Cremaschi’s Remarkable Year: From U-20 Captaincy to Young Player of the Year

The defining moments of 2025 for the 20-year-old midfielder, Cremaschi, transpired at the U-20 World Cup, where he captained the U.S. team to an impressive quarterfinal finish. During this tournament, he scored five goals, with a standout performance against New Caledonia that included three goals and two assists in a commanding 9-1 victory. He also netted two goals in the Round of 16 match against Italy, setting a U.S. U-20 record for the most goals in a single tournament and earning the Golden Boot for his efforts.

On the club front, Cremaschi made 22 appearances for Inter Miami, establishing himself as the club’s most prominent homegrown talent. This summer, he transitioned from Florida to Italy, signing on loan with Parma.

Additionally, Cremaschi participated in the January camp with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).

His recent accolade comes just a day after U.S. Soccer announced Chris Richards as the federation’s Male Player of the Year.

“This award means a lot to me,” Cremaschi expressed. “It represents the culmination of my efforts this year with both my clubs and the National Team. This is an incredible achievement, but it also reflects the support of those around me who motivate me as a player. I want to extend my gratitude to my family, teammates, and everyone who contributed to this honor. My U-20 teammates instilled the confidence I needed to excel as a player and leader during the World Cup. That group is unforgettable.

“I also want to acknowledge Marko Mitrovic, a coach who has guided me at various stages throughout my journey with the National Team, for his unwavering belief and support. Lastly, I am profoundly thankful to my family for their love and encouragement.”

Cremaschi was among five finalists for the Young Player of the Year award, securing victory with 38.9 percent of the weighted vote. Philadelphia Union’s rising star, Cavan Sullivan, finished second with 34.8 percent, while Borussia Dortmund’s Mathis Albert ranked third with 12.3 percent.

The U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award has been awarded since 1998, with notable past recipients including Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Christian Pulisic, and Gio Reyna. Last year, Tanner Tessmann received the honor following his performance at the 2024 Olympics.

This season, Cremaschi has seen limited playing time at Parma as he adjusts to the demands of Serie A, tallying just four appearances so far. However, he did start a cup match against Bologna in December.

Parma is currently positioned 14th in Serie A and will face off against 15th-place Genoa this Sunday.