Outside the box awards
Outside The Box Awards celebrate the moments and people that remind us why soccer is so much more than a game. A celebration of the fun, funny, wild, weird and inspirational touchpoints that made the year in soccer unforgettable.
Fit Of The Year
Ali Krieger
NWSL Champions Gotham fc at the white house
Krieger showed out in a gray skirt suit that was tailored to perfection; sharp, sleek, and commanding attention. She paired it with matching tall socks and her wingtip heels added a level of sophistication. But the real kicker? Red, white, and blue accents subtly woven throughout each piece.
With iconic gameday fits and awards formalwear, there are many great looks from players off the field this year, but only one wore it better than the rest.
VIRAL Moment of the year
Raquinho
Racoon Pitch invasion in Philadelphia
A raccoon on the pitch? Why not? The pesky critter cruised around the Philadelphia turf in an MLS match for 161 seconds before being escorted off - livening up what was otherwise a pretty drab game.
Viral Moment celebrates a trending moment in time that had phones blowing up, memes launching and everyone screaming “did you see what just happened?”
Next Up
Cavan Sullivan
Philadelphia Union / Manchester City
American soccer’s next great hope? Yes. Sullivan signed for Manchester City before he signed for Philadelphia Union, and has already made his debut at a record young 14 years, 293 days. He won’t move to Europe for three years, and will impress in MLS before then.
Next Up is about the next generation. Which player burst onto the scene and thrilled us with their immense potential?
Grow The Game
WREXHAM FC
Who knew that a couple of Hollywood stars with big bucks and a dream could start a revolution? Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney catapulted soccer into the mainstream with their wonderful “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary, and the team has rewarded the investment - and ignited interest - with multiple promotions.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world… so teams have to be clever if they want to capture new fans. Grow the Game celebrates the team that found an innovative way to bring the beautiful game to more fans.
Social video of the year
LAFC
Will ferrell “Anything for lA'“
“This is gonna make Messi sh*t his pants.” What a way to introduce a new jersey. Will Ferrell brought out the Ron Burgundy-isms, and sent the wonderful black and gold strip around the U.S. for a celeb-packed unboxing. Even Magic Johnson was impressed.
Every club has a dedicated social team, but which one wielded their access and creativity to deliver the best content of the year?
Tifo of the year
timbers ARMY
THE PORTLAND CHAINSAW MASSACRE
Some real straight-out-of-Hollywood horror-movie imagery for the Cascadia Cup, but the Timbers Army, as always, made it work in style. Be afraid, Seattle, be very afraid. (Portland won 1-0.)
Tifo of the Year awards the supporters who came together to turn their passion into art, all in the name of motivating their favorite club.
best celebrations
Brooklyn FC Bowling
TRINITY RODMAN DUNK
You can’t go wrong with either, but Trinity Rodman - pretending to throw down a dunk right in front of Washington co-owner Magic Johnson was simply too perfect. A word, too, for Brooklyn FC, who absolutely smashed it.
Cellys are an art form. It’s time they were recognized as such.
Kit of the year
Carolina Ascent FC
USL Super League
Hope you like colors - and lots of them. All of the USL Super League kits have been lovely things, but the Carolinas, leaning into the vibrancy of the badge? Clear winner. No notes.
Kit of the Year celebrates the shirt that stands out from the crowd and makes a statement that’s both stylish and true to culture - and makes fans want to open their wallets.
RISING Americans: MEN
Antonee Robinson,
Fulham
Chris Richards,
Crystal Palace
Malik Tillman,
PSV
Antonee Robinson is deserving of praise. A rapid full-back who has shut down pretty much every top winger in the Premier League, the 27-year-old captains Fulham - and can be considered one of the best in his position in the world. Chris Richards is evidence that a kid from Texas really can make it at the top level. First Bayern Munich, then Hoffenheim, and now Crystal Palace, the center back has already enjoyed a fine European journey. And Malik Tillman is the feel-good pick of the trio. The midfielder has come into his own for PSV, and is the attacking heartbeat of a Eredivisie powerhouse that has comfortably dislodged Ajax from atop the Dutch league perch.
RISING Americans: WOMEN
Emily Fox,
Arsenal
Catarina Macario,
Chelsea
Lily Yohannes,
Ajax
Emily Fox has blossomed since moving to the WSL with Arsenal. She’s become a regular starter for the Gunners, and has elevated her game. She’s become a mainstay on the USWNT back-line, and in competitive matches. Cat Macario is as talented as any forward in soccer. She’s had challenges with injuries, but is truly a special player on her best day. She he’s back to 100 percent, and looks set to have a breakout 2025. And Lily Yohannes was a massive coup for the USWNT, as the dual-national opted to play for Emma Hayes’ squad rather than the Netherlands. Johannes is an elite midfielder who looks set to be the star of her generation at just 17.
- Tom Hindle, Celia Balf and Jacob Schneider
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