Christian Pulisic’s storied career in Europe and ultimate rise to captain the United States Men’s National Team earned him a role as the face of men’s soccer in America.
In honour of his 26th birthday, here is a look back on the Hershey, Pennsylvania native’s career.
A European globetrotter
Despite still under 30, Pulisic has 10 seasons of experience playing for some of Europe’s elite.
After rising through the ranks with Borussia Dortmund, he later joined Chelsea and now Milan, where he played starring roles at all three clubs. He has a combined 327 appearances with those giants, registering 63 goals and 58 assists.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN PULISIC – 26 TODAY! 🎂
Remarkable to have achieved so much by that age. Hershey, PA’s finest already in his 10th season of top-level European football, redefining what’s possible for Americans abroad en route. 🇺🇸
Many happy returns. Here’s to more 🫡 pic.twitter.com/yfaMWXVTWc
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 18, 2024
His trophy cabinet includes one Champions League title, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup and one DFB Pokal. Perhaps there is more to come?
Captain America
They call him Captain America, and he does exceptionally well to represent the United States internationally.
After making his USMNT debut in 2016 at age 17, Pulisic carries the armband’s weight and has 73 caps, 31 goals, three Player of the Year honours and three CONCACAF Nations League titles.
It’s only a matter of time before he links up with new manager Mauricio Pochettino to hopefully lead the Stars and Stripes to World Cup glory in 2026.
Pulisic is the first USMNT player to win the Champions League, the first USMNT player to score in an FA Cup final and the first USMNT player to score in three of the top five major European leagues.
Plus a bunch of other records, naturally.
Continuing an impressive Milan chapter
With his second season in Italy underway and as the pressures of hosting a World Cup loom, Pulisic appears to be playing some of his best soccer again.
His strike opened the scoring in three minutes against Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, and he already has five goal contributions from five games in all competitions this season (three goals, two assists).
That strike on the European stage was his overall 30th goal contribution for the Italian giants. No player has more for a Serie A team than him since the start of last season.
Sitting 10th in the league, Milan’s overall form may be sluggish. But Pulisic will no doubt be looking to impress again in the upcoming Milan derby on Sunday.
