Alex Labidou

Alex Labidou

Managing Editor, GOAL US

Bio: I am GOAL USA’s Managing Editor, leading coverage of North American soccer while also writing news and feature stories. I started my career at NBA.com and first joined GOAL as Deputy Editor from 2010-13. Since then, I’ve worked at ESPN, NBC Sports and with the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets, and contributed to TV and radio work for NBC, CNN, and various podcasts. Motivated by the seismic momentum of the 2026 World Cup, I rejoined GOAL in 2024 to help tell the game’s biggest stories in the U.S. and beyond.

My football story: I was introduced to the sport in 2007 by a friend, Jude, who took me to Nevada Smith's (RIP) in New York City. Despite being crammed into a basement pub at 6:30 a.m., I was instantly hooked. 

Areas of expertise: I wear many hats.

Favorite footballing memory: Watching the 2012 Champions League final at Zum Schneider (another RIP) in New York. After Didier Drogba’s heroics stunned Bayern Munich, my friend Rob and I had to climb out of a window to avoid a room full of furious Bayern fans.

All-Time XI: Tim Howard, Ashley Cole, Vincent Kompany, Virgil Van Dijk, César Azpilicueta, Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, N’Golo Kante, Lionel Messi, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry

Articles by Alex Labidou
  1. Canada and Nike release 'Full Tilt' 2026 World Cup kits

    With the World Cup less than three months out, Canada have revealed their new World Cup kits designed by Nike. Titled 'Full Tilt,' the kits are meant to embody the country's extreme landscapes and confident culture. It also follows Canada Soccer's 'True North' theme - which the team says is shaped by authenticity, resilience and ambition. Canada will debut their new kits during their March fixtures.

  2. MLS announces 2026 playoff schedule: MLS Cup set for Dec. 18

    MLS announced its playoffs schedule Monday, with the postseason set to begin Nov. 18 and culminate with MLS Cup on Dec. 18. While the format is identical to last year's playoffs, the later start means there will be no interruptions for international windows, as the tournament begins after the November FIFA break. In years past, the league has been criticized for scheduling playoff matches through international windows - leading to lengthy gaps between rounds.

  3. Son, Bouanga power LAFC past Messi's Miami in stunning rout

    Lionel Messi's Inter Miami came into the 2026 season with a ton of new shiny toys, but it was a familiar LAFC who dominated in their season opener - crushing the Herons in a 3-0 rout in front of an MLS-record opening day crowd of 75,673 at LA Memorial Coliseum. Denis Bouanga sparked an impressive performance for the Black and Gold, with an impressive goal and assist in the second half.

  4. Trinity Rodman resigns with Spirit on NWSL-record deal

    U.S. international Trinity Rodman has agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of uncertainty surrounding her future. The agreement follows the NWSL’s introduction of the High Impact Player rule, though it remains unclear whether Rodman will be formally classified under the designation once it takes effect in July.

  1. FIFA gets record 500M ticket requests for 2026 World Cup

    FIFA says it received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during its month-long Random Selection Draw application window, highlighting unprecedented global demand for the first-ever 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The window ran from Dec. 11 through Jan. 13 following December’s World Cup draw and schedule release.