Founding Futbol is a weekly podcast that explores soccer’s journey in America, analyzing how key moments in the sport’s history have contributed to its rising level of popularity. The show features research and expert guests as it breaks down 52 key events that have influenced growth of soccer in the United States.
Host Kent Malmros combines narrated research with long-form interviews in each episode. Founding Futbol will provide in-depth analysis on topics such as Title IX, Pelé’s time in New York, the USWNT’s dominance and Paul Caligiuri’s iconic 1989 goal.
When Founding Futbol began, over a year ago, it was intended to be a year-long project exploring 52 key moments that helped soccer become popular in America.
24 Apr 2025
Extra Time: The Passion of Asli Pelit
Asli Pelit (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/asli-pelit/) came to the US to study journalism, but quickly realized she missed the soccer culture she gew up with in Turkey. In search of a way to combine her passion for the beautiful game and her desire to tell stories, Asli traveled to South America to learn more about the obsession with great "number 10s." That was among her first exposure to the cult of Lionel Messi.
That work launched her career as a soccer writer. She subsequently went on to write about soccer for various outlets, including Sportico. As the sports deals reporter she dedicated numerous articles to the impact of Messi's arrival at Inter Miami to play in Major League Soccer. Pelit explored how he changed the business dynamics of the league and brought fans to stadiums like never before.
Pelit joined Founding Futbol to tell her story and reflect on Messi's career, as well as his importance in America. She then discusses her transition to cover the women's game for The Athletic and why fostering fandom is critical to the growth of soccer in the United States.
Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.
Visit our website for more information: FoundingFutbol.com (https://foundingfutbol.com/). Email us at kent@foundingfutbol.com (mailto:kent@foundingfutbol.com)
Subscribe to Founding Futbol (https://podfollow.com/1734477634) on your platform of choice.
Host: Kent Malmros
Guest: Asli Pelit (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/asli-pelit/) (Staff Writer, Women's Soccer at The Athletic)
21 Apr 2025
Extra Time: Safid Deen, Lionel Messi Reporter
Lionel Messi's arrival in America to play for Inter Miami was such a big story, it warranted a dedicated reporter for USA Today -- Safid Deen.
Who has been a guest on Founding Futbol
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Yael Averbuch West
Marla Messing
Peter Mellor
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
93
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Contact Founding Futbol
Guest appearances
Books guests
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