The Canadian Premier League final, played in snowy conditions with a stunning bicycle kick, has attracted more than one billion views, as reported by a league spokesperson. The match between Atlético Ottawa and Calgary garnered significant attention on social media, especially for David Rodriguez’s remarkable game-tying goal.

Laura Armstrong, the league’s communications director, mentioned that videos of the final reached 786 million viewers in the initial 48 hours and have now surpassed one billion views across 174 countries. This extraordinary moment has been a game-changer for the CPL, which typically doesn’t receive as much global recognition as Major League Soccer in North America.

Armstrong expressed excitement about the influx of international interest in the league, describing the event as a rare and exceptional occurrence. The jaw-dropping goal by Rodriguez, dubbed the “icicle kick,” took place amidst heavy snowfall at TD Place stadium in Ottawa, ultimately leading to Atlético’s victory.

Additionally, Rodriguez secured his second goal in extra time, sealing the dramatic win for Atlético. The match, although played in challenging blizzard conditions, was carefully managed with special orange game balls and additional corner flags to enhance visibility.

Despite some concerns about the weather conditions, Armstrong mentioned that the league had a contingency plan in place to ensure the integrity of the competition while prioritizing safety. The match was paused intermittently to clear snow from critical areas of the pitch, ensuring a fair and safe environment for the players.

The presence of Canada men’s head coach Jesse Marsch at the game also drew attention, with Marsch receiving numerous texts from Europe about the CPL final, further highlighting the international impact of the event.