FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — After Spain’s triumph in the World Cup this summer, U.S. goalkeeper hopeful Diego Kochen picked up his phone to congratulate friends celebrating in the Meadowlands. Among them were Lamine Yamal, the dynamic winger who has quickly attained international fame, and Pau Cubarsí, who won the FIFA Young Player Award for his defensive prowess throughout the tournament.
The trio all developed their skills at La Masia, FC Barcelona’s renowned youth academy that has produced legends like Lionel Messi. “I reached out to tell them how thrilled I am for them; they truly deserve it,” Kochen shared in a recent interview with Yahoo Sports during U.S. national team camp near Atlanta. “I grew up alongside them, and they have quickly ascended the ranks at Barcelona.”
At just 20—one year older than Yamal and Cubarsí—Kochen has followed a different, more measured path in his football career. Having spent two seasons as a goalkeeper for Barcelona’s B team while occasionally being on the bench for the senior squad, the Miami native is now playing first-division soccer on loan at Denmark’s Lyngby.
These minutes in the top league have been crucial for Kochen as he aims to solidify his place in the U.S. goalkeeping pool, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup on the horizon. A familiar face in youth national teams, he first joined the senior camp two years ago and was a non-roster participant at a recent World Cup training camp in May.
“I’m honestly a bit surprised to be called up,” Kochen admitted. “It felt incredible—when I received the email, I was ecstatic to represent my country. I’m just very grateful.”
In the current camp, Kochen is one of four goalkeepers. Only World Cup starter Matt Freese has significant international experience, which he gained within just 16 months—sometimes amid difficult moments, like a blunder that contributed to a loss against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Joining Kochen are Chris Brady, the third-choice goalkeeper from the World Cup with just one game under his belt, and Brian Schwake, who is attending his first senior camp. “I’ve come here to learn from everyone around me,” Kochen said. “I’m focused on absorbing as much as I can while also competing and showcasing my abilities.”
With Lyngby, he’s come into his own, starting every league match since the team returned to the Danish top division. The club holds a transfer option to make Kochen’s move permanent next summer. “I’m genuinely thrilled with this opportunity to play first-division football,” he stated.
Kochen’s move to Europe wasn’t strictly soccer-related; it stemmed from his mother, Arlet, a DHL executive whose transfer to Barcelona’s office brought the family overseas when Diego was just 12. He’s one of four sons, with two brothers pursuing careers in medicine, and another studying mathematics with a pre-med focus. “I think I might need to become a doctor someday,” Kochen joked.
Once in Spain, he initially trained at an independent soccer academy before entering Barcelona’s elite system. By age 16, he had signed his first contract and joined the B team, eventually participating in matches for the senior squad in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Reflecting on his time at Camp Nou, Kochen expressed, “It was overwhelming—there’s no feeling like performing in that stadium with the fans and those legendary players.” Though he played in two friendlies for the A team, competitive matches were elusive.
Earlier this year, Lyngby reached out to him and Barcelona about a starting position. While the level at Lyngby differs from Barcelona, the chance for regular gameplay was too valuable to decline. “Growing up in Barcelona’s system and experiencing everything I did has been a dream come true,” he remarked. “They’ve played a significant role in shaping the goalkeeper I am today.”
Interestingly, Lyngby also has ties to the U.S.; the Philadelphia Union holds a 10% stake in the club and has loaned players there. Among them is Neil Pierre, an 18-year-old defender who was invited to this camp for the first time.
Lyngby, located in a suburb of Copenhagen, hasn’t won a league title since 1992 and is currently struggling with a record of 1-4-4, placing them tenth out of 12 teams. However, Kochen continues to receive much-needed playing time, which boosts his prospects with the national team. U.S. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has prioritized young talent as the four-year World Cup cycle begins.
The Olympic Games are also on the radar for U.S. Soccer, and they’ve emphasized providing senior experience for younger players this fall. U.S. Olympic Coach Steve Cherundolo is present at this camp as well.
Notably, Kochen is eligible to represent several countries, including Venezuela and Peru, due to his family heritage. However, he has consistently chosen to play for the U.S. since he first joined the under-16 team. “Right now, my commitment is to the U.S.,” he affirmed. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to represent my country.”
Kochen shares a connection to Barcelona with Pochettino, who is a former player and coach of Espanyol, another club in the Catalonian city. “We often joke about our club loyalties,” Kochen said, “but he’s an amazing coach, and I couldn’t be happier to be here.”
USMNT Camp Notes:
Two of the 28 invited players were absent on Tuesday: center back Chris Richards had personal matters and center back Auston Trusty faced travel issues from Scotland. Both are expected to join training on Wednesday. Striker Ricardo Pepi, who had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury while playing for PSV Eindhoven, has announced that he’s on the road to recovery.
Fan Take: Kochen’s journey highlights the increasing depth of talent in U.S. soccer, demonstrating the potential future stars emerging in the national system. As young players gain international experience, it bodes well for the growth and competitiveness of American soccer on the global stage.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
