For many people soccer is how we avoid real life. We watch players kick a little ball into a net and then scream in ecstasy. But then our heroes get damaged. Life reminds us that soccer is not an avoidance of reality, because it is a part of it. With Friday’s news that Clint Dempsey will not play in the next three competitive matches on his slate due to heart trouble the American soccer community rallied around the iconic forward.
One of the first was someone who knows exactly how real life and soccer can intersect - Steve Zakuani.
Every once in a while life reminds us all what's truly important & refocuses our perspectives. All the best to Clint.
— Steve Zakuani (@Zakuani11) August 26, 2016
The support for Clint ranges throughout the American soccer-sphere - from the very top and Sunil Gulati right down to fans that he’s helped comfort when they needed it.
Spoke with @clint_dempsey today. He's in great spirits and appreciates everyone's support. #OneNationOneTeam
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) August 26, 2016
Many of his United States National Team compatriots took to Twitter. Some went to World Cups with him, others appeared in a couple camps.
Yes sir! Nothing but love homie! Positive thoughts @clint_dempsey ! Three amigos needs to get back together again! https://t.co/zmvihKKCJC
— Geoff Cameron (@GeoffCameron) August 26, 2016
Sending nothing but positive thoughts & vibes to my boy @clint_dempsey! Hope you get back playing real .
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 26, 2016
Soccer crazy in so many ways. All the best @clint_dempsey! God bless you and your family! #Texasfam
— Gregory Garza (@gmgarza24) August 26, 2016
The best for my boy @clint_dempsey vamos amigo!
— Joe Corona (@JoeCorona15) August 26, 2016
Get well soon Deuce ✌ ️ sending prayers and good vibes your way! #2. ⚽️ @clint_dempsey pic.twitter.com/muQcXMH9AT
— Miguel Ibarra (@Migue10Ibarra) August 26, 2016
His rivals want him healthy, because an irregular heartbeat is more important than a game.
@clint_dempsey best wishes, Clint. Will miss you on the field (honestly) this Sunday but getting health sorted trumps the game.
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) August 26, 2016
Mr. @clint_dempsey la mejor de las vibras desde México. Rivales en la cancha, humanos fuera de ella!
— Ernesto R. Ruíz Díaz (@NetoRD27) August 26, 2016
Rivalries aside hoping Clint Dempsey has a speedy recovery from this scary thing and hoping he can go back and play for his Sounders.
— Eric Santiago (@SaintTaco707) August 27, 2016
@ClintDempsey Rivalry aside, best wishes for positive results and quick return to pitch. It's not same w/o you! #RCTID #PORvSEA @WeAreECS
— John Brewer, Jr. (@jsbpdx) August 27, 2016
@clint_dempsey I'm a Timbers fan and usually cheer against you, but I wish you the best in your recovery. Want you in these matches!
— LJPint⭐️ (@pJillees) August 27, 2016
And, of course, fans of the Seattle Sounders were focused on the past joys brought about by Dempsey and a future of good health.
Sending prayers your way @clint_dempsey #Dempsey @SoundersFC pic.twitter.com/X6WXUI2MfQ
— Christina Castillo (@XtinaCastilllo) August 26, 2016
All the best @clint_dempsey. You got the entire American soccer community praying for you and rooting for your quick recovery. #ebfg #usmnt
— JC Sarinas (@JC_2594) August 27, 2016
ECS hopes to see @clint_dempsey cleared to play and back on the pitch again soon.
— EmeraldCitySupporter (@WeAreECS) August 27, 2016
We're here for you, Deuce. Get some well-deserved rest.
@clint_dempsey repeating what you said to me: wishing you the best and have a successful recovery from treatment pic.twitter.com/ZqBjpHSiya
— HollieCoatesSeamster (@hcoates69) August 27, 2016
This is merely a selection of the outpouring of support for Clint.