Weston McKennie, a mainstay of the United States men’s national soccer team, has become known not just for his midfield dynamism but also for a surprisingly elaborate pre‑match routine.
The ritual begins with a thorough shower, followed by a careful application of face cream, body oil, hair oil and a swipe of chapstick. Each step, he says, is designed to calm his mind and sharpen his focus before stepping onto the pitch.
A Meditative Countdown
McKennie describes the sequence as meditative, a moment where the noise of the stadium fades and he can concentrate on the task ahead. He likens the process to a mental warm‑up, preparing both body and psyche for the battle to come.
His personal motto — "Look good, smell good, play good" — captures the philosophy that grooming is more than vanity; it is a confidence‑boosting cue that signals readiness to teammates and opponents alike.
Coaches have long teased him about the length of the routine, but the midfielder brushes off the ribbing, noting that the ritual is a private ritual that helps him detach from external pressures.
Soccer’s Expanding Horizon in the United States
Beyond the personal routine, McKennie is vocal about the growing popularity of soccer across the country. He points to the increasing viewership of Major League Soccer, the influx of international talent, and the excitement surrounding tournaments like the FIFA World Cup as evidence of a shifting sports landscape.
He also highlights the global appeal of the game, noting that moments of collective passion — whether in a stadium in Italy or a living room in the United States — transcend borders and unite fans around a shared love of the sport.
Off the field, partnerships such as his collaboration with Chobani Nutrition underscore a broader trend of athletes aligning with brands that emphasize health and performance, further cementing soccer’s cultural footprint in the U.S.