Cristiano Ronaldo devotee IShowSpeed has shown off his own football skills in a video shot in New York’s Central Park with a squad of fellow influencers.
Streamers JasonTheWeen and Marlon, YouTuber Zias, former professional player Brittany Isenhour, Watford goalkeeper Freda Ayisi and freestyler Sean Garnier took part in a match during the World Cup 2026, with two-time world champion Cafu and legendary referee Pierluigi Collina providing expertise.
“I enjoyed this World Cup a lot,” said IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr and is also known as Speed.
“More than the last World Cup [in Qatar in 2022], 100%. Just everybody’s emotion, everybody’s compassion.
“Before the game, I hang out even before [getting to] the stadium. I chill with the fans. It’s just a fun atmosphere and a fun vibe.”
Marlon, Sean Garnier, Zias: World Cup 2026 ‘a shock’
Swedish internet celebrity Marlon called co-hosting country the US “a very good place” to stage the finals because of the “different cultures and different people all in the same place”.
“People have seen that,” reflected the 24-year-old. “It’s been a shock to everyone. I’m seeing TikTok posts or Instagram posts from people who have never been into it.
“Now they’re watching every single game. It’s been really good.”
French former professional and world champion freestyler Garnier echoed Marlon’s words on inclusivity, while Zias admitted he has become hooked on football.
“I’m not a big, avid soccer fan,” said the American. “This is probably the most I’ve paid attention to it and I feel like I’ve been missing out. It’s a lovely sport and I’m having fun.”
Ex-United States youth international goalkeeper described seeing the World Cup in her homeland as “so cool”.
“I feel like my dream as a professional soccer player was sparked when I watched the women play in my home town,” reflected the 28-year-old.
“So to see so many other kids getting to see their idols play in the US, so many other dreams will be sparked.”
Iconic full-back Cafu said the World Cup is “about bringing people together while being treated equally”.
“It makes you hug, raise a glass and argue with people you’ve never met before,” he suggested. “That’s the power of a World Cup.
“That’s the kind of message the World Cup should be promoting – one of peace and inclusion.”
IShowSpeed shouts out FIFA and YouTube at World Cup
Despite seeing Ronaldo knocked out in the last 16 by Spain, IShowSpeed was able to mimic lifting and kissing the trophy with a version of the prize at the end of the event in the park.
“A great shout out to Cafu,” he said, embracing the most-capped Selecao player of all time. “He was our manager.
“We did our thing. Shout-out to everybody on our team, to FIFA, to YouTube. It was great.
“Any country, any city, any town you go to – if it’s a football there and you pass it to them, they’ll pass the ball right back to you.”
IShowSpeed performed at the final in New Jersey on July 19, when the reigning European champions beat holders Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
