Former footballer Matt Pacifici is preparing for one of the most meaningful tournaments of his life. The former Major League Soccer goalkeeper will lead the New York Ramblers, an LGBTQ football club, at the upcoming Gay Games in Valencia, Spain.
Interestingly, Pacifici says he is more excited about this competition than he ever was during his professional career.
The former goalkeeper played NCAA Division I soccer for Wake Forest University and Davidson College before joining Columbus Crew in 2016.
However, an injury cut short his professional journey, forcing him to retire early during his first MLS season.
Why the Gay Games Mean So Much to Pacifici
Despite competing at high levels throughout his career, Pacifici says the atmosphere within the New York Ramblers has given him a completely different perspective on football.
He explained that while college and professional soccer were highly competitive, playing with the Ramblers offers a sense of freedom and enjoyment that he had rarely experienced before.
According to Pacifici, the team environment allows players to be themselves without feeling pressure to fit into traditional expectations often associated with men’s sports.
As a result, he is heading to Valencia with a renewed passion for the game and hopes of helping the team compete for a gold medal.
From Doubt to Becoming a Team Leader
Pacifici first learned about the New York Ramblers after moving to New York City seven years ago.
At the time, he was unsure about joining an LGBTQ-focused sports team. Having recently left the highly competitive world of professional soccer, he questioned whether the experience would be right for him.
However, after finally joining two years ago, his perspective changed completely.
He says the club includes players of different skill levels, but the supportive culture has become one of its biggest strengths.
Former Landon Foster will also be among Pacifici’s teammates at the Gay Games.
Reflecting on Coming Out After Soccer
Pacifici publicly came out as gay in 2019. At the time, he became one of only a handful of current or former MLS players to do so.
He finds it surprising that no additional former or current MLS players have publicly come out in the years since.
Looking back, Pacifici says his decision to remain private during his playing career was largely influenced by a desire to avoid disrupting his football ambitions.
He explained that many athletes may still face an internal struggle between pursuing professional success and openly expressing their identity.
Call for Greater Support From Players’ Unions
Pacifici also believes players’ unions can play a bigger role in supporting LGBTQ athletes.
He noted that unions have historically helped drive important changes in professional sports, including improvements in player rights and working conditions.
Therefore, he feels they could become valuable advocates for inclusion and support programs aimed at LGBTQ players.
Life Beyond Football
Today, Pacifici has built a successful life away from professional sports.
He previously worked at Amazon before joining Google, where he currently works in strategic product partnerships focused on artificial intelligence and advertising.
Away from work, Pacifici lives in New York City with his boyfriend, Jordan. The couple have been together for four years.
Although football remains an important part of his life, Pacifici says he has found happiness in balancing his career, personal life, and passion for the sport.
As he prepares for the Gay Games in Valencia, the former MLS goalkeeper hopes to inspire others by showing that athletes can succeed both on and off the field while staying true to themselves.