Alex Freeman Doubles TikTok Following After 1 Comment Sparks 'DLB' World Cup Meme
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Alex Freeman Doubles TikTok Following After 1 Comment Sparks 'DLB' World Cup Meme
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 19
Summary
A single TikTok comment from sister Diamond Spaulding — “My lil brother playing for the US so cheer for #16” — turned 21-year-old U.S. defender Alex Freeman into viral World Cup persona “Diamond’s Little Brother.”
Freeman said the nickname quickly took over his account, doubling his following as new fans flooded older posts with “DLB” messages, memes and AI-edited jersey images.
Spaulding and Freeman then leaned into the craze, launching DLB merchandise that has already sold scores of shirts through a newly built website and Linktree.
For Freeman, the joke carries a bigger payoff: he said the meme is bringing fresh eyes to the USMNT and American soccer during a World Cup run that began with a 2-0 win over Paraguay.