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Christian Pulisic has emerged as a symbol of ambition, perseverance, and global achievement in American soccer.
Also known by his moniker “Captain America,” the 26-year-old Pennsylvania native is not only one of the most talented footballers to come out of the United States.
He has also became a global star who has proven himself in Europe’s top leagues from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea and AC Milan.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Christian Pulisic was born on September 18, 1998, i Hershey, Pennsylvania to former soccer players as parents.
Pulisic first signed up with Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old, as he was assigned to its U17 squad. He would help the team win the Under 17 Bundesliga in 2014-15.
Then, he would later be promoted to the U19 squad in the summer of 2015 as he helped its U19 team claim the Under 19 Bundesliga title in the 2015-16 season.
Pulisic would be soon called to Borussia Dortmund’s first team over the winter break.
Pulisic made his Bundesliga seniors’ deut on January 30, 2016, in Dortmund’s 2-0 victory over Ingolstadt as a substitute for Adrian Ramos. He would make his UEFA Europa League debut on February 18 in Dortmund’s 2-0 victory over Porto.
Club Information
Current Club:
- AC Milan (Serie A) – 2023-present
Previous Clubs:
- Borussia Dortmund (Germany) – 2016-2019
- Chelsea (England) – 2019-2023
- Borussia Dortmund (loan) – 2019
- AC Milan (Italy) – 2023-
FROM CHELSEA TO AC MILAN
The American then signed with Preier League club Chelsea for an estimated £58 million transfer fee on January 2, 2019.
However, he still allowed to stay at Dortmund on loan for the rest of the 2018-19 season.
Puisic went to AC Milan at Serie A after completing a transfer on July 13,2023, when he signed a four-year contract that runs until June 30, 2027.
He was rewarded by getting the No.11 jersey previously held by retired great Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
International Career
- National Team: United States
- Senior Debut: March 29, 2016
- Captain: November 20, 2018
- Milestone: Youngest player to become USMNT captain,
Pulisic made his debut for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) in 2016 at just 17 years old. Since then, he became the face and captain of US soccer, leading a new generation of American players that include Weston McKennnie, Tyler Adams, and Gio Reyna.
However, Pulisic took a break after the gruelling European season in early 2025 to skip the US campaign in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino refused Pulisic’s offer to of playing two friendlies prior to the Gold Cup.
On the other hand, it may be Pochettino’s call if Pulisic can come back in time before the World Cup.
Major Tournaments Played
- FIFA World Cup: 2022 (Round of 16)
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2019 (runners-up), 2023 (semifinals)
- CONCACAF Nations League: 2019-20, 2022-23; Champions (2021, 2023)
- FIFA WORLD Cup Qualifier: 2018 (did not qualify), 2022 (qualified)
Player Data
- Key Attributes: Dribbling, acceleration, creativity, versatile, high work rate
- Strengths:
One-on-one offense, football IQ, big-game mentality, leadership - Weaknesses:
Injury prone, inconsistency
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY ACHIEVED AT CHELSEA (2019-2023)
Pulisic transferred to Chelsea FC for USD73 million, whoich is the highest transfer fee ever paid for an American player.
The move marked a major milestone for US soccer – proof that Americna players can thrive at the highest levels of European football.
Despite injuries and intense competition for places, Pulisic played a key role during Chelsea’s 2020-21 Champions League-winning campaign.
Moreover, he became the first American man to plat at a UEFA Champions League final and the first to win it, earning global respect.
Career Highlights
- Youngest non-German to score in Bundesliga (2016)
- DFB-Pokal winner with Borussia Dortmund (2016-17)
- First American to play in UEFA Champions League Final (2021)
- UEFA Champions League winner (Chelsea) in 2020-21
- US Soccer Male Athlete of the Year (2017, 2019, 2023)
- CONCACAF Nations League champin (2021- 2023)
- Youngest team captai in USMNT history (age:20)
- AC Milan Player of the Month (October 2023)
- Most expensive American player transfer (€64 million to Chelsea in 2019)
AC MILAN: A NEW CHAPTER IN ITALY (2023 – PRESENT)
Pulisic signed with AC Milan in 2023 as he sought more consistent playing time and a fresh start in a move that rejuvenated his form.
At Milan, he has flourished as a creative winger and attacking midfielder, contributing both goals and assists in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
On the other hand, Pulisic’s performances silenced his critics, proving that he remains as one of the most reliable attacking players in Europe.
Statistics
Club Appearances and Statistics:
- Total Appearances: 302
- Total Goals: 61
| Club | Years | Appearances (Total) | Goals (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 2016–2019 | 127 | 19 |
| Chelsea FC | 2019-2023 | 145 | 26 |
| AC Milan | 2023-Present | 65 | 17 |
Country Appearances and Statistics:
- Caps (including friendlies): 64
- Goals: 28
| Competition | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Finals | 4 | 1 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 11 | 3 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 20 | 7 |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 14 | 6 |
| Friendlies | 15 | 5 |
| Total Competitive Matches (excluding friendlies) | 49 | 23 |
Fun Trivia
- Pulisic is a huge chess fan and he even played in competitve matches online during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- He became the most American soccer payer of all time after Chelsea signed him from Borussia Dortmund for €64 million in 2019.
- Pulisic became the youngest non-German to score in Bundesliga and the youngest player to become USMNT captain in a World Cup qualifier (age:20).
- He became first American player to score in the UEFA Champions Leaue semifinal with Chelsea in 2021.
- Pulisic got the “Captain America” moniker after he starred in a commercial with Marvel-themed promo art during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC IMPACT AND LEGACY
Pulisic has become more than just a star footballer – he’s a cultural icon for U.S. soccer. His success has inspired countless young Americans to dream of professional footballers in Europe, helping to globalize the perception of American talent.
Moreover, Pulisic has also helped bridge the gap between MLS, U.S. youth development, and the global football scene, showing the world that Americans can compete at the highest level.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR PULISIC?
Heading into the 2025-26 season, Pulisic remains a key figure for both AC Milan and the USMNT.
His main goals would be:
- Win a Serie A title with Milan
- Help the USMNT get a deep run in the FIFA World Cup 2026
- To continue mentoring rising American soccer stars like Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi.
