Cremaschi, Reale Named Youth Players of the Year in Revamped Award

ROCKY HILL, Conn. – January 16, 2026 – U.S. Soccer today celebrated the future of the sport by naming midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and defender Lilly Reale as the 2025 Young Male and Young Female Players of the Year. In a significant evolution for the prestigious honor, the award was presented by Henkel and included a new charitable component, with the company donating a total of $20,000 to non-profits selected by the two rising stars.

The annual awards recognize exceptional performance and leadership within the U.S. Youth National Teams. This year, however, the recognition extends beyond the pitch, marking the first time a U.S. Soccer sponsor has directly integrated a charitable donation into the award itself. The move reflects a growing trend in sports toward purpose-driven partnerships that highlight both athletic achievement and social impact.

A Banner Year for Breakout Stars

The selection of Cremaschi and Reale, determined by a vote from U.S. Soccer officials, media, and fans, comes after both athletes delivered remarkable performances throughout 2025 at club and international levels. Their achievements place them in esteemed company, joining a list of past winners that includes current and former USMNT icons like Landon Donovan, Christian Pulisic, and Michael Bradley, as well as USWNT legends such as current U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone.

Benjamin Cremaschi, the dynamic Inter Miami midfielder, had a spectacular year. He was an integral part of his club's run to the 2025 MLS Cup title, featuring in 22 games and providing a goal and four assists. His international impact was even more pronounced. Captaining the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Cremaschi scored a record-setting five goals, earning the tournament's Golden Boot and leading the team to the quarterfinals. His meteoric rise also saw him earn a loan to Italian Serie A club Parma in late 2025, signaling a promising future on the European stage.

Lilly Reale’s year was equally impressive, marking a seamless and dominant transition from collegiate champion to professional star. After a decorated career at UCLA, where she won a National Championship and was a three-time conference Defender of the Year, Reale was signed by Gotham FC of the NWSL. In her rookie season, she established herself as a cornerstone of the defense, starting 21 of 26 matches and playing a crucial role in Gotham FC’s 2025 NWSL Championship victory. Her efforts were recognized with the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year award. Reale also made her senior U.S. Women’s National Team debut in June, earning six caps and solidifying her status as a key defender for the future.

Beyond the Trophy: A New Model of Giving

This year’s award introduces a powerful new dimension by empowering the athletes to direct significant funds to causes they care about. Henkel, a global leader in consumer and industrial brands, is donating $10,000 on behalf of each winner.

Benjamin Cremaschi selected the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), the largest non-governmental funder of research into the rare neuro-genetic disorder. A $10,000 donation can directly support FAST's "Innovation Seed Grant" program, which funds early-stage, high-reward research projects that could unlock future treatments.

Lilly Reale chose the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, an organization dedicated to providing opportunities for youth in her home state. The donation will support BGCB's mission to offer safe environments and programs in academics, health, and leadership, helping to break down barriers for thousands of young people in the Boston area.

"We congratulate Benjamin and Lilly on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate the example they set for young athletes everywhere," said Jennifer Schiavone, Henkel Vice President, Corporate Communications, Americas. "Their leadership and impact extend beyond the game, and we are proud to introduce the donations in their name to charitable organizations that are close to their hearts."

U.S. Soccer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in developing well-rounded athletes. "These athletes represent the future of our sport, and their achievements reflect the passion and commitment that drive U.S. Soccer forward," said Stephanie Bates, Vice President of Partnership Marketing for U.S. Soccer. "We're equally proud to have Henkel as the presenting sponsor... Their commitment to supporting young athletes and shaping future stars ensures that the game continues to thrive for generations to come."

The Strategic Assist: Corporate Sponsorship and Community Impact

Henkel’s initiative is a prime example of the evolving landscape of sports sponsorship, where brand visibility is increasingly intertwined with authentic corporate social responsibility. The company's multi-year partnership with U.S. Soccer, announced in late 2024, is rooted in its "Thriving Communities" pillar, which aims to promote equity and social progress.

This partnership extends far beyond a single award. Henkel is collaborating with U.S. Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to host free youth clinics and equipment drives, directly addressing financial barriers that can prevent participation in the sport. Furthermore, its Dial® brand's "Clean Sheet" program donates to the educational non-profit DonorsChoose for every shutout recorded by the U.S. Senior National Teams.

This purpose-driven approach aligns with a broader industry trend. Brands like Nike, with its Community Impact Fund, and Adidas, through its support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation's free leagues, have also made significant investments in grassroots sports. However, Henkel’s model of integrating a player-directed donation directly into a high-profile performance award is a notable innovation. It not only provides critical funding for charities but also gives young athletes a platform and agency to champion causes, amplifying their influence as role models.

By linking the pinnacle of youth athletic achievement with tangible community support, the 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award sets a new standard. It celebrates the on-field brilliance of players like Cremaschi and Reale while simultaneously empowering them to make a meaningful difference off the field, creating a more holistic and impactful definition of what it means to be a star.