Christian Pulisic: The Rising Star of American Soccer

Hershey, Pennsylvania, renowned globally for its chocolate, is also the birthplace of one of the most gifted soccer players in American history—Christian Pulisic.

Growing up in Hershey, Pulisic was influenced by his athletic parents, both of whom were collegiate soccer players; his father, Mark, even enjoyed a professional indoor soccer career. From a young age, Pulisic immersed himself in soccer, quickly earning a reputation as a prodigy in Pennsylvania.

His rise to fame was swift. After shining as a standout for the U.S. at the U-15 and U-17 levels, Pulisic attracted attention from some of the world’s top clubs. He ultimately signed with Borussia Dortmund, marking the beginning of an extraordinary club career that remains unparalleled among American players.

Pulisic’s club journey is particularly notable for its role in breaking barriers for American soccer talent. He transferred to Chelsea in 2019 for a staggering $73 million, the highest fee ever paid for an American player. During his second season with Chelsea, he played a pivotal role in their Champions League victory, famously scoring in the semifinal against Real Madrid. However, he faced challenges with frequent managerial changes and injuries, which limited his playing time.

In June 2023, Pulisic made the decision to join AC Milan, one of football’s most prestigious clubs. His impact was immediate; in his first two seasons, he recorded a combined total of 20 goals and assists, contributing to Milan’s triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana in 2025. This season, Pulisic has emerged as Milan’s standout player, having already netted eight goals and provided two assists in Serie A, positioning him as a contender for the Golden Boot.

As AC Milan competes for the Scudetto against rivals like Inter, Napoli, and Roma, it is evident that Pulisic’s contributions will be vital in their pursuit of silverware. His impressive performances affirm his ability to shine in one of the world’s most scrutinized leagues.

While Pulisic continues to break ground in Europe, he is also on track to set records in the United States. At just 27 years old, he stands as the fifth-leading goalscorer in U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) history, tallying 32 goals. He is closing in on the fourth-place mark held by Eric Wynalda (34 goals) and the third-place Jozy Altidore (42 goals). Currently, the all-time leading scorers are Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, but Pulisic has the potential to surpass them by the end of his career.

His most significant goal came during the 2022 World Cup. Facing Iran, Pulisic courageously scored the decisive goal that propelled the U.S. into the knockout stages, sacrificing his own well-being in the process.

In 2025, however, Pulisic’s international appearances dwindled to six, partly due to his choice to forgo participation in the Gold Cup to rest. Despite scoring 15 goals in the preceding three years, he did not find the net for the national team last year.

Pulisic has found himself under considerable scrutiny, a situation that does not sit comfortably with him. Yet, with his undeniable talent, he has learned to navigate the pressures of being the face of the USMNT in American soccer’s biggest moments.

As the nation looks ahead to the World Cup, expectations for Pulisic are monumental. Dedicated fans recognize his prowess, while casual observers will tune in to see if he can deliver. The entire world will have its eyes on him during this prestigious tournament.

The path to the World Cup will be arduous, as will the competition itself. Nevertheless, the hope remains that Pulisic will rise to the occasion, showcasing his ability as the leading star for the USMNT.