Puerto Rico’s Soccer Comeback? Bad Bunny Is Making It Happen

Puerto Rico and soccer haven’t always been the closest of pals. Sure, there have been teams and dreams, but keeping a club going on the island has proved challenging. That might be about to change, though, as one of the biggest names in music steps up to lend a hand. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, is reportedly investing in a new United Soccer League (USL) team in Bayamón.

So, what does this mean? Well, if everything goes as planned, Puerto Rico might soon see a professional soccer team take the field for the first time in over ten years. This is significant because earlier teams, like Puerto Rico United, River Plate Puerto Rico, and Sevilla Puerto Rico, couldn’t make it past their debut season in the USL back in 2011. They struggled financially and didn’t have enough investment to keep going. Before that, the Puerto Rico Islanders had a solid run, but they unfortunately had to shut down in 2012.

Here comes Bad Bunny. Alongside his record label, Rimas, and baseball star Yadier Molina, he’s reportedly putting about $2.5 million into launching a new team. If this team advances beyond the planning phase, it could be the stabilizing force Puerto Rican soccer has been waiting for. There’s even speculation that Rimas might become a jersey sponsor, strengthening the bond between this music icon and the sport.

Rimas y Bad Bunny han llegado un acuerdo con Yadier Molina-Melvin Roman para incorporarse como inversionista del nuevo club de fútbol en Puerto Rico.

Aportarían aprox. $2.5 millones y Rimas auspiciaría la camiseta del nuevo club de la @USLLeagueOne o @USLChampionship pic.twitter.com/yiiM8Ht0cm

— Arnaldo Marrero (@ArnaldoMarrero) January 15, 2025

Why soccer though? Well, Bad Bunny is a huge fan. He’s shown his love for the game countless times, and he’s always had a special admiration for Lionel Messi. Just last year, he teamed up with Messi and Adidas to launch a collection featuring a new colorway of the F50 cleat. These two icons came together to blend music and soccer, showcasing that Bad Bunny isn’t just any fan—he’s genuinely passionate about the sport.

In his album Nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana, he even name-dropped Messi multiple times, calling him the GOAT and recognizing his greatness in soccer. In his song “Monaco,” he references Messi alongside Maradona, emphasizing their legendary status.

In another track, “Teléfono Nuevo,” he compares himself to Messi, and fellow artist Luar La L likens himself to Mbappé. In “Vuelve Candy B,” he goes even further, pointing out how Messi’s move to the United States made him the biggest sports figure in the country, overtaking even Tom Brady. These lyrical shoutouts make it clear that Messi’s impact goes beyond the soccer pitch and into Bad Bunny’s music and worldview.

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A new soccer team in Puerto Rico isn’t just about playing the game. It’s a chance to inspire a new generation of players, bring local fans back to stadiums, and give the island an opportunity to re-enter American soccer. With Bad Bunny on board, you can bet this won’t be just any team. It’s going to be something special.

If this project comes to life, it’ll be another way for Bad Bunny to give back to Puerto Rico. From music to wrestling to fashion and now sports, he’s continually repping his home on the world stage. Honestly, if there’s one person who can help bring soccer back to Puerto Rico and make it truly lasting, it’s him.