Macklin Celebrini, the rising NHL star and recent captain of Team Canada at the IIHF men's world championship, is trading his hockey stick for a hosting role during the FIFA World Cup in Toronto. The San Jose Sharks forward has partnered with Airbnb to offer a unique multi-day experience for fans, combining his passion for soccer with the excitement of the global tournament.
From Hockey to Hosting
Celebrini, a Vancouver native, will spend Canada Day in Toronto hosting a curated experience that includes a two-night stay, a soccer camp with a professional coach, waterfront fireworks, and tickets to the city's final World Cup match. The initiative allows Celebrini to explore Toronto beyond the rink, as he admits the city is still new to him. "I visit Toronto like other travellers — it's just that I travel to play the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm from Vancouver, so Toronto is still new to me," he said.
A Family Connection to Soccer
Celebrini's deep-rooted connection to soccer made the partnership a natural fit. Both his parents played the sport: his father professionally for the Vancouver 86ers and the Canadian national team, and his mother as a college captain. "Given my family's background, I felt like I had something genuine to bring to it, so it wasn't a hard decision," Celebrini explained. "The World Cup coming to Canada is a massive moment, and being able to be part of that in some way was exciting."
Free Experience Sells Out Instantly
The experience, which is free of charge, initially offered spots for five guests and their plus-ones, selling out immediately. In response, Celebrini opened 30 additional spots for the soccer camp portion, available on Friday at noon ET via Airbnb. The camp includes time on a custom pitch with Celebrini and a professional soccer coach.
Airbnb's Perspective
Hannah Parish, Airbnb's Country Manager for Canada, praised Celebrini as a "generational talent" whose authentic connection to soccer made him the ideal partner. "Growing up with parents who played soccer, his connection to the beautiful game is completely authentic, and that's exactly what this experience needed," she said.
Celebrini's World Cup Excitement
Celebrini, who played soccer until age 12 before fully committing to hockey, is eager to experience the World Cup as a fan. He plans to attend a round-of-16 match in Vancouver on July 7 and is optimistic about Canada's chances, especially if Alphonso Davies is in the lineup. "For me personally, growing up going to Whitecaps games with my dad, having a World Cup in our backyard is pretty surreal," he added.
