Phase four of the Marvel Universe is in full effect. And to celebrate the release of Marvel’s newest film Black Widow, we imagined key Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) players as your favorite superheroes.
Of course, the Marvel roster has grown exponentially over the last decade – so here are some of our top picks:
Steve Clark (Portland Timbers) – Hulk
Portland fans know Clark for his infamous Mike Myers mask and Shark dance. But like the Hulk, the 6’2” keeper can make himself big for the diving save in a crucial moment. Remember the double save of 2020? Perfection.
Clark’s talent and fun personality off the pitch would make Bruce Banner proud.
Alan Pulido (Sporting KC) – Ironman
And.. we select Alan Pulido for this honor. His IQ of the game is like no other. Plus, the $9.5 million dollar contract he signed in late 2019 puts him in the millionaires club with Tony Stark himself.
Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes) – Spider-Man
The 25-year-old right-back has a young curiosity like Peter Parker.
Although Tommy did not acquire any spider-related abilities from a radioactive spider bite; they both possess superhuman strength and agility, and detecting danger with their “spider-sense.”
Johnny Russell (Sporting KC) – Thor
Do I need to explain this choice? Johnny is basically Thor’s cousin with Scottish heritage. That would make the almighty all father proud of the God of Thunder.
Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride) – Captain America
Even though the Falcon has taken the mantle as the new Captain America (spoiler alert), for the sake of this list we will focus on Steve Rogers.
Alex Morgan, like her male counterpart, endured criticism of her physical physique early on. But the two-time World Cup champion didn’t allow the critics to discourage her as she pursued her dream to secure a spot on the USWNT roster.
Diego Rossi (LAFC) – Doctor Strange
Like Dr. Strange, the young Uruguayan overcame an injury to come back stronger than ever to score three goals in his five starts for LAFC; thus far.
Rose Lavelle (OL Reign) – Black Widow
Lavelle is multi-talented and always reliable to her teammates for both club and country. She is also a talented marksman like her superhero counterpart.
Similar to how Natasha advanced through the academy quickly – Lavelle represented the United States at multiple youth levels before making her senior international debut in 2017.
Plus, there is no denying the young midfielder can be mistaken for Romanova’s twin.
Javier Hernandez “Chicharito” – Star Lord
The 33-year-old striker is currently leading the league with eight goals – making a name for himself. I’m not sure if Chicharito would enjoy Quill’s 80s playlist, but they definitely share a fun personality.
Sydney Leroux (Orlando Pride) – Black Panther
Sydney is strong and courageous on and off the field like her superhero counterpart. They both wear purple that represents royalty.
Leroux and T’Challa also share leadership qualities.
Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars) – Scarlet Witch
Mallory Pugh, like the Scarlet Witch, seems harmless until called into action. She has proven to be a key playmaker for Chicago.
In January 2016, she became the youngest female player to be selected and play for the U.S. national team during an Olympic qualifying tournament.
At 17, she was the youngest player to debut for the national team since Heather O’Reilly’s debut in 2002. Pugh scored in the 83rd minute in her first appearance, becoming the 19th United States player to score in her debut.
It may have taken Wanda a while to realize her full potential but Mallory caught on quickly that helped her become a World Cup champion in 2019.
Soccer Heroes Campaign
The Challenger Foundation is proud to launch its Soccer Heroes initiative.
Over the past 12 months, we have been raising money, waiting for the world to be ready for soccer again. That time is now. We will be using the money we have raised, and hope to continue to raise, to offer free places on our camps to the families of First Responders.
Click here to nominate a first responder
Visit our Marvel Soccer Heroes store where Challenger Teamwear will make a donation to The Challenger Foundation on your behalf for every jersey that is purchased.