Renowned soccer journalist and sportswriter Grant Wahl sadly passed away in Doha, Qatar while he was covering the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the soccer realm and the wider US sporting world. Notably, NBA great LeBron James also mourned the loss of Wahl and made a poignant statement for the journalist.

Grant Wahl had written a feature on LeBron James in Sports Illustrated when he was still a teenager. The title of the write-up was ‘The Chosen One’. This was LeBron’s inspiration for his famous back tattoo that has the same words etched in ink. The story detailed the high school junior who was en route to being an NBA player.

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LeBron James recalled that he was “very fond” of Wahl. He said that it was a “pretty cool thing” to have Wahl feature him in the magazine, the first of many. The Los Angeles Lakers icon also remembered that Grant Wahl had spent a lot of time in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

James continued to look back on those times, whenever he would come across Wahl’s name. “It’s a tragic loss. It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was…And may he rest in paradise“, said LeBron.

Grant Wahl had also introduced Brooklyn Nets forward?Kevin Durant and gave KD his first SI cover story as well. Wahl worked for Sports Illustrated for almost three decades before running his own successful soccer podcast. Earlier, Wahl was reportedly detained by officials in Qatar for a brief period after he tried to enter a stadium while wearing a rainbow t-shirt, as a symbol of solidarity and support for the LGBTQ community.

Grant Wahl’s death remains a mystery for now

He reportedly collapsed in the press box on Friday night. The incident apparently took place during the start of extra time in the quarter-final match between the Netherlands and Argentina. Reports suggest he may have had a heart attack, but this is yet to be officially confirmed. His wife, Celine Gounder, later tweeted that she was in complete shock.

The US Soccer Federation also put a statement, “Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists...”

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LeBron James‘ tribute is just one among many that shed light on Wahl’s incredible career.