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DO NOT MISS A SINGLE MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

‘He’ll always be my little boy’ – Malik Tillman’s touching World Cup journey through the eyes of his family who saw him rise as a USMNT star

Goal spoke with the Tillman family about their emotional summer, the anxious moments that accompany a World Cup, and a mother’s unwavering love for her two sons.

Anja Tillman has lost count of how many times she has replayed her son’s now-iconic free-kick goal. In the hours following Malik Tillman’s right-footed strike, her social media was flooded with videos—English commentaries, Spanish broadcasts, and countless edits set to music. She watched every single one multiple times, not just to see the goal again but to relive the emotion of that moment.

“My Instagram is going crazy,” she told Goal with a smile. “All I can see is his free kick. There are even videos explaining how difficult it was!”

But the best video, she says, was one that surfaced almost immediately. It began zoomed in on the U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder as he approached the ball. Before it even hit the net, the camera turned to focus on Anja and Malik’s older brother, Los Angeles FC star Timothy. Anja’s eyes glistened with tears, while Timothy couldn’t stop smiling. ‘Malik did it,’ they thought. In that moment, they all had.

That free kick will be one of many memories that the Tillman family will cherish from this summer—a rare one where they’ve been able to spend real time together. With Malik based in Leverkusen and Timothy in Los Angeles, such moments are few and far between. This summer, however, they’ve had the chance to share in the magic that only a World Cup can bring.

“Right before we drove to the first game,” Timothy Tillman told Goal, “I was talking to my mom, my girlfriend, and our agent. I said, ‘Who would’ve imagined we’d be here in LA, living this life, going to see Malik play in a World Cup match?’”

The Tillmans have come a long way from their hometown of Nuremberg. They’re creating new memories beyond anything they once dreamed. And while the youngest of them lives out his World Cup dream, the family is soaking up every moment together.

“Seeing him there at the World Cup is so special,” said an emotional Anja Tillman. “I still see him as a little boy.”

That “little boy” is now an American football hero—a status he cemented on Wednesday night.

The big moment

So far, Anja Tillman has attended all four of the USMNT’s World Cup matches. Timothy, however, had to miss one—the win over Australia—due to LAFC training. For the other three, the family section proudly displayed two red-and-white jerseys with “Tillman No. 17” emblazoned across the back.

“I’m always nervous watching his matches,” Anja admitted with a laugh.

Timothy feels the same, but for different reasons. As a professional footballer himself—with three USMNT caps to his name—he understands what his younger brother is going through. The hardest part, he says, is sitting in the stands knowing he can’t influence the match. The responsibility lies with Malik, and so far, he has handled it beautifully.

That was never clearer than during the dramatic moment against Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the USMNT down a man but leading by a goal, Malik Tillman stepped up for a free kick just outside the penalty area. Timothy had a gut feeling that something special was about to happen—and he was right.

“Honestly, I don’t take many photos or videos at matches,” Timothy said. “But I just had this feeling when that free kick came that he was going to take it. That’s why I recorded it—and yeah, it turned out to be incredible.”

“It was such a special moment for both of us—to be in the stands, witnessing it live. We were just so happy to be there, sharing that experience. He knew we were watching, and that made it all the more meaningful. It was so amazing for all three of us.”

Even 24 hours later, Anja still became emotional recounting it.

“For me, it’s the same,” she said. “I get emotional about everything! It’s just so special having both of them here with me.”

Those moments have been rare, as professional careers have kept the family scattered across continents.

Moments together

In professional football, there’s always another match, another tournament, another flight. True breaks are hard to come by, especially for the Tillmans—one brother follows the European calendar, the other plays on the MLS schedule. Coordinating family time is no small feat.

Last year was a perfect example. Timothy’s LAFC played through November, just as Malik’s first season with Bayer Leverkusen was starting. When the 2025 summer should have offered a break, Malik was away competing in the Gold Cup. The brothers did reunite briefly in November when both were called up to the USMNT camp, but such occasions have been few.

“The only time we really get together these past few years is Christmas,” Anja said. “And even then, it’s just for a few days. They want to see friends or go on vacation, but at least we get those Christmas days together.”

This summer, things have been different. With the USMNT based in Orange County, Anja stayed with Timothy in Los Angeles. On Malik’s rest days, the three spent time together—meeting other players’ families at team barbecues and visiting each other’s homes. After every match, Malik makes sure to head into the stands to embrace his family, even if he’s the last to leave the pitch. Anja jokes about how long it takes, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“It’s really hard to see Malik,” Timothy said. “But the World Cup has made it possible. It’s been so cool to spend time together again.”

For them, it almost feels like nothing’s changed—like they’re still the same family chasing dreams back in Germany. But everything has changed, especially Malik.

Building confidence

After Wednesday’s goal, Malik’s teammates couldn’t stop praising him. They all agreed that he seems different now—still quiet and humble, but walking with new confidence.

Veteran defender Tim Ream said he noticed the change after the Gold Cup. Anja agrees, though she believes the transformation comes not from within Malik but from the recognition he’s earned. His performance, she said, changed how others viewed him, and that in turn strengthened his self-belief—culminating in his unforgettable World Cup moment.

“I think the last tournament, the Gold Cup, really helped him feel comfortable in this team and with the coach,” Anja said. “He needs that sense from the coach that he’s important to the team. That made him more comfortable and confident.”

“It’s not easy for a player when he doesn’t feel loved by the fans, and he’s someone who really needs that. When he feels that support, he plays his best. He’s always trying to give everything.”

Timothy offered his own perspective. He believes Malik’s first season at Bayer Leverkusen also played a major role. It was a solid season overall, but with its share of challenges. Those setbacks, he said, helped shape Malik’s maturity.

“He didn’t have the easiest year at club level—it was probably his first real setback,” Timothy said. “But learning to handle that helped him realise what really matters, what he needs to focus on, and what’s within his control. That’s why he looks so grown on the field now.”

He added with a grin, “Off the field, towards me, he’s still the same little brother. That hasn’t changed much. But on the field, you can really see his growth.”

A big summer for a mother’s little boys

The summer isn’t over yet, and the Tillman family intends to enjoy every remaining moment. Both plan to attend all of the USMNT’s upcoming matches. For Timothy, it hasn’t been easy—after missing the Seattle match, he feared missing Wednesday’s game in Santa Clara due to LAFC training the next day. Thankfully, with LAFC’s ownership flying there, he joined them on the plane and made it just in time.

It was all worth it. He witnessed his brother’s defining moment and celebrated it alongside their mother. What could be more special?

“I’ll definitely go to all the remaining games,” Timothy said. “That’s been our journey so far.”

For Anja, this has been the experience of a lifetime. On Wednesday night, she hugged her eldest son while watching her youngest live out both their dreams. Yet in her heart, she didn’t see a USMNT star or an LAFC standout. She saw what she’s always seen—her two little boys.

“I still see that in both of them,” she said softly. “They’re grown men now, living their dreams. It’s so special.”