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'Truly heartbreaking': Shattered sports world recalls 'FEARLESS' Grant Wahl after journo's untimely death

'He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable,' said Major League Soccer chief Don Garber

LUSAIL, QATAR: Grant Wahl, who was covering FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and the Netherlands for CBS Sports, died during the game on Friday night, December 9, at Lusail Stadium. As soon as the news of his death broke, the sports world expressed its heartbreak for Wahl, whose work spanned nearly three decades of US soccer.

The US Soccer said in a statement on Twitter, “The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all.” Sports Illustrated, where Wahl worked from 1996 to 2020, wrote, "We are heartbroken that former Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl died while covering the World Cup in Qatar. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this tragic time."

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The National Women’s Soccer League released a statement as well by saying, "We are heartbroken by the news of Grant Wahl’s death. His commitment to sharing the stories of our beautiful game was unmatched, but more importantly, his integrity, thoughtfulness, and kindness were central to the way he lived.” Carli Lloyd, a two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, wrote, “Learned of Grant Wahl’s passing while I was at the Sixers game.  Completely shocked. My heart goes out to his wife, family, friends, and the soccer community. Truly heartbreaking.”

Jeremy Schaap, a sportswriter who is an eleven-time Emmy Awards winner for his work on ESPN's E:60, SportsCenter, and Outside the Lines, remembered Wahl and said, "Grant Wahl was a terrific reporter. Fearless. Dedicated. Cared. Devastating news." While Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, wrote, "We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl. He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable."

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