A New Era of All-Star Entertainment
Major League Soccer has unveiled the roster of special guests who will take part in the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, promising a crossover of soccer, entertainment and creator culture that will be broadcast live on Apple TV to more than 100 countries and regions.
The Crossbar Challenge will now feature an eight‑player bracket, with former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco Johnson and popular soccer content creator Celine Dept among the competitors. Johnson, known for co‑hosting The Late Run and Nightcap podcasts, brings his NFL legacy to the pitch, while Dept, who commands over 80 million followers across social platforms, represents the new wave of soccer influencers.
Edouard Nys of North Texas SC will make history as the first outfield player from MLS NEXT Pro to represent the league at All‑Star Week, underscoring the growing importance of the developmental circuit. Their participation highlights a clear pathway from reserve soccer to the league’s biggest showcase.
YouTube superstar FaZe Rug and actor Danny Ramirez, who appeared in Top Gun: Maverick and will soon be seen in Captain America: Brave New World, are set to make their MLS All-Star Skills Challenge debuts. Both bring massive online audiences and a shared history with the league through a strategic partnership with the feature film Baton, which Ramirez wrote, directed and stars in.
The event also welcomes additional personalities such as Raheem Taylor‑Parkes, Shannon Sharpe and Joe Johnson, further blending sports legends, media figures and creators. Tickets are currently on sale at MLSsoccer.com/AllStar, inviting fans to experience a uniquely modern All‑Star week that reflects MLS’s ambition to engage younger, globally connected audiences.