The sports world is mourning the shocking death of veteran soccer reporter Grant Wahl at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar. Described as ‘honest, principled,’ and ‘tireless,’ Wahl was remembered by most for his kindness.
‘Grant Wahl was kind. Needlessly kind,’ tweeted radio producer Chris Wittyngham, who had worked with Wahl. ‘I love him and I’ll miss him. He treated me with a level of respect I didn’t deserve. He gave me an opportunity when I needed one. And most importantly he was kind. Needlessly kind. I’ll miss him. I’m devastated beyond words.’
Wahl, a respected Sports Illustrated alum and the preeminent soccer journalist in the US, had been covering the tournament on Substack and for CBS Sports until Friday, when he reportedly collapsed at Lusail Iconic Stadium. He was given CPR and rushed to a nearby hospital in an Uber but has since been declared dead at 48.
He had previously complained about bronchitis during a recent podcast and was admittedly ill earlier in the tournament, but was ‘healthy’ while reporting on Friday’s Argentina-Netherlands match, according to a social media post by his brother Eric. The White House has been in contact with Wahl’s widow, Dr. Celine Gounder, a former Biden administration official with the COVID-19 response team.
Grant Wahl pictured with his wife Dr. Celine Gounder, a former White House official
ESPN’s Bob Ley – a vocal proponent of soccer in the US – expressed his dismay on Twitter
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, although Eric suggested that his brother may have been murdered after getting detained earlier in the tournament for wearing a rainbow flag t-shirt, in violation of local anti-gay laws.
‘My name is Eric Wahl,’ his brother’s Instagram video began. ‘I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay. I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.’
In addition to homophobia in Qatar, Wahl also reported heavily on the migrant worker deaths leading up to the tournament – as many as 6,500 by some estimates.
‘There will be a mountain of attention on this — far too early to know how he died, but Grant Wahl (a wonderful soccer writer) had just published a piece about migrant deaths in Qatar and drew attention for the reaction by security guards when he tried to wear a pride shirt,’ tweeted Fox Seattle’s Matthew Smith.
Many have raised suspicions about Wahl’s death, but hard facts remain scarce as authorities in Qatar and the US try to determine the cause.
A US State Department spokesperson released a statement late Friday, saying the department was working with ‘Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.’
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, although Eric suggested that his brother may have been murdered after getting detained earlier in the tournament for wearing a rainbow flag t-shirt, in violation of local anti-gay laws. ‘My name is Eric Wahl,’ his brother’s Instagram video began. ‘I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay. I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help’
Radio producer Chris Wittyngham, a former colleague, remembered him for his kindness
Soccer podcaster Brian Phillips described Wahl as a ‘bright presence’
Wahl, a Kansas native and graduate of Princeton University, covered the rise of soccer in the US since the mid-1990s, while helping to popularize the sport with his own brand of storytelling. As a senior writer for SI, Wahl reported on Olympics, World Cups, and a variety of other sports, including a 2002 piece introducing the masses to a teenage basketball player from Akron, Ohio, named LeBron James.
‘When I had a cup of coffee at SI, Grant told me about going to Ohio to report the CHOSEN ONE cover story on LeBron,’ tweeted ESPN director Matt Ufford. ‘Couldn’t have been more humble about how he ‘got lucky’ with the assignment. Bulls***. He deserved it — and delivered.’
But it was the soccer world – fans, reporters, and players – who knew Wahl’s work best.
‘No writer has done more for American soccer than @GrantWahl,’ Uffort added.
‘Grant Wahl was my friend and was one of the most generous, kind, and encouraging people I knew in or out of sports media,’ tweeted soccer podcaster Brian Phillips. ‘He was such a bright presence; I never talked to him without feeling a little better about the world afterward. This is crushing.’
Soccer player Jozy Altidore (L) and journalist Grant Wahl attend the 2017 St. Luke Foundation for Haiti Benefit hosted by Kenneth Cole at the Garage on January 10, 2017 in New York City
The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay described Wahl as a ‘pioneer, believer, and defender’
Journalist Grant Wahl (right) works in the FIFA Media Center before a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and USMNT at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. He had been detained earlier by stadium security for wearing a rainbow-colored t-shirt before later being allowed to enter the stadium
Lang Whitaker, a longtime NBA reporter who dabbled in soccer, remembered Wahl as a helpful resource for a fledgling journalist, and someone who deeply loved the sport.
‘Over a decade ago, when [Ben Osborn] and I were launching the soccer mag Striker, Grant Wahl reached out, out of the blue, to ask how he could help,’ Whitaker tweeted. ‘He ended up writing in every issue, for basically nothing, to help us, and to help soccer. So sad to hear of his passing.’
MMA reporter Ariel Helwani described Wahl as ‘an incredible journalist and better human being.’
‘A kinder soul you’ll never meet,’ Helwani tweeted. ‘This is shocking. Sincerely hope foul play is not involved stemming from his incredible reporting on Qatar. This is a nightmare.’
Ex-US goaltender Tony Meola was one of several former players to speak out on Twitter
SI’s Chris Mannix agreed.
‘There are too many examples of Grant Wahl’s kindness as an SI colleague to recount here,’ Mannix tweeted. ‘As great a writer as he was, Grant was an even better person. Prayers with his wife and family, who he loved and was so proud of.’
ESPN’s Bob Ley – a vocal proponent of soccer in the US – expressed his dismay on Twitter as well: ‘Generous of spirit, a peerless journalist, #grantwahl did more to inform and explain and celebrate the beautiful game than any other American. Ever. Full stop. His loss is incalculable to our profession. Prayers for his family.’
Several US soccer players also reacted to the news on Friday.
‘Numb. Shocked. Devastated to hear the news about Grant Wahl,’ tweeted former US goalkeeper Tony Meola. ‘The world lost a kind human being. Met Grant as a young reporter and later had the pleasure of working with him last WC. He loved people, life and our sport. May your soul rest in peace Grant.’
Wahl, a Kansas native and graduate of Princeton University, covered the rise of soccer in the US since the mid-1990s, while helping to popularize the sport with his own brand of storytelling. As a senior writer for SI, Wahl reported on Olympics, World Cups, and a variety of other sports, including a 2002 piece introducing the masses to a teenage basketball player from Akron, Ohio, named LeBron James (pictured at 17)
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