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Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has paid an emotional tribute to his ‘friend’ and ‘ally’ Grant Wahl following the death of the popular American sportswriter at the World Cup in Qatar.
Wahl, 48, suffered “acute distress” during extra time of the Netherlands-Argentina quarterfinal match and fell back in his seat before being treated by doctors.
In the hours since US Soccer confirmed his death, tributes have rained down on the journalist, who has worked for Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, NBC News and, most recently, his own Substack page.
American journalist Grant Wahl died on Friday while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch posted an emotional tribute to Wahl on his Twitter account.
Wahl and his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, in a photo on his Instagram dated 2020. The couple lived in New York City with their two dogs.
Among the most heartfelt messages was that of the Leeds coach, and fellow American, Marsch. Posting on Twitter, he wrote: ‘I am absolutely devastated by the news of the passing of Grant Wahl. He was an amazing person and friend.
‘As a journalist, the important thing was integrity and fairness. For me, soccer in the United States would not be where it is today without Grant’s investment in informing, educating and telling the vital stories of our sport.
‘As a friend, I will greatly miss having an ally and a smiling face in the press box on game days. We had a very special relationship and we always fully supported each other.
‘Lastly, my condolences to Celine and her family. Thanks brother!!! I will cherish you forever. Rest in peace.’
United States men’s captain, and Leeds star, Tyler Adams also posted a heartfelt message about Wahl on his social media account.
In it, he wrote: “On behalf of myself and the USMNT, we offer our deepest condolences to Celine Gounder and all those mourning the loss of Grant Wahl.
“As players, we have enormous respect for the work of journalists, and Grant was a giant voice in football who, tragically, fell silent.”
USMNT Captain Tyler Adams also posted on his Twitter account after Wahl’s death.
Fellow American Marsch called Wahl a ‘friend’ and an ‘ally’ after his death in Qatar
Wahl had spoken about feeling bad on an episode of his podcast, Futbol with Grant Wahl, recorded on Thursday.
He said: ‘My body finally collapsed on me. Three weeks of little sleep, a lot of stress, and a lot of work can do that for you. What had been a cold for the past 10 days turned into something more severe the night of the USA vs. Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest taking on a new level of pressure and discomfort.’
Wahl wrote that he tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.
“Today I went to the medical clinic in the main media center and they told me that I probably had bronchitis. I’ve been given a course of antibiotics and strong cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a little better just a few hours later. But still: Not good,’ she wrote.
A 1996 Princeton graduate, Wahl worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, known primarily for its coverage of college football and basketball. He wrote a profile of Lebron James when the NBA superstar was in high school and is credited with introducing the then-17-year-old from Ohio to the world.
Wahl, who covered US and world soccer on his Substack, CBS Sports, NBC News and previously worked for Sports Illustrated, was “healthy” before collapsing during the game.
Wahl’s wife, former Biden White House COVID adviser Dr. Celine Gounder, tweeted Friday night: “So grateful for the support of my husband’s @GrantWahl soccer family and so many friends. that have been communicated tonight”. I am in complete shock.
James would be drafted with the first pick in the NBA Draft about a year after appearing in the piece.
“Even when I came up through the ranks and turned pro and he went off to a different sport and things of that nature over the years, whenever his name came up, I always thought of me as a teenager and having Grant in our building. in St. V. So it’s a tragic loss,” James said, speaking Friday.
“It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as him.”
Wahl went on to cover professional soccer and has been praised for his tireless work to elevate the sport in the United States.
He eventually launched his own website and also worked for Fox Sports for seven years, from 2012 to 2019.