Actor Danny Ramírez, known for playing the new Falcon in Marvel, drew 4-4 with South Korean forward Son Heung-min in the passing challenge of the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge 2026. Ultimately, Son won 5-4, but the actor showed an unexpected level of skill.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina. Actor Danny Ramírez, 33, known for portraying Joaquín Torres (the new Falcon) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, nearly eliminated South Korean star Son Heung-min during the passing challenge of the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge 2026, held in Charlotte.
Ramírez, who participated as a special guest, completed the first four targets of the Passing Challenge and was tied 4-4 with the LAFC forward. Both needed to hit the central target to advance; the actor was closer in his initial attempts, but Son eventually scored and won 5-4.
Ramírez's performance surprised attendees, as he managed to compete at the same level as one of the biggest international figures in MLS. Although his participation ended by a narrow margin, it was clear that his presence was not merely promotional.
Danny Ramírez was born in Chicago, grew up in Miami, and has Mexican and Colombian heritage. Before pursuing acting, he played football and other sports with the intention of becoming a professional athlete. His entry into Hollywood happened precisely on a football field: while injured during a university practice, he was invited to work as an extra in a film being shot nearby.
FIFA also highlighted him as an actor with a football background when he was chosen as one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup draw. In addition to his role in Marvel, Ramírez has participated in productions such as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Top Gun: Maverick, and The Last of Us.
After defeating Ramírez, Son Heung-min was decisively eliminated by Tim Ream, defender of Charlotte FC. Ream began his participation by beating Mexican Elías Montiel, midfielder of Pachuca, 5-1, and in the next round, he again won by the same score against the South Korean forward.
In the final, Ream defeated Spanish Carles Gil of the New England Revolution 5-3 and was crowned champion of the passing challenge. He also set a new record by completing the course in just 18 seconds, confirming himself as the most accurate and fastest participant in the competition.
The format of the 2026 Skills Challenge introduced a significant change from previous editions: each event had an individual champion, rather than accumulating points to determine a winning league, according to the official event guide.
For football and film fans, Danny Ramírez's participation demonstrated that his ball skills are no coincidence. His sporting background and ability to compete with elite professionals add extra appeal to such events, which aim to merge entertainment with sport.
The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge 2026 was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a precursor to the MLS All-Star match. Ramírez's performance will remain one of the most talked-about moments of the day.
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