Charlie Kelman: Rising US Soccer Star Eyes USMNT Spot
GOAL spoke with the 23-year-old about his upbringing, losing his Texas accent, and possible future in Championship or MLS
From Dallas to Leyton Orient: Charlie Kelman’s Journey
Just days before making headlines for his pivotal goals for Leyton Orient, Charlie Kelman sat down to reflect on his journey from Dallas, Texas, to the heart of English football. At only 23 years old, Kelman’s life has been a whirlwind of experiences, underscored by his deep-rooted love for Texas. Although miles away from home, Kelman’s upbringing has shaped the player he has become today.
A Texas Legacy
The fond memories of Dallas linger in Kelman’s mind, from the unique Texan accent he’s long since shed to the vibrant culture bursting with passion for sports. "The heat, the food, and the shadow of AT&T Stadium," he remarks, highlighting the subtle yet strong influence his hometown has on his life and career. Despite the distance, his roots remain a significant part of his identity and aspirations.
Proving Himself in England
Kelman’s success on the pitch this season has been undeniable. With an impressive 21 goals, he clinched the League One Golden Boot, a significant milestone for Leyton Orient, which has spent the majority of its 143 years in English football’s lower leagues. His notable performance in the playoff semifinals, scoring two critical goals against Stockport, further solidified his contribution to the team. This pivotal season has transformed him from an emerging talent into a celebrated striker.
Reinventing Himself in Texas
Before this breakthrough campaign, Kelman took a step back to reassess and prepare himself fully. He returned to Dallas during the sweltering summer, training at the Dallas Cowboys’ renowned Star training complex. "I had everything at my disposal," he recalls, emphasizing the importance of minimizing distractions while training intensely. Living with his brother, he focused solely on football, set on achieving his goals without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Dreams of World Cups and Premier League Glory
As Kelman reflects on his aspirations, his ambitions are grand and well-defined. "I want to play in a World Cup for America," he states confidently. His dreams extend to filling the hallowed AT&T Stadium with fans while wearing the U.S. national colors. He envisions a future where he plays for notable teams like FC Dallas or even dreams of the Premier League.
"I know Leyton Orient fans won’t like hearing all of that," he chuckles, acknowledging his current club’s passionate supporters. Nevertheless, Kelman recognizes the importance of taking each step at a time, proving he can solidify a place at higher levels of the game.
Overcoming Doubts and Focusing on the Future
This season has allowed Kelman to shatter expectations, moving beyond the shadow of self-doubt often described as “impostor syndrome.” "Nothing else matters," he asserts, demonstrating a newfound assertiveness and desire to prove himself. With each goal scored, he moves closer to a reality where representing the national team and playing at elite levels is not just a fantasy.
As he looks forward to what’s next, there’s a palpable excitement in his voice when discussing his journey. The Premier League and international competitions once seemed far off, but now they feel tantalizingly close. With his breakout season still ongoing, it’s clear that Kelman is not merely dreaming of those milestones; he’s on a determined path to achieve them.
For more insight into the world of professional football and athlete journeys, explore BBC Sport.
