For Rex-Emmanuel Cobbina, soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s a calling. The American University defender and sophomore, who once played for the Toronto FC Academy, approaches every match with a clear sense of purpose: to do everything for the glory of God.
When asked how it felt to secure AU’s latest win against Lehigh University, Cobbina’s response captured both humility and hunger: “It felt really good to get that win against Lehigh, which put us tied at the top of the table,” he said.
“The biggest difference was our mentality. We came out determined to protect our home field, have fun, and make the most of the chance to climb to the top, especially after our loss to Lafayette.”
That focus on resilience and mindset reflected the players who inspire him most: “My favorite player of all time is Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool, but lately I’ve been especially inspired by Eberechi Eze,” Cobbina shared.
“His testimony and faith in God really encourage me. As a believer who wants to play at the highest level, I want to use soccer to glorify God and help my teammates grow in their own faith journeys.”
Faith isn’t something Cobbina keeps off the field. It’s central to his mental health and balance as a college athlete: “My faith in Jesus Christ is how I take care of my mental health.”
“Through prayer, reading scripture, listening to worship music, and having Bible studies with teammates and friends, I’m reminded of God’s love and strength. Even when I feel pressure, I won’t be crushed or defeated because His strength lives in me.”
Beyond personal discipline, Cobbina was vocal about inequities in the U.S. soccer system, particularly the pay-to-play model: “The costs in the club system can make it hard for families with fewer resources to let their children play the sport they love,” he explained.
“Before committing to American University, I played for the Toronto FC Academy, where I was blessed to have everything covered—cleats, jerseys, training kits, travel, and more. MLS academies offer great opportunities, but most players are scouted from clubs that still require fees, which continues to make access unequal.”
At AU, however, Cobbina has found something that money can’t buy: a brotherhood.
“The team culture at AU is truly like a family,” he said. “Every single person on the team feels like a brother to me. We see each other more than we see our own families, so that connection runs deep. We’re always there for one another, on and off the field.”
Looking ahead, Cobbina’s goals are grounded in both performance and purpose: “My goal this season, whether I’m on the field or on the bench, is to do everything for the glory of God,” he said.
Finally, if he could change one thing about the college soccer system, it would be the season’s length: “I’d make the soccer season run throughout the entire year instead of just in the fall. A year-long season would give players more time to develop, recover, and grow consistently.”
Through his faith, humility, and leadership, Rex-Emmanuel Cobbina represents a new generation of athletes redefining success, not by stats alone, but by spirit.
