One Year In, Toma Shows That Youth-Led Street Football Is the Future of the Game
- July 01, 2026
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Football on the pitch has always been inspired by the creative expression of street football. In tandem with the beautiful game’s biggest event this summer, the electric energy of a global, community-led street football tournament is bringing the thrill of the game to its next era of players.
Since launching in Los Angeles last June, Toma el Juego has made stops in Lima, Mexico, Santiago and Seoul. One year in, the grassroots tournament has grown to six continents, reaching more than 10,000 kids across 25 cities to date.
Designed to showcase the world’s best street footballers and inspire tomorrow’s footballers to get in the game, Toma has done so much more. By breaking down the pay-to-play model, it’s creating non-traditional pathways for countless young players who want to go pro but otherwise might not have the opportunity to play with a traditional club. “Toma is more than just a tournament, it’s an experience and a community,” says Caitlyn Penate, a Toma el Juego player. “Everyone is competitive but also supportive and welcoming, so it never feels toxic or overly serious. It’s the kind of event where you leave with memories, friendships and a stronger love for the game.”
What’s more, these athletes helped support the Nike Football brand campaign, “Rip the Script.” “Toma gave me the chance to be treated like a real athlete,” shares Mateo Alcantar, a Toma el Juego participant who was tapped to be featured in “Rip the Script.” “I got a stage, a crowd — all the things the pros get — even though I’m a kid. Nike sees me as the future.”
In the month of June, street ballers around the world competed in tournament finals in cultural hubs such as LA, Mexico City, New York City, Seoul and Tokyo.
Dive into the moments below from Toma el Juego tournaments around the world, and see how this generation is growing, evolving and fully owning the game.
At the Toma Atlanta tournament, Travis Scott emceed the 1v1 boys final match. A football lover, Travis Scott has been a fixture at several Toma events.
Every 1v1 match starts with a ball drop, led here by 21 Savage for the Toma Atlanta 1v1 girls final match. The rapper also performed at the end of the tournament.
Two finalists competing for the Toma Atlanta 1v1 girls final. One went on to win and play in the Toma National Finals in New York City’s Bryant Park.
“Toma Miami was unforgettable. The experience was unreal for the players, making us feel appreciated and professional. Nike decked us out in the newest technology before the tournament.”
Aiden Colocho, a Toma el Juego participant who was also featured in “Rip the Script”
Toma Miami aligned with Art Basel, merging sport and culture and the creative expression happening in the city. The event had players from Miami as well as Mexico City, New York City, LA and Toronto.
Nike honored Jorge Campos, the iconic former Mexican goalkeeper, with a custom jersey that was made with the Mexican-American sportswear partner Badfriend.
The LA football crew playing at Toma Miami. Talent recruitment and development staff from U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, Pumas UNAM, NWSL, Baller League and elite North American clubs were in attendance.
Five Toma athletes, including Mateo Alcantar, were selected to be featured in “Rip the Script.”
“Toma gave me the chance to be treated like a real athlete. I got a stage, a crowd — all the things the pros get — even though I’m a kid. Nike sees me as the future.”
Mateo Alcantar, a Toma el Juego participant who was also featured in “Rip the Script”
The Toma New York City girls team competing in Toma Miami.
Emcees Travis Scott and Young Miko were joined by Vini Jr. to cheer on the final players at the Toma LA tournament in July 2025.
The winning boys crew, Tiki Taka (named after a popular style of play in Spain), from the Toma LA finals.
“I think this model matters because soccer in America can sometimes feel really centered around expensive clubs and traditional systems. Not everyone has access to those spaces, even if they’re talented. I think that’s really important for the future of soccer.”
Chloe Jimenez, a Toma el Juego facilitator
Toma LA MVPs Jenny Alvarez and Noe Morales, who were both featured in “Rip the Script.”
Over 400 young players gathered to celebrate street football culture in the electrifying atmosphere of Toma Lima.
Toma el Juego Mexico City featured athlete appearances from global icon Ronaldinho (shown here) and Jorge Campos as well as national team players Alexis Vega, Diego Reyes, Erik Lira and more.
With footballer influencer THE 2TOP on the mic, FC Barcelona players stopped by Toma Seoul, where Frenkie de Jong, midfielder for Barcelona and the Netherlands national team, led his team to victory.
At Toma Mexico City, attendees also enjoyed activations from local partners, including Nike hair stenciling from Arturo Castrellon.
Scenes from Toma Mexico City (left). The dynamic format included 12 teams of boys and girls, playing 3v3. Teams advanced to the grand finals, where the tournament champions were crowned.
The grand final of Toma Santiago took place in an unexpected setting: the Quinta Normal metro station, which was transformed into a pitch and gathering space to celebrate football.
DJ Elias Lopez performing during Toma Guadalajara.
Guests danced while Yng Lvcas performed for attendees following the Toma Guadalajara tournament.
Teams at Toma Lima competed in Nike’s 3v3 street football format, designed to elevate local talent and redefine the game from the ground up.
Toma Santiago’s night market hosted local cuisine, businesses and activations, making it clear that football culture goes beyond the game — it lives and breathes in communities.
Toma Tokyo brought together street football with music, fashion and community for a dynamic, multidimensional experience.
The pitch was installed at Tatekawa Waterside Park in Kinshicho, Tokyo, a street football gathering spot under the freeway.
Toma Tokyo featured live performances, jersey-customization experiences and on-site hairstyling to create a space where various elements of street culture converged.
Toma Tokyo demonstrated the potential for a new football culture in Japan, with freestyle football performances creating a unique, intense atmosphere on the pitch.
The June 25–27 Toma National Finals in New York City’s Bryant Park showcased more than 150 standout teen ballers who earned their spots by winning competitions across North America.
Estadio Nike, a 16,000-square-foot open-air street football arena designed to welcome fans into the action. was the center of the experience.
Each night featured high-energy 4v4 and 1v1 matchups, followed by live DJ sets and music moments that carried the celebration well beyond the final whistle.
The competition culminated with a thrilling winner-takes-all finale on June 27.
The champions were crowned in front of a live global audience through Amazon streaming services and Twitch.