Bob Dylan Altered A Dutch Soccer Town Forever

The Times They Are A-Changin'. This week, we revisit Bob Dylan's 1978 trip to Rotterdam, where he altered the course of a mythical soccer stadium forever. I was inspired after watching the Dylan biopic over the weekend. Plus, we celebrate a special 30th anniversary, examine a soccer gold rush, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• ✍️ The First-Ever MLS Signing

• 🙅 Presidential Snub

• 🎸 Bob Dylan Altered A Dutch Soccer Town Forever

• 💰 The Soccer Gold Rush

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The First-Ever MLS Signing

Ah, 1995. The year after the first World Cup in America and the year before the start of MLS. A kind of soccer limbo. But it still had some memorable moments, like the first signing in Major League Soccer history.

On January 3rd, 1995, Tab Ramos became the first player to sign a contract with an MLS club. The former New Jersey prep star, USMNT icon, and Real Betis man signed with his hometown team, the MetroStars, in quite a coup for the budding league.

Ramos was the first of 13 USMNT stars who would return stateside to join MLS for its April 1996 launch. Of course, since he signed a year before the inaugural season, Ramos was loaned out to Tigres in Liga MX, where he became the first American player to wear those colors.

Crazy to think that it’s been 30 years.

POLITICS
Presidential Snub

As if he needed any more silverware, Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom over the weekend.

Everyone was waiting for the GOAT to appear at the White House, but the Argentine didn’t show. Absolutely snubbed Joe Biden.

But no, in reality, he did have an explanation for missing the ceremony.

COVER STORY
Bob Dylan Altered A Dutch Soccer Town Forever

One winter morning in 1931, Feyenoord chairman Leen van Zandvliet woke up from a dream shouting with joy. He’d envisioned an enormous 60,000-person stadium for his beloved club in Rotterdam.

Within six years, he was able to turn his dream into a reality. By 1937, Feijenoord Stadion was fully built, becoming a crown jewel in the Dutch and European soccer landscape.

It was not only a symbol of Feyenoord’s economic and cultural power, but it also represented the city’s constant thirst for innovation.

And quite unexpectedly — decades later — Bob Dylan would play a role in an important milestone for the city and the stadium itself.

In 1978, Dylan held the first-ever stadium concert in Rotterdam at Feijenoord Stadion. A staggering 52,000 fans showed up to see Dylan, and it opened up the floodgates for hundreds of other artists to do the same.

He’d proven that it was possible to host an outdoor concert in one of the most historic soccer stadiums in Europe. Since then, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, and other legendary artists have performed at that iconic venue.

Although I found no evidence that Bob Dylan cared about soccer at all, it’s always fascinating to see how Americans have inadvertently impacted soccer communities across the globe. The club and the older generation of fans in Rotterdam fondly remember that landmark moment for their stadium.

BUSINESS
The Soccer Gold Rush

It’s official. Denver will be the 16th club in NWSL! All to the tune of a $110 million expansion fee.

It’s the highest expansion fee ever paid in U.S. women’s sports, and it more than doubles the previous NWSL record for a new team.

It just goes to show how fast the NWSL and women’s soccer in general is growing in this country. Expect to see more of this boom in the coming decade.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let’s see what the community has to say. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Diabolical: It’s probably one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in recent memory. A Notre Dame football jersey with Messi on the back. But why do I kind of dig it?

Back in the USA: Brandon Vazquez has joined Austin FC from Monterrey. A shock move to be honest. And you won’t believe the reported fee Austin paid for him. I have a feeling he’ll deliver, though.

POTY: Those end-of-the-year awards are finally trickling in. Introducing your USMNT male player of the year…

Comp Calendar: The NWSL broad competition calendar is officially out. Check out some of the key dates here.

Chicago Bears x Drogba: NFL kicker Cairo Santos hit Didier Drogba's signature celly after making a 51-yard, game-winning field goal for the Bears over the weekend. Santos knows real football.

CULTURE
Suarez the Hero

It’s probably one of the craziest stories to come out of this past week.

While vacationing in Uruguay, Luis Suarez and his wife helped rescue a man who tried to commit suicide by jumping off a 20-foot tree.

The man had climbed the tree and threatened to take his life if his girlfriend did not show up. Suarez gave him an empathetic talk and helped authorities prevent the man’s suicide.

Thankfully, everyone at the scene was confirmed to be safe.

CLUBELEVEN
Last Call For Photos

Submissions to our 2024 North American Soccer Photo Contest close this Friday at 11:59 PM.

Just as in years past, we’re looking to spotlight the work of photographers who have excelled at capturing soccer’s unbridled beauty on our shores.

You can submit your photos HERE as well as check out the rules, categories, and prizes.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you how well MLS teams could do in Copa Libertadores 2027? Here are some of your best answers:

• “We would get embarrassed, no question about it.” - Ben C.

• “Aside from performance I wonder how they would even make it work logistically.” - Dan

• “American teams would die in the Bolivian altitude.” - BD

In the poll, people were surprisingly optimistic, though. About 68% of voters gave us decent to positive chances. I’d also like to think that by 2027, we’d be in a good position to compete at that level. It might be tough to go up against Argentine or Brazilian clubs, but I think with a favorable draw, an American team could potentially make the quarters.

UP NEXT
Judge Deliberations

Later this week, we’ll be collecting all of your entries to the photo contest and turning them over to our panel of judges. It’s always one of the busiest weeks of the year for us, but it's a lot of fun getting to see all of the photos as they come in. Can’t wait!

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo