PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antonee Robinson |
| Date of Birth | 08/08/1997 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Milton Keynes, England |
| Nationality | American (dual US-UK) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in / 183 cm |
| Position | Left-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #5 (USMNT) |
| Current Club | Fulham FC |
| Previous Clubs | Everton, Bolton Wanderers (loan), Wigan Athletic |
| International Caps | 58+ |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | €22M (estimated, from Everton transfer) |
The Frozen Moment
The ball looped toward him at the top of the penalty box, cleared by a German defender from a U.S. corner. Tim Ream watched from the back and thought to himself: “Is he gonna? Is he going to?”
Antonee Robinson did. He connected with a blinding volley, picked straight out of the air, and sent it screaming past the German goalkeeper. The Soldier Field crowd erupted. Robinson sprinted away and executed his trademark backflip celebration, unleashing months of emotion, of pain and relief, and roared.
“Honestly, I’ve never hit a ball sweeter than that, not quite like that, no,” Robinson admitted after the match.
It was June 6, 2026—six days before the World Cup opener. And it was a moment that had seemed impossible just months earlier.
Ream, Robinson’s former Fulham teammate, summed it up: “He deserves it. He’s worked so hard to get here. And to see him connect on a ball like that is just — it’s otherworldly, really.”
For the boy from Milton Keynes who had chosen to represent the United States, who had battled back from a career-threatening knee injury, who had worried whether he would ever see the light at the end of the tunnel, the goal was vindication. He was back. And he was ready for the World Stage.
Origins: The English Academy Product Who Chose America
Born in Milton Keynes, England, and raised in Liverpool, Robinson’s path to the U.S. Men’s National Team was anything but conventional. He joined Everton’s academy at age 11 and rose through the ranks, winning the U-18 Player of the Season award. Though he never made a senior appearance for the Toffees, his development in one of England’s most storied academies built the foundation for his professional career.
His connection to the United States came through his father, Marlon Robinson, who was born in England but grew up in White Plains, New York, after Robinson’s grandmother moved there from Jamaica. Antonee’s grandmother established citizenship in White Plains, giving him the eligibility to represent the Stars and Stripes.
“My grandma’s originally from Jamaica but she raised my dad in White Plains, New York,” Robinson explained in USMNT 26 Stories. “That’s where my citizenship and roots really comes from.”
He made his senior USMNT debut on May 28, 2018, in a 3-0 friendly win against Bolivia, playing the full 90 minutes and recording an assist in his first cap.
The Nickname: Why ‘Jedi’?
Long before he became one of the fastest left backs in the Premier League, Robinson was already known as “Jedi.”
“My dad’s always been a football coach,” he said. “When I was about five years old and he made my first team that I played on, he said I could pick my own nickname.”
Instead of choosing a soccer legend, Robinson went in a very different direction. “For whatever reason, I just said I want to be called Jedi.”
The nickname never disappeared. Robinson says even his parents still use it today.
“I’ve introduced myself as Jedi at school, at new clubs,” he explained. “That’s just kind of stuck with me now.”
The European Forge: From Everton to Fulham’s Premier League Mainstay
Everton (2008-2017)
Robinson joined Everton’s academy at age 11 and spent nine years developing in one of England’s most prestigious youth systems. He won the club’s U-18 Player of the Season award but never made a senior appearance for the Toffees.
Bolton Wanderers (Loan, 2017-2018)
He made his competitive debut on loan at Bolton, playing 30 games and earning his first taste of senior football.
Wigan Athletic (2018-2020)
Robinson moved to Wigan in 2019, making 26 appearances and scoring his first professional goal in a 2-2 draw against Millwall in November 2019.
Fulham (2020-Present)
In August 2020, Robinson signed for Fulham, becoming a foundational player for the club’s sustained Premier League campaign. He quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s premier attacking full backs, earning the 2023-24 Fulham Player of the Year award.
Over five seasons at Craven Cottage, Robinson made 160 appearances in all competitions and averaged 36 league games per season. His 10 assists in the 2024-25 Premier League season brought praise from head coach Marco Silva and renewed attention from other English top-flight teams. He became the first American to record three consecutive Premier League assists.
The Injury That Threatened It All
Robinson’s remarkable consistency had made him one of the Premier League’s most reliable full backs. Then, in May 2025, everything changed.
He underwent surgery on his right knee, hoping to fix a problem that had persisted since he first suffered the injury in November 2024. The operation was supposed to put an end to the issue and ensure he could be ready for another long season. It did not go to plan.
“There was kind of no light at the end of the tunnel,” Robinson recalled.
The rehab didn’t go smoothly. Even when he returned to training, he still wasn’t quite ready. He was in and out of the Fulham lineup, playing just three times as a substitute early in the 2025-26 season, and his World Cup hopes began to feel increasingly uncertain.
“I couldn’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Robinson said. “Everything I was doing to try and get well wasn’t working.”
He sought outside help, widened his search for advice, and changed up his rehabilitation approach. He worked with former Liverpool head physiotherapist Andy Renshaw to rebuild strength in his right quad muscle. A series of injections and different opinions helped him get his physical condition back on track.
“I’m the first person at the training ground because I know I need to do a lot in the gym before I train,” he explained. “In the evening when I put the kids to bed I’m doing more stuff to try and get myself in good shape.”
The Anatomy of His Game
Robinson is the modern full-back reimagined: blistering speed, tireless overlapping runs, and elite crossing ability. His game is defined by his athleticism, work rate, and the relentless consistency that has made him a fan favorite at Fulham and an undisputed first-choice starter for the USMNT.
