Obed Vargas Meets Griezmann: A Dream Fulfilled at the Club World Cup
SEATTLE, WA — Amid the intensity of the Club World Cup group stage and Seattle Sounders' valiant fight against Atlético Madrid, a heartwarming moment stole the spotlight after the final whistle.
18-year-old Obed Vargas, one of Seattle’s brightest young stars, finally met the player he has long admired — Antoine Griezmann. The moment captured after the match showed Vargas smiling ear-to-ear as he exchanged words and posed for a photo with the French superstar.
For Vargas, born in Anchorage, Alaska and raised through the Sounders’ academy, Griezmann has always been a footballing role model. Their post-match exchange was brief, but meaningful — a reminder that the beautiful game isn’t just about goals and points, but also about connection and inspiration.
Griezmann, known for his approachable personality, made time to speak with Vargas, share a hug, and offer a few words of encouragement. It was a full-circle moment for the young midfielder who just a few years ago was watching Griezmann lift the World Cup — and now stood beside him as an opponent on football’s biggest club stage.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I’ve looked up to him for so long. To share the field and then get to talk to him — it’s surreal,” Vargas told reporters after the match.
While Seattle may be on the brink of elimination, moments like these remind fans and players alike why the Club World Cup matters — not just for trophies, but for dreams coming true.
Football writes its own stories — and for Obed Vargas, this chapter was unforgettable.