Team U.S.A. World Cup 2014: Who Is 'Johnny Fùtbol'?

The United State’s defenseman John Brooks had Americans from all over the world losing their minds and their vocal chords when he scored the game winning goal against Ghana last Monday. But who is this mystery man that has captivated the hearts of a nation and brought the USMNT to the brink of moving on to the knockout round?

America loves a hero, and as Johnny Manziel knows, the best way to become a hero is to win, and win on the brightest stage. Brooks became a legend with his header against Ghana to give the U.S. the victory 2-1. The next day, everyone knew Brooks name, or should I say new name, “Johnny Fùtbol”, as it splashed across the front page of newspapers across the country.

Courtesy of Wikipedia, “Johnny Fùtbol”, was born John Anthony Brooks, Jr. on January 28^th, 1993. The newly 21 year old was born in Chicago, but raised in Berlin where he grew up among the soccer giants of Germany. Brooks joined his hometown club, Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga in 2010 and signed a new four year deal to stay with the team after being pursued by the likes of Bayern Munich amongst others. Brooks holds dual citizenship and began playing for both the U.S. under-20 team and for Germany’s under -20 team. It was in the fall of 2013 however, when he got the call from Team USA coach, Jurgen Klinsmann informing him that he would be playing for the U.S. national team in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Brooks made the final 23 man roster for the United States and promptly became the only substitute in United States World Cup history to score a goal when he replaced defenseman Matt Besler in the game versus Ghana. Brooks has now become an international celebrity and if the United States can get past Portugal tomorrow, will likely return to the United States with newfound fame and endorsements offers waiting. First thing first however, the U.S. and Brooks must focus on Portugal on Sunday and then European powerhouse Germany on Thursday.