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Trophies, Bricks and $40k Foosball Tables
Your Weekly Digest of Soccer, Style, and Culture Across the CONCACAF Region
Welcome to Edition 41 of The Forty-One Life. This week, we’re giving flowers where they’re due. Ariana Raygoza breaks down the footy-inspired shoots that are shifting the look of the game. Chris Richards makes U.S. soccer history, helping Crystal Palace lift their first-ever FA Cup. Nike crowns Vini Jr. with a signature Mercurial, Hebru Brantley turns a foosball table into a $40K art piece, and Alexis Ohanian puts money and vision behind Chelsea Women FC. Plus, U.S. Soccer is selling Bricks. Let’s get into it.
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STYLE
Ariana Raygoza breaks down her most iconic footy photoshoots
Credit: Ariana Raygoza
Ariana Raygoza sits down with Forty-One to break down her most iconic shoots—styling everything from MLS kits to cultural legends with an eye that always puts story first. From pushing representation to repping her Mexican roots, she’s shaping how soccer shows up in fashion.
MORE STYLE
The USMNT star sat down with Footballer Fits ahead of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup Final match to talk about the big moment while styling CP’s home kit.
ON THE PITCH
Nike drops Vini Jr’s first Player Edition Mercurial
Credit: Nike
Nike just gave Vini Jr. his own signature boot—the first-ever Player Edition Air Zoom Mercurial made for the Brazilian star. Drenched in bold colors and personal details, the boot pays tribute to his roots, his rhythm, and his rise to the top. It’s a major co-sign from Nike and a moment that cements Vini as more than a baller—he’s a cultural force.
You can cop your pair May 26th at Nike.com
MORE ON THE PITCH
Chris Richards became the second American ever to play in—and win—an FA Cup final, helping lead Crystal Palace to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City. He’s joined by fellow USMNT’er Matt Turner in this historical moment for the South London club.
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME // ART
Hebru Brantley teams up with RS Barcelona for Limited Edition Foosball Table Collab
Credit: Hebru Brantley
Hebru Brantley just turned a foosball table into a collector’s piece. In collaboration with RS Barcelona, his iconic Flyboy character takes center stage on a limited-edition run of just five RS2 tables—merging art, design, and play into something truly one-of-one. Available only through Afternoon Light, this drop isn’t just for the rec room—it’s a must-have for footy art collectors, and definitely an investment piece!
MOVES
Alexis Ohanian buys minority stake in Chelsea Women FC
Alexis Ohanian is backing Chelsea Women to become “America’s Team” in Europe. With U.S. stars like Catarina Macario and Mia Fishel on the squad, and a growing American fanbase, the Reddit co-founder sees a chance to bridge cultures and elevate the women’s game globally. It’s a bold move that blends ownership, fandom, and cross-Atlantic ambition—all rooted in growing the sport for the next generation.
MORE MOVES
US Soccer is Selling Bricks at its new Headquarters
U.S. Soccer just launched the BRICK Program, letting fans cement their name—literally—into the future of the game. Supporters can purchase personalized bricks that will live at the new National Training Center in Atlanta, backed by Arthur Blank. It’s a chance to be part of the foundation for the next generation, one name at a time.
EVENTS
Upcoming Events for May 2025
NEW YORK
No Routine Futbol Tournament
May 24th, 2025
1pm-3pm
Sara D Roosevelt Park
New York
ATLANTA
Kitboys Classic - 5v5 Tournament
May 25th, 2025
11am-5pm
West End Station Soccer
$2000 Prize ($150 Entry Fee)
Register Here
WHAT TO WATCH
Our Forty-One fam Meg Reyes just dropped the latest episode of her vlog, taking you behind the curtain of the life of a content creator/host working in soccer. Tap In
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GOOD FOLLOWS
@hebrubrantley - Visual Artist from Chicago IL
@elitefamjay - Content creator from NY putting Honduran culture on the map