It's Called Soccer: Americans Shine Once Again in Europe's Most Prestigious Tournament

John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF. Getty Images.

In America, we love to debate how good we would be at soccer if our “best athletes” played the sport. While the thought of LeBron James soaring through the air to score a last-minute header is fun to imagine, the truth is, the players we have now are more than good enough. What our American stars have accomplished in this Champions League campaign is nothing short of incredible. And to the surprise of many, it’s not just Christian Pulisic getting the job done. But since he is Captain America, let’s start with him.

Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic is having the best season of his career—by far. He’s played in five Champions League matches and has registered a goal contribution in each one, racking up four goals and an assist. With 12 total goals in the competition, he’s now the all-time leading American scorer in Champions League history. And here’s the kicker—it’s not even the knockout stage yet.

Yesterday, with AC Milan down to 10 men, it was Pulisic who stepped up and delivered when his team needed him most. Whether he’s playing for Milan or representing his country, no American has come through in bigger moments than Pulisic.

Weston McKennie

Then we have Weston McKennie—a true American success story. A player who had to fight for his spot in the squad this summer is now captaining the biggest club in Italy, Juventus. If that doesn’t scream “’Murica,” I don’t know what does.

And he’s not doing it alone. His fellow countryman, Timothy Weah, is also making waves at Juventus. In fact, the two even linked up for a goal-and-assist combo in a Champions League match, further proving that American talent belongs on Europe’s biggest stage.

Gio Reyna

Gio Reyna looks like he’s back in top form, and if there was any doubt, the ridiculous heel-flick assist he pulled off in yesterday’s match erased it. With a new manager now in charge of the USMNT, expect Reyna to play a crucial role in the team’s future. His vision, technical ability, and playmaking make him one of the most exciting young American talents to watch.

Ricardo Pepi

And then there’s Ricardo Pepi. Leave it to the American striker to score a game-winning goal against European powerhouse Liverpool in a Champions League match. Time and time again, American players continue to prove that they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.

I’m not saying the U.S. will win the 2026 World Cup—but don’t be surprised if they make a deep run. The talent is here, and it’s only getting better.