Major League Soccer is turning up the entertainment factor for the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T, announcing a lineup of celebrity guests that blends soccer, digital media, Hollywood, and professional sports into one of All-Star Week’s most anticipated events.
Joining this year’s Skills Challenge are global soccer creator Celine Dept, YouTube sensation FaZe Rug, actor Danny Ramirez, and former NFL All-Pro Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, each taking part in one of the event’s signature competitions in Charlotte.
The biggest update comes to the Crossbar Challenge, which has expanded to an eight-competitor bracket. Johnson and Dept headline the additions, bringing recognizable personalities from both traditional and digital media.
A longtime soccer enthusiast, Ochocinco has remained closely connected to the sport since his NFL career, co-hosting The Late Run soccer podcast while also appearing regularly on the popular Nightcap podcast. Meanwhile, Dept enters as one of the world’s most influential soccer creators, boasting more than 80 million followers across social media through her freestyle skills, challenge videos, and collaborations with clubs and players around the globe.
MLS is also using the event to spotlight its developmental pathway, adding North Texas SC midfielder Edouard Nys of MLS NEXT Pro as the eighth Crossbar Challenge competitor.
Elsewhere, YouTube creator FaZe Rug will make his Skills Challenge debut in the Shooting Challenge. Rug, a founding member of FaZe Clan with more than 30 million YouTube subscribers, has become one of the platform’s most recognizable creators through his viral challenge and entertainment content.
Actor Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Captain America: Brave New World, will participate in the Passing Challenge. A lifelong soccer fan, Ramirez recently partnered with MLS on Baton, a feature film that he wrote, directed, and stars in, telling the story of a player pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
The Skills Challenge continues to evolve beyond a traditional exhibition, combining MLS and Liga MX stars with creators, entertainers, and rising talent in a fan-friendly showcase that highlights both skill and personality.
Fans can watch the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge live in more than 100 countries and regions on Apple TV as part of MLS Season Pass. Tickets for the event are currently available as MLS All-Star Week prepares to take center stage in Charlotte.
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