Eileen Gu, the 22-year-old winter sports sensation who famously chose to compete for China over the United States, has once again stirred the pot—this time on the soccer pitch. During Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal between Spain and France, Gu was spotted in the stands sporting a Spain jersey, a move that has fans and pundits buzzing about her allegiances.
Born in California, Gu made headlines in 2022 when she announced she would represent China on the international stage. Since then, she’s racked up three gold medals and three silver medals at the Winter Olympics, becoming one of the most decorated female winter athletes in history. But her latest appearance at the World Cup has nothing to do with snow or ice.
The sighting comes as part of a partnership with TCL, a global electronics brand. Gu’s choice to wear Spain’s colors—rather than those of the U.S. or China—has sparked a flurry of speculation. Is she just fulfilling a sponsorship duty, or is she genuinely rooting for La Roja? The answer remains unclear, but the image of an American-born athlete competing for China while cheering for Spain is undeniably eye-catching.
Gu has previously defended her decision to represent China, calling it an opportunity to inspire millions in her mother’s homeland. “This was an incredibly tough decision for me to make,” she said in 2022. “I am extremely thankful for U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the Chinese Ski Association for having the vision and belief in me to make my dreams come true. I am proud of my heritage, and equally proud of my American upbringings.”
Her World Cup appearance adds a new layer to her global persona. Gu is arguably one of the most marketable female athletes in the world, with endorsement deals that span continents. The 2026 World Cup, hosted in the United States, has already seen a parade of celebrities and athletes turning out to support various teams, but Gu’s presence stands out for its cross-border intrigue.
This isn’t the first time Gu’s loyalties have been questioned. Her switch to China was met with both praise and criticism, and her latest fashion choice is likely to reignite that debate. For now, she’s simply enjoying the beautiful game, but the image of her in a Spain jersey is sure to be a talking point for days to come.
For more on the World Cup’s star-studded sidelines, check out how hollywood's world cup loyalties have shifted, with stars abandoning the U.S. for other nations. And if you’re wondering about the officiating, here’s a look at the world cup semifinal officiating under fire after the France vs. Spain match.
