Fresh off celebrating the New York Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years, rookie guard Tyler Kolek decided to trade hardwood for grass. He showed up at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford for France’s World Cup group-stage clash against Senegal — and ended up as a surprise guest on IShowSpeed’s livestream.
The crossover was something nobody saw coming. Kolek, still riding the high of the Knicks’ championship run, walked into the stream wearing a Senegal jersey. That’s because his shoe deal with Puma — which sponsors the Senegal national team — required him to rep the African side. But that didn’t stop Speed from asking the obvious question: was Kolek actually rooting for Senegal?
Speed, fresh off an African tour and never shy about his pride in his roots, was already loudly backing the underdog. Kolek leaned into it. The two agreed Senegal would pull off the upset. Kolek even went as far as predicting a 3-1 win for Senegal over the reigning champions.
The Prediction That Didn’t Age Well
It was a bold call, but France had other plans. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, Bradley Barcola added a third, and France cruised to a 3-0 lead. Senegal managed a consolation goal in injury time — making the final score 3-1, just with the wrong side on top.
Kolek’s score prediction was technically spot-on. But the winner? Not so much. Fans online were quick to note the irony: he nailed the numbers but missed the names.
Speed’s World Cup Obsession Continues
Speed became a global soccer sensation largely because of his loud, unapologetic fandom for Cristiano Ronaldo. With Portugal yet to play its first group-stage match — against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET — Speed is expected to be front and center, probably screaming into a camera.
For Kolek, the appearance was a lighthearted detour from what’s been a whirlwind few weeks. He didn’t log a single minute in the playoffs for the Knicks, but being part of a championship roster — even as a bench piece — gives him a lifetime of stories. And now he’s got one that involves a global soccer icon’s biggest fan and a misfired prediction.
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