Soccer and the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year title drought, winning an epic World Series after a Game 7 for the ages. Throughout the years, the Cubs and their home, Wrigley Field, have been a friend to The Beautiful Game, welcoming stars from both the U.S. and abroad to throw out first pitches and even staging club friendlies on their hallowed ground. Take a look at the Cubs' ties to soccer throughout the years.

SI Staff | Nov 3, 2016

Soccer and the Chicago Cubs /

Soccer and the Chicago Cubs

Former Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano explains the nuances of the splitter to Real Madrid's Roberto Carlos, Guti and Raul before they throw out first pitches on July 15, 2005.

U.S. women's national team stars Julie Johnston, Christen Press and Lori Chalupny all throw out first pitches at Wrigley Field after winning the 2015 Women's World Cup.

U.S. men's national team star Landon Donovan puts his Los Angeles Dodgers allegiances aside and throws out the first pitch for the Cubs in a game against the Dodgers on Sept. 5, 2007.

Tottenham's Harry Kane and Michael Dawson pose with Cubs star Anthony Rizzo–who caught the last out of the World Series triumph–during Spurs' visit to the United States during July 2014.

U.S. men's national team goalkeeper and Illinois native Brad Guzan throws out the first pitch at Wrigley Field after the 2014 World Cup, on July 22, 2014.

U.S. women's national team goalkeeper Hope Solo throws out the first pitch at Wrigley Field on Aug. 21, 2011.

Bayern Munich and Germany star Philipp Lahm throws out the first pitch at Wrigley Field on July 28, 2016.

Former Chicago Fire captain Jeff Larentowicz throws out the first pitch at Wrigley Field on July 11, 2013.

Manchester United brings the Premier League trophy on tour to Wrigley Field on July 22, 2011 before a friendly against the Chicago Fire.

Brazil icon Ronaldinho floats out a first pitch at Wrigley Field on May 28, 2010.

Former Mexico national team manager Miguel Herrera engages in a jersey swap with former Cubs manager Rick Renteria on April 24, 2014.

Fans at Wrigley Field are captivated in the concourse watching the final of the 2011 Women's World Cup, which the USA lost to Japan in penalty kicks.

Wrigley Field turns into a makeshift pitch for a friendly between Italian power AS Roma and Polish side Zaglebie Lubin on July 22, 2012

U.S. women's national team legend Mia Hamm throws out the first pitch on July 3, 2005.

Published Nov 3, 2016

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