Miles Robinson: A Journey of Resilience and Ambition

In many respects, May 7, 2022, marked a pivotal moment in Miles Robinson’s life. This transformation came unexpectedly. Over the previous year and a half, he had earned 18 caps with the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and scored three goals, notably the decisive trophy-winner against Mexico in the 2021 Gold Cup final. Robinson was not merely aspiring to be included on the World Cup roster; he was positioning himself as a potential starter in the world’s most prestigious soccer tournament.

However, everything changed during Atlanta United’s match against the Chicago Fire. A mere 14 minutes into the game, Robinson collapsed, indicating distress in his left leg. Post-match, then-Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda confirmed it was a serious injury. Shortly thereafter, the diagnosis was grim: an Achilles rupture, necessitating surgery.

“We are devastated for Miles,” then-USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter remarked at the time. “He had established himself as a top performer throughout last year and World Cup Qualifying. We will be thinking of him and wishing him a successful recovery process.”

The USMNT moved forward in his absence, yet for Robinson, the emotional weight of the situation lingered. In an instant, his World Cup aspirations dissipated, replaced by a challenging recovery journey that cast doubt on whether he would ever fully return to form.

Reflecting on that time three years later, Robinson expresses regret. “It was sad. It was a moment where so much was going on in my life. It was hard to process everything happening simultaneously. I remember thinking, ‘Damn.’ I knew immediately that I wouldn’t be able to participate in the World Cup, and it was just from a routine motion that could happen to anyone.

“Yet, I realized, ‘There’s too much to be grateful for.’ I can’t complain. Ultimately, that’s my foundation. Regardless of the obstacles in my life, there are too many things to appreciate to let this setback hinder me.”

Robinson’s resolve was evident as he opted to spend the World Cup with friends and family, enjoying the tournament as a spectator while remaining connected to his teammates.

“Man, I was outside enjoying it all,” he recalls with a grin. “We were celebrating, cheering on my guys. I wanted to soak in that real-life energy because that’s who I am. I wasn’t going to sit back and sulk. I genuinely wanted them to succeed. While a part of me felt a tinge of disappointment for not being involved, I recognized the hard work they put in—they deserved it.”

The road to recovery took time, but Robinson is back and once again excelling in American soccer. He credits his successful rehabilitation to the Atlanta team, but it was only after leaving Atlanta that he truly felt he had reclaimed his pre-injury form.

As the 2024 MLS season approached, Robinson made a significant decision to join FC Cincinnati as a free agent. This choice raised eyebrows, as at 26, he was entering his prime and had opportunities in Europe. However, he opted to be part of Cincinnati’s ambitious project. The club also believed he could return to his previous form.

“I felt explosive, even early on,” Robinson shares. “But to genuinely feel competitive at an elite level took over a year, maybe even 16 months. It’s one thing to play, but another to play at your highest level, excelling in quickness and sharpness. The intensity of the movements is astonishing.”

This season, Robinson has returned to peak performance, earning selection as an MLS All-Star—his first appearance in the game since his injury.

“He excels in so many aspects of defending, and I believe he continues to improve,” commented FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright in September. “The number of plays that don’t occur when Miles is on the field is remarkable. You truly don’t realize the impact he has—he can manage multiple defensive challenges independently. Only a handful of players globally possess his elite athleticism and defensive prowess, and he belongs in that echelon.”

Under Robinson’s influence, Cincinnati finished second in the Eastern Conference, just one point shy of the Supporters’ Shield winners, the Philadelphia Union. He played a crucial role in guiding the Cincinnati defense to victory against their rivals, the Columbus Crew, winning two out of three matches to advance in the postseason.

“The atmosphere in the locker room is such that when we play at our best, no one can touch us,” he states confidently. “When we’re at our peak, we can win any game. We need to focus on being at our best for these final three matches to secure a trophy.”

Amidst the club’s playoff ambitions, Robinson also had a two-game stint with the USMNT, continuing his pursuit of a World Cup place.

Robinson’s career-altering injury occurred roughly six months before the 2022 World Cup. Now, as the USMNT prepares to announce its 2026 roster in six months, he finds himself in a familiar yet competitive environment, where the pressure is building and competition among center backs is fiercer than ever.

With Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards appearing to be the only solidified choice, the rest of the roster remains uncertain. Robinson is among a crowded field that includes Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty, all of whom participated in the November camp. Young defender Noahkai Banks is also in the conversation, as is veteran Walker Zimmerman. The potential inclusion of Joe Scally or Alex Freeman as a third center back adds to the competitive landscape.

Robinson has toggled in and out of this competitive landscape since his recovery, earning seven caps in 2023 and three in 2024. Notably, he led the U.S. U-23s to the Olympics as one of three overage players. In 2025, he has become a more regular fixture under coach Mauricio Pochettino, participating in the January camp, the Gold Cup, and fall friendlies, amassing eight caps within this crowded center-back pool.

“It’s essential to understand the group we have,” Robinson explains. “Many of us have known each other for years, so while we’re competing, we’re still friends off the field. We all want what’s best for each other.

“Naturally, I’m eager to be part of that group. My focus is on contributing positively in training and games. If I maintain my health, I hope to secure my place in that lineup.”

Ultimately, the decision rests with Pochettino, a former center back himself, who is likely to foster a highly competitive environment leading up to the World Cup. Following a successful November camp with wins over Paraguay and Uruguay, the race for roster spots is intense. Robinson believes this competitive spirit is something Pochettino actively encourages.

“He has a knack for instilling confidence in players, which I greatly appreciate,” Robinson notes. “He communicates clearly, whether discussing tactics or identifying areas for improvement. He emphasizes the need to compete with unwavering dedication. For some players from other nations, this opportunity represents their path to success; they come from challenging backgrounds. Pochettino recognizes that while many of us may not share those experiences, we will need to outwork them using our hearts, minds, and skills. His candid philosophy on life resonates with me.”

After FC Cincinnati’s playoff victory over the Columbus Crew, Robinson fully immersed himself in the celebrations. In a spontaneous moment, he ended up holding a sword, reflecting on how he may have unwittingly started a new tradition.

“This guy insisted I take the sword, so I thought, ‘Why not? Let me grab it and make something of it.’ Maybe I’ve created a new custom; who knows? But it was an exhilarating experience!”

With USMNT camp behind him, Robinson’s attention shifts to an entirely different challenge: Inter Miami. Facing Lionel Messi and his team is a significant test, especially with a place in the Eastern Conference finals at stake.

Robinson is fully focused on the challenge ahead—he has no choice but to be, given the remarkable talent they present and the journey he has undertaken thus far.

This doesn’t mean he lacks ambition. Robinson has established both short-term and long-term goals for his career, though the future remains uncertain. Perhaps this time, fortune will favor him, allowing him the opportunity to compete in the World Cup. Regardless, he refuses to let the outcome define him.

“I concentrate on the next few weeks, sometimes even just a few days ahead,” he confesses. “I certainly have broader aspirations and might create a vision board or something similar, but I also set achievable short-term goals. Some are grounded in reality, while others may seem far-fetched. I aim for extraordinary accomplishments, and if they materialize, great! If not, I’ll still pursue something remarkable, right?”