Tyler Adams is only 23 years old – and yet he is already captain of the USA at the 2022 World Cup. Before the game against Iran, the midfielder made a convincing statement against discrimination.
The press conference before the politically charged third round match between the USA and Iran (January 29, 2022, from 8 p.m. on ARD and in the live stream on sportschau.de) attracted a great deal of interest. National coach Gregg Berhalter and captain Tyler Adams took part on the North American side. And the midfielder surprised with a thoughtful statement on the issues of discrimination and racism in the United States.
The ex-RB Leipzig player, who is now under contract with Leeds United in England, was first pointed out by an Iranian reporter that Adams had used the word “Iran” mispronounced. And that despite the fact that a few minutes earlier he had protested that he would support the people of Iran.
Adams was then asked how he feels about playing for a country where black people are discriminated against. In this context, the Iranian journalist also spoke of the anti-racist “Black Lives Matter“-Move on.
Adam’s: “We’re making progress in the US every day“
Adams initially apologized for the mispronunciation of the word “Iran“, followed by an impressive monologue. “Discrimination is everywhere. I believe that in the US we are making progress every day.”
“Was able to get to know different cultures“
The 23-year-old also reflected on his own background. “I grew up in a white family – obviously of African American descent. As a result, I was able to get to know different cultures early on, and that’s why it’s easy for me to adapt“, he said.
He learned one thing: you always have to strive to improve and educate yourself. In the United States, he believes that is the case.
Rapid assimilation abroad was not difficult for him. “In recent years I have had the opportunity to live in many different cultures that I had to get used to and adapt to.” He was aware that he was privileged with his background and as a professional footballer: “Not everyone has this ease and ability to adapt so quickly. Obviously, sometimes it takes longer to understand.”
“You always have to learn”
The key to everything is education, Adams said. “I think it’s super important.” The US captain also used this hint for a little dig. Turning to the Iranian journalist who had lectured him about the pronunciation, he said: “You just enlightened me on the pronunciation of your country. So you always have to learn. It’s a process. I think as long as you see progress, that’s the most important thing.”
Three years at RB Leipzig
Adams played for the New York Red Bulls until 2019, after which he moved to RB Leipzig. After three years with the Saxons, he moved to Leeds United in the summer of 2022.