Gio Reyna responds to Gregg Berhalter-World Cup controversy

Gio Reyna has responded to the rumors about him. 

Reyna curiously did not get much playing time in the World Cup. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter revealed earlier this week, in comments that were not supposed to be made public, that he almost sent Reyna home. 

Taking to Instagram, Reyna explained his side of events. 

“I hoped not to comment on matters at the World Cup,” he wrote. “It is my belief that things that happen in a team setting ought to remain private. That being said, statements have been made that reflect on my professionalism and character, so I feel the need to make a brief statement. 

“Just before the World Cup, Coach Berhalter told me that my role at the tournament would be very limited. I was devastated. I am someone who plays with pride and passion. Soccer is my life, and I believe in my abilities. I fully expected and desperately wanted to contribute to the play of a talented group as we tried to make a statement at the World Cup.” 

In the group stage, Reyna did not play at all versus Wales or Iran, and played just seven minutes versus England. In the knockout round, he came off the bench for 45 minutes against the Netherlands. 

“I am also a very emotional person, and I fully acknowledge that I let my emotions get the best of me and affect my training and behavior for a few days after learning about my limited role.” Reyna continued on Instagram. “I apologized to my teammates and coach for this, and I was told I was forgiven. Thereafter, I shook off my disappointment and gave everything I had on and off the field.” 

The 20-year-old Reyna plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany’s Bundesliga. 

“I am disappointed that there is continuing coverage of this matter (as well as some highly fictionalized versions of events) and extremely surprised that anyone on the U.S. men’s team staff would contribute to it,” Reyna concluded on Instagram. “Coach Berhalter has always said that issues that arise with the team will stay ‘in house’ so we can focus on team unity and progress. I love my team, I love representing my country, and I am focusing now only on improving and growing as a soccer player and a person. I hope that going forward each person involved in U.S. Soccer focuses only on what is in the best interest of the men’s national team so we can enjoy great success at the World Cup in 2026.”