Jayden Daniels, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, publicly expressed his support for Paris Saint-Germain and their captain Marquinhos following their commanding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Daniels posted a congratulatory message on his Instagram story, also wishing the team luck as they prepared for their next match on Thursday.
“CONGRATS MY GUYS. GOOD LUCK THURSDAY,”
Daniels wrote.
—Jayden Daniels, NFL Quarterback
PSG is participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, where 32 teams from around the world compete. The French club made history as the first from France to enter the tournament after winning their first UEFA Champions League title on June 1 by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. Their opening game was held at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California.
FIFA Club World Cup and U.S. Involvement
Alongside PSG, two American teams—the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami—are also taking part in the competition. PSG finds itself in Group B, which includes these U.S. sides, as well as Botafogo from Brazil and Atletico Madrid from Spain.
Earlier this year, Daniels visited Paris, a city that may host future NFL games. During the visit, he shared his thoughts on soccer positions and named some players he would want on his soccer lineup.
“I think I’d be a forward,”
Daniels said via Sports Illustrated.
“I always like to score goals, and I’d be the main attraction. So forward for sure.”
—Jayden Daniels, NFL Quarterback
Daniels also revealed his choice of teammates for a five-man soccer team, including fellow football players Marcus Mariota, Frankie Luvu, Mike Sainristil, and Efe Obada.
“Marcus Mariota, Frankie Luvu, Mike Sainristil. … Efe Obada,”
Daniels said.
—Jayden Daniels, NFL Quarterback
Jayden Daniels Emerges Among Top NFL Quarterbacks
Following an impressive rookie season, Jayden Daniels is gaining recognition as one of the NFL’s leading quarterbacks. Former quarterback Chris Simms recently ranked Daniels fifth among the top 10 NFL signal-callers heading into the 2025 season. Ahead of Daniels are elite players including Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes.
Below Daniels in the ranking are Matthew Stafford, C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield, and Jaylen Hurts. During his rookie campaign, Daniels led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game, where they were narrowly defeated by Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Daniels recorded a 12-5 regular season, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. His strong performance earned him a Pro Bowl reserve nod and consideration in MVP voting, demonstrating his rising stature in the league.
The Growing Connection Between Football and Soccer
Daniels’ support for PSG and captain Marquinhos highlights the increasing crossover interest between American football and global soccer events. His public encouragement, combined with his own soccer aspirations and the NFL’s expanding global footprint, reflects a blending of sports cultures that could foster new fan engagement and international cooperation.
As PSG advances in the FIFA Club World Cup, US audiences following Daniels’ NFL career may find an unexpected connection to the soccer tournament, boosting awareness and enthusiasm for cross-sport support.