Alexander Freeman Bio
Alexander Michael Freeman, born on August 9, 2004, in Baltimore, Maryland, is an American professional soccer player. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, he primarily plays as a right-back or right winger and is recognized for his combination of physical presence, attacking threat, and composure in possession. Freeman currently plays for the La Liga club Villarreal and represents the United States national team.
Freeman came through the youth ranks in Florida and signed with Major League Soccer side Orlando City in 2022. After several seasons developing with Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro, he broke into the senior squad in 2024 and 2025, earning major individual awards before completing a record-breaking transfer to Spain.
Early Life and Background
Freeman was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended American Heritage School in nearby Plantation. He was introduced to soccer by his step-father, Jake Hinkle, who served as his first coach and sparked his lifelong connection with the sport. As a child, Freeman played both basketball and soccer, even while being around American football, which his father had once played at the highest level.
He played three seasons with Weston FC Academy before joining the Orlando City Academy in 2020. Freeman had earlier tried out for Inter Miami’s academy but was not selected, before his Weston FC coach, Javier Carrillo, encouraged him to pursue Orlando’s program despite the distance from his family home. Freeman has said that celebrating his 16th birthday away from his family for the first time was difficult, but that the move was a necessary step in his development.
Path to Soccer
Freeman’s path to professional soccer accelerated when he joined the Orlando City Academy in 2020. He quickly progressed through the youth system, and in 2021 he made 30 appearances for the under-17 team, recording eight goals and 15 assists. His performances helped Orlando City win the inaugural MLS Next Cup U17 championship that year.
His domestic form brought international recognition. In March 2021, Freeman was invited to a United States youth regional identification camp, and by 2022 he was representing the United States at the U17, U19, and U23 levels, including competing at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. These experiences shaped his tactical understanding and prepared him for the transition to senior football.
Alexander Freeman Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
On February 15, 2022, Orlando City signed Freeman to a four-year homegrown contract with an additional option year, making him the club’s 12th homegrown signing. He made his first senior appearance on March 26, 2022, starting in Orlando City B’s opening MLS Next Pro match, a 2–0 victory over Chicago Fire II. Freeman finished the 2022 campaign with 19 appearances and 3 assists for the reserve side.
In 2023, Freeman continued to develop with Orlando City B, scoring his first professional goals in a brace against Huntsville City on March 31. He also made his Major League Soccer debut on April 29, 2023, appearing as a late substitute in a 2–0 victory over LA Galaxy. By the end of the 2023 season, he had recorded 25 appearances, 4 goals, and 3 assists for the reserve team.
Orlando City B Breakthrough (2024)
The 2024 season marked Freeman’s most productive year in MLS Next Pro. He contributed his first goal involvement for the senior team on July 6, providing an assist in a 5–0 win over D.C. United, and later that summer recorded a hat-trick of goal contributions in a 4–1 victory at Crown Legacy FC on September 8. His consistent form earned him the MLS Next Pro Player of the Matchweek award in late September.
Freeman was voted MLS Next Pro Player of the Month for September 2024, becoming the first Orlando City B player to receive the honor. He finished the 2024 campaign with 26 appearances, 8 goals, and 9 assists, leading the team in both assists and total goal contributions. Although Orlando lost their playoff match in a penalty shootout, Freeman’s performances signaled his readiness for first-team football.
Orlando City First-Team Rise (2025)
Freeman made his first Major League Soccer start on March 1, 2025, against Toronto FC, scoring the opening goal in a 4–2 victory. He went on to deliver several decisive performances, including a headed goal and an assist in a 4–1 win over D.C. United on March 22, which earned him a place in the MLS Team of the Matchday. In June 2025, Major League Soccer selected Freeman for the MLS All-Star Game, making him the youngest player ever chosen for the exhibition.
His 2025 totals included six goals and six assists across all competitions for 12 goal contributions. Freeman placed second in the 2025 22 Under 22 rankings and was named MLS Young Player of the Year. He also became the first player in Orlando City history to be named to the MLS Best XI.
Villarreal Era (2026–Present)
On January 29, 2026, Freeman transferred to the La Liga club Villarreal for a reported fee of up to $7,000,000, signing a six-year contract that runs through June 2032. The move was described as a record transfer for an Orlando City homegrown player. Analysts noted that the switch came with risk, as Freeman would be leaving a settled starting role in Major League Soccer to compete for minutes in one of Europe’s top leagues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Freeman received international clearance in time for Villarreal’s match against Osasuna and made his La Liga debut on February 9, 2026, entering as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 4–1 win over Espanyol. His early appearances in Spain marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Freeman is regarded as a playmaking and goal-scoring threat from the fullback position. He uses his pace and 6-foot-2 frame to influence both defensive and attacking phases, providing service from wide areas while remaining a strong presence in aerial duels. Coaches have highlighted his composure, tactical awareness, and willingness to attack the penalty area as defining features of his game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Freeman’s most memorable moments is his record as the youngest player to make six consecutive appearances for the United States during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the team reached the final. He also became the youngest player ever selected for the MLS All-Star Game and the first Orlando City player named to the MLS Best XI.
Alexander Freeman Career Highlights
Freeman’s career has been marked by steady progression through every level of the sport, from the Orlando City Academy to the United States national team and now La Liga. He has contributed to team titles at youth level and earned multiple individual honors in Major League Soccer.
Major League Soccer Highlights
Freeman scored his first Major League Soccer goal on March 1, 2025, in a 4–2 win over Toronto FC. He went on to be named MLS Young Player of the Year and selected to the MLS Best XI in 2025. In 2024, he was voted MLS Next Pro Player of the Month for September, the first Orlando City B player to receive that award.
International Highlights
Freeman represented the United States at multiple youth levels before making his senior debut in 2025. He featured in six consecutive matches at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup as the United States finished as runners-up to Mexico. Later that year, he scored his first senior international goals in a 5–1 win over Uruguay on November 18, earning Man of the Match honors, and was nominated for the USMNT Player of the Year award.
Alexander Freeman Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Freeman is the son of Antonio Freeman, a former professional football wide receiver who won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers in 1997. Despite his father’s legacy in American football, Alexander chose soccer from an early age. His mother, Rochelle Freeman, is a Liverpool supporter who affectionately compares her son to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Personal Life
Freeman grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he continues to have strong family ties. He has two younger brothers, Tyler and Josh, who both play soccer. Freeman has spoken openly about the influence of his step-father, Jake Hinkle, who introduced him to the game and supported his move to the Orlando City Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented Freeman’s breakthrough at the Major League Soccer level. He started the year with a goal and an assist in his first two senior starts, earned regular selection to the MLS Team of the Matchday, and was chosen for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game as the youngest player in the event’s history.
His 12 goal contributions across all competitions helped Orlando City push for a playoff spot, while his strong two-way performances drew national team attention. Freeman was named MLS Young Player of the Year and became the first Orlando City player selected to the MLS Best XI, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young defenders.
His performances during 2025 also positioned him for a senior international breakthrough, as he became a regular starter for the United States at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Freeman entered 2026 as one of the most talked-about American players in Europe, preparing for his debut at Villarreal with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.