WASHINGTON — A familiar face to the Phoenix Suns stepped into the global spotlight Friday at the FIFA World Cup draw.
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Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Shaquille O’Neal arrives on the red carpet before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Former Suns center Shaquille O’Neal served as one of the honorary draw presenters for the tournament, helping announce teams placed into each group. NFL quarterback legend Tom Brady, reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky were also in attendance as presenters.
O’Neal, who played for the Suns from 2007-09, drew attention not only for the contrast between his 7-foot-1 frame and actor Kevin Hart’s but also for his jokes, which prompted laughter from the crowd.
“You know what they call me in the soccer world?” he asked. “David Blackham.”
Shaquille O’Neal next to Kevin Hart at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw 😂 pic.twitter.com/cdlMnrep1O
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Though he has been away from Phoenix for years, Suns fans remember his charisma well and it was no surprise to many that he was chosen as a presenter. His personality and memorable NBA career cement his place among sports’ most enduring figures.
Seeing O’Neal, who once made his way through Arizona, on a platform as global as FIFA’s underscores the expanding reach of talent tied to the Valley. His presence reflects the state’s growing footprint on the international sports stage.
Mar. 22, 2008; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center (32) Shaquille O’Neal against the Houston Rockets at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Though brief, the former Suns center’s appearance made an impression on audiences both in the United States and abroad. For those unfamiliar with his Phoenix chapter, his cameo offered a glimpse into a short but meaningful piece of Suns history that he still carries with him.
O’Neal’s appearance serves as a reminder that sports legacies often stretch in unexpected directions, connecting communities long after.
Mar. 22, 2008; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center (32) Shaquille O’Neal shoots under pressure from Houston Rockets center (55) Dikembe Mutombo at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
For more information on next year’s World Cup groups, visit the official FIFA website.