Why is Antonee Robinson called Jedi? Explaining the origin of USMNT defender's Star Wars nickname

When healthy, Antonee Robinson has been of the first names on the USMNT team sheet over the past five years, as the 28-year-old has blossomed not only into the best left-back in the U.S. player pool, but one of the best in the world.

Since debuting for the United States in May of 2018, Robinson has become a strong performer at one of the weakest positions not only in the U.S. but around the world.

Yet fans may be confused to hear one of the national team veterans referred to by what sounds like a very silly nickname. Known as "Jedi" for much of his life, Robinson is often known by his nickname more than his actual name, 

The Sporting News explains where this nickname comes from and why he's called by such a name so regularly.

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Why is Antonee Robinson nicknamed Jedi?

While Antonee Robinson debuted for the USMNT in 2018, it wasn't until 2022 that his everyday nickname became known on a more mainstream level.

Robinson's nickname stems from his childhood, interestingly enough. In fact, the Englishman earned the nickname as a child, a consequence of his passion for the Star Wars franchise. It was a self-selected nickname at first, as five-year-old Robinson decided to put "Jedi" on the back of his youth soccer jersey, and it stuck.

Now, most people around him know him as "Jedi" first. "I feel weird being called Antonee," Robinson said, per ESPN's Kyle Bonagura. "I prefer being called Jedi."

Happy birthday to our guy from a galaxy far, far away @Antonee_Jedi! 🎂🥳 pic.twitter.com/jEi86iJQrF

Robinson told former USWNT veteran Meghan Klingenberg that a lot of people in his family also refer to him as his nickname, but not exclusively.

"It's a bit of a mix in my family, to be honest. Mom, dad, brother all call me 'Jedi' or 'Jed.' Sisters both call me 'Antonee.' Fiance calls me 'Jedi' or 'Jed.' Most of the time I will introduce myself as 'Jedi'."

Where is Antonee Robinson from?

Antonee Robinson was born in Milton Keynes, England on August 8, 1997.

Jedi began his youth career at the Everton academy, joining at 11 years of age. He would be loaned out to Bolton and Wigan, before being sold to Wigan permanently without making a senior appearance for Everton.

After one season with Wigan, Robinson joined Fulham in 2020 and has been with the London club ever since, making over 200 appearances for the Cottagers.

How is Antonee Robinson eligible to play for USA?

While he was born in England, Robinson is eligible to play for the United States thanks to the fact his father was born in White Plains, New York.

Robinson played his youth international football for the USYNT, appearing in camp for the U.S. at the U-18, U-20, U-21, and U-23 sides. He was also called in by England at the U-21 level in March of 2018, but decided to stick with the United States.

He earned his first senior international cap on May 28, 2018 while starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Bolivia, registering an assist in a 3-0 victory. By the start of the 2026 World Cup, Robinson had become a regular for the United States, earning 54 caps and scoring five goals.