer,” read a tweet from the Men In Blazers account during the Copa America final on Sunday. “Hold on to your hats. Lalas is not on TV tomorrow. Don’t cry because it happened, smile because it’s over.”

Lalas responded by confronting his critics.

“I enjoy and respect the unique humor, insight and perspective of @MenInBlazers. I’m sorry you don’t care for me, but I’ll raise a toast and salute you @rogbennett and wish you the best for the future,” Lalas wrote.