In Possession
His crossing ability is elite. He recorded 10 assists in the 2024-25 Premier League season. His overlapping runs create width and stretch opposition defenses, allowing central attackers to find space. He recorded 3 assists in the 2025-26 season across all competitions.
Out of Possession
His pace is one of his greatest weapons, allowing him to recover defensively and make crucial tackles. He is an aggressive presser and a tireless runner who can get up and down the flank for 90 minutes.
His Versatility
While primarily a left-back, Robinson has been deployed as a left wing-back and even in defensive midfield for Fulham. His ability to play in multiple positions makes him a valuable tactical asset.
His Weakness
His injury history is his greatest concern. The knee surgery that threatened his World Cup participation required careful management. His form in the 2025-26 season was inconsistent as he worked his way back to full fitness, and he suffered a muscle issue in the send-off match against Germany.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 | 1 | 0 | 1,462 | — |
| League Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | 180 | — |
| FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 115 | — |
| World Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 360 | — |
| Total | 30 | 1 | 1 | 2,117 | — |
TABLE B: Fulham Career (Premier League)
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021-22 (Championship) | 36 | 2 | 4 |
| 2022-23 | 35 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | 37 | 0 | 6 |
| 2024-25 | 36 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025-26 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 194 | 3 | 21 |
TABLE C: International Record (as of 2026)
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Senior Caps | 58+ |
| Senior Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Debut | 28/05/2018 vs Bolivia |
| World Cups | 2022, 2026 |
| US Soccer Male Player of the Year | 2024 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | USMNT Debut | Full 90 minutes vs Bolivia, assist |
| 2022 | World Cup Debut | Started all four matches in Qatar |
| 2023-24 | Fulham Player of the Year | First American to record 3 consecutive PL assists |
| 2024 | US Soccer Male Player of the Year | First defender since 2006 |
| 2024-25 | 10 Premier League Assists | Breakthrough season |
| 2025 | Knee Surgery | Threatened World Cup participation |
| 2026 | World Cup Send-Off Goal | Stunning volley vs Germany |
What These Figures Reveal
The statistics paint a portrait of a player who has steadily improved throughout his career. Robinson has made nearly 200 appearances for Fulham across five Premier League seasons, contributing 21 assists and 3 goals. His 10 assists in the 2024-25 season established him as one of the most productive full-backs in the Premier League.
His international record is equally impressive. He has 58 caps for the United States, 5 goals, and was named the 2024 US Soccer Male Player of the Year—the first defender to earn the honor since Oguchi Onyewu in 2006.
The Present Tense
The 2026 World Cup was the culmination of Robinson’s remarkable journey. He was named in Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man squad and started every match for the USMNT at the tournament.
His return to full fitness had been a race against time. After missing 495 days of international football, he returned to the USMNT on March 28, 2026, against Belgium, recording an assist on Weston McKennie’s header. He started against Portugal three days later.
His club season was a mixed bag. He made 22 Premier League appearances, scoring 1 goal and contributing 0 assists. His form was inconsistent as he worked his way back from injury, and he was in and out of the starting lineup. But he did enough to earn his place in the World Cup squad.
His send-off performance against Germany was a statement of intent. The stunning volley and backflip celebration reminded everyone why he is one of the most important players on the USMNT. He also exited the match with a muscle issue, but it was determined to be cramps.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Robinson is a man of many talents. He is an accomplished piano player, having taught himself to play for about seven years after being inspired by a keyboard at his family home. His favorite song to play is Coldplay’s “Fix You.”
He is also a chess enthusiast, a gamer, and can solve Rubik’s cubes—three by three, four by four, and five by five. He taught himself how to solve them after watching YouTube videos as a teenager.
His trademark goal celebration is a backflip, which he taught himself by practicing at home. “I got asked not to do that again because it was pretty scary and pretty risky,” he admitted.
He is a devoted family man. He has a daughter named Atlas, and his first thought upon waking is checking the baby monitor to see if she needs him. On a rare day off, his perfect day involves playing a round of golf, coming home to chill, and then spending time with his family.
The Verdict from the Camp
Tim Ream, USMNT captain:
“He deserves it. He’s worked so hard to get here. And to see him connect on a ball like that is just — it’s otherworldly, really.”
Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach:
“I want to see him in his best. And that is the challenge from here to the World Cup to arrive with all the players in their best performance, to perform in the way we believe they can perform.”
Tyler Adams, USMNT midfielder:
“It was unreal. Can you save that for next weekend?”
Antonee Robinson, on his recovery:
“Earlier on in the season, I felt like I couldn’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel. Everything I was doing to try and get well wasn’t working. But now, I’m feeling in pretty good shape, and happy that we’ve got through the game. And I get to go and help my country in another World Cup.”
Where Next?
Antonee Robinson is 28 years old and entering the prime of his career. He has overcome a serious knee injury, established himself as one of the Premier League’s most productive full-backs, and become an indispensable member of the USMNT.
Club Outlook
He is under contract at Fulham until 2028. His 2024-25 season was the best of his career, with 10 assists in the Premier League. He will look to regain full fitness and consistency for the 2026-27 season.
International Outlook
For the United States, he is the first-choice left-back. His World Cup experience and his ability to perform on the biggest stage make him a key player for the national team. He will be a key figure for the USMNT in the coming years.
The Legacy
From Milton Keynes to the World Cup, from the Everton academy to Fulham’s Premier League mainstay, Antonee Robinson’s journey is a story of talent, resilience, and extraordinary achievement. The boy who chose the nickname “Jedi” at five years old has become one of the most important players in USMNT history. His career is a testament to the power of never giving up.
