Since their debut in 2016, comedians Alexis Guerrero and Christian Polanco have built a distinctive niche in soccer media through their show, The Cooligans. Originally hosts in a comedy landscape, they have developed a platform that bridges humor with soccer, resonating with fans across the United States and beyond.
The duo first made a splash at an MLS Cup event where they found themselves out of place but quickly turned the situation to their advantage. During the event, Guerrero recalls, “We had no business cards. We were handing professional people stickers [of the show].” This initial awkwardness transformed into a pivotal moment when they approached Juan Agudelo, a then-active player, and struck up a conversation that demonstrated their unique approach to soccer commentary.
From Humble Beginnings to Major Recognition
Guerrero and Polanco’s journey began in 2015 with recordings in their kitchens. Guerrero, a Cuban-American from Newark, New Jersey, and Polanco, a Dominican-American from Sunset Park, Brooklyn, have since produced over 900 episodes on Yahoo! Sports. Their repertoire includes appearances on CBS’s Morning Footy and collaborations with FuboTV, as well as hosting various soccer events in their native city.
Polanco has even emceed significant events, such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Cost of Living Classic soccer tournament. The duo also hosted the U.S. Soccer Federation’s 2026 World Cup draw watch party, marking a significant milestone in their career. “We normalized having comedians in this space,” Polanco noted, emphasizing how they gained respect within the soccer journalism community.
They have interviewed notable figures in U.S. soccer, including World Cup winners Megan Rapinoe and Julie Foudy, as well as former U.S. Men’s national team captain Clint Dempsey. A standout episode for them featured fellow World Cup champion Ali Krieger, whom Guerrero likened to a comedic powerhouse, saying, “Doing a podcast with Ali Krieger is like doing an improv scene with Amy Poehler.”
Cultivating a Unique Voice in Soccer Commentary
The duo’s chemistry was evident from their first meeting in 2010, where they bonded over their shared passion for soccer while playing FIFA. Guerrero initially found Polanco’s choice of attire off-putting, but as they collaborated, Guerrero realized Polanco’s deep soccer knowledge made him the ideal partner. Together, they purchased season tickets for New York City FC (NYCFC) in the supporters’ section, solidifying their connection to the sport and their audience.
Their comedic approach to soccer commentary quickly attracted attention. Polanco noted, “We started making people around us laugh because we’re making references to hip hop and stuff from our culture.” Their aim was to spotlight American players while appealing to a broader demographic, including Latin and Black fans who felt underrepresented in mainstream soccer media. Guerrero recalled his pitch to Polanco, stating, “They don’t have anyone to listen to that does this.”
Choosing the show’s name was a stroke of inspiration. Guerrero proposed “The Cooligans,” a playful twist on the term “hooligans” traditionally associated with rowdy soccer fans. Polanco appreciated the ease of agreeing on a name, saying, “The fact that we don’t have to have a meeting to talk about the name is already a blessing.”
As their popularity grew, they gained credentials to cover MLS and German Bundesliga matches, including a trip to Germany to watch former NYCFC midfielder James Sands. This exposure allowed them to witness the global impact of soccer firsthand, which has further fueled their passion for the game.
Reflecting on their journey, Polanco expressed the importance of their unique voice in soccer commentary. He stated, “Us looking the way we do, and speaking the way we speak… that’s what our show has become.” This dedication to authenticity has resonated with fans, and the duo continues to thrive in a competitive media landscape.
As The Cooligans approach their next milestones, they remain committed to their mission of engaging and entertaining soccer fans worldwide. Their story exemplifies the power of humor and community in building a successful media venture, transforming the way soccer is discussed and enjoyed.
