The Most Embarrassing Soccer Transfer of All Time

In 1998, an MLS team thought they'd signed a Colombian star, only to discover they'd accidentally scooped up his less-talented brother instead (allegedly). This week, we look back at the shocking transfer saga of Arley and Ever Palacios. Plus, we revisit Britney Spears’ brief foray into soccer, examine the upcoming World Cup Draw happening this Friday, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🔮 All You Need To Know About the World Cup Draw

• 🚌 The Soccer Bus in Miami

• 🫣 The Most Embarrassing Soccer Transfer of All Time

• 💃🏼 Britney Spears Tastes World Cup Victory

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

WC2026
All You Need To Know About the World Cup Draw

It’s almost here… the day every country finds out its fate.

The World Cup draw will take place this Friday in Washington, DC, starting at noon EST. You can stream all the proceedings on FOX, Telemundo, FIFA+, or the FIFA YouTube channel.

Ahead of the draw, make sure you catch up on all the pots, procedures, and constraints, right HERE.

CLUBELEVEN
The Soccer Bus in Miami

It rides again!

We’ll be taking the Soccer Bus to Miami on Friday (12/5) for the final day of ABFC festivities at Miami Art Week.

If you’ll be in town for MLS Cup, come stop by to check out our mobile American soccer museum and enjoy the rest of the amazing programming!

Here’s all the info.

COVER STORY
The Most Embarrassing Soccer Transfer of All Time

A pro team signing the wrong person? Sounds like something out of a Hollywood comedy…but there’s potential evidence that this actually happened to the MetroStars in 1998.

The story starts with Arley Palacios, a strong Colombian defender from Independiente de Medellin. There were huge expectations for Arley upon his arrival, but once he took the field, he was nothing special, and rumors soon began circulating that the MetroStars had actually signed the wrong Palacios brother.

Turns out, Arley’s brother Ever was also an emerging towering defender, who would even play at the World Cup that year. Yet, somehow, the team had ended up with Arley, the seemingly less talented one of the Palacios bros.

Could it really be a case of mistaken identity, though?

Well, yes...maybe. 

If you visit Arley Palacios’ profile on the old MetroStars website, you can see that it states Arley played 90 minutes for Colombia against Norway in a scoreless draw in Oslo on October 9, 1997.

But if you dig deeper, you’ll find that the official records of that friendly in Oslo don’t list Arley in the starting line-up at all. Instead, they list Ever Palacios (also known as Everth) as having played the full 90. It’s a tentative clue that the MetroStars may have gotten confused and actually signed the wrong brother.

To this day, it’s the only “evidence” we have of this rumor being true, but many fans still cling to the notion that the club really did mess up.

But what do you think? Did the MetroStars really sign the wrong Palacios, or is it just a silly MLS urban legend? If anyone has any information, please contact us, we’d love to get to the bottom of it 😅.

OUR HISTORY
Britney Spears Tastes World Cup Victory

Today is Britney Spears’ birthday, so it felt fitting to look back at her brief brush with the beautiful game.

Turns out that for the 2002 World Cup, Britney was recruited to star in a Pepsi ad centered around soccer.

The whole ad is an absolute fever dream, but the most shocking part is seeing the Princess of Pop doing a bicycle kick. Peak ‘00s nostalgia.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know your predictions! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Dream Duffel Bag: Another incredible piece by Tuesday Pickup! Might just need to grab this one for our trek across PL bars around the country.

Copa America 2028: Word on the street is that the United States has emerged as the favorite to host this tournament once again in 2028.

Boise Stadium Update: It’s looking awesome. Can’t wait for next year!

The Globe: If you live in Chicago, you need to check out this soccer pub. Hands down one of our favorites!

The Last Copy: We’re down to one last copy of the Soccer Odyssey, and here’s how it can be yours.

RECORDS
The Second Longest Goal By An American

In the Premier League, that is.

The great Tyler Adams left us with an insane stat after scoring a screamer from 47.4 yards out over the weekend. And, he did it on a cold, rainy night, too. Legend.

Still, Tim Howard’s full-field goal is safely in first place. It’ll never cease to amaze me every time I watch it.

BUSINESS
Decisions, Decisions

It’s been the talk of the NWSL for the past couple of weeks. Will Trinity Rodman stay or leave?

With alleged offers from teams in England and the Gainbridge Super League that reportedly surpass anything an NWSL team could offer (due to the salary cap), Rodman's departure is a very real possibility.

But, this legend of the game weighs in on why Rodman should stay. She makes a very valid point.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What are your Thanksgiving week soccer plans? Here are some of your answers:

• “Eat and convert extended family into soccer fans. If anyone dares go on a rant about politics or geopolitical events, I’m ready to bring religion into it and preach the gospel of footy as the great unifier. ‘You don’t like the way the world is trending? Get on the soccer bus!!!’” - Colin (Footy Travelers)

• “Eat and watch soccer with family. It’ll be later in the week, but I’m already prepared for a long Saturday of soccer. Premier League rolling into MLS playoffs, chef’s kiss!” - BD

In the poll, “Eat and watch soccer with family” won with 41% of the vote, which is also exactly what I did 😄

UP NEXT
MLS Cup

Finishing up this week’s edition from Logan Airport in Boston, ready to head to Florida!

We have a lot planned for the next few days, and it’ll be great to get away from the cold for a bit.

If you’ll be in Miami for MLS Cup, drop us a line—we’d love to catch up!

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo