The Greatest USA Soccer Players of All Time - TOP 10 List

“People always looked at you crazy for the sport you played, why aren’t playing you baseball, football, basketball…? It’s just what I love to do” – Clint Dempsey

Ex U.S Men’s National Team (USMNT) star Clint Dempsey tells it better than anyone else because he’s lived through it. He knows what it’s like to grow up in America with a ball at your feet as opposed to in your hands. I’m sure I don’t have to spell it out but I will anyway: soccer is NOT the main sport in the States. It never has been and probably never will be. American athletes are not actively encouraged to pursue soccer, instead they’re pushed towards other sports of higher cultural significance. Higher media coverage, roots in educational systems and historical preferences are all part of the reason why local American sports like baseball, basketball and football have always and will always be bigger than soccer. That’s no one’s fault. It’s just how history made it. But the result is a U.S soccer program desperately lacking in the ‘legends’ department.

Kids who grow up wanting to play the beautiful game need someone, a hero they can look up to, it gives them a dream to follow and a clear path to emulate. In the U.S it can be hard to find those icons and players who proved themselves on the biggest stages. So that’s why I’m making this list. To show anyone who cares that America has some real soccer legends and today I’ll be listing 10 of the very best. These are THE guys, the few American soccer players that defied the odds and rose to prominence playing a game that their nation ignores and underfunds.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 - Jozy Altidore

9 - DaMarcus Beasley

8 - Coi Jones

7 - Brian McBride

6 - Brad Friedel

5 - Claudio Reyna

4 - Tim Howard

3 - Christian Pulisic

2 - Clint Dempsey

1 - Landon Donovan

10. Jozy Altidore

To kick off this top 10 list I went with a center forward that was simply brimming with talent and excitement: Jozy Altidore. Whenever Altidore played for the Stars and Stripes you just had a sense something magical could happen up top. His killer left foot and blistering pace made him a handful for defenders especially in 1v1 situations.

One of his most memorable goals came against Spain in 2009 in the FIFA Confederations Cup. At the time Spain were THE dominant team in world soccer. They had just come off the back of winning the Euros a year prior in 2008 and had a star-studded squad packed with true legends of the game. However, that night in the claustrophobic Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein South Africa, it was USA’s dogged determination that propelled them to a seismic victory against a Spanish side unbeaten in 35 consecutive matches. Altidore opened the scoring early in the match, using his strength to shrug off Xavi, one of the best midfielders in the world at the time and fire past Iker Casillas, the best goalkeeper in the world at the time. This moment alone would’ve been enough to secure Altidore’s legacy in U.S soccer but add the fact that he’s the USMNT’s 3rd highest ever goal scorer on 42 goals and you can start to understand why the man is so highly regarded.

On the club side, Jozy Altidore began his career playing on home soil in the MLS as many Americans do. However, after a string of impressive seasons for the New York Red Bulls, Altidore was scouted by Europeans clubs and eventually brought to Villareal to play in La Liga. Altidore went on to have a couple mediocre seasons in Spain and a positive loan spell in England playing for Hull City. But it wasn’t until the American center-forward arrived to AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie that he began to show his true potency in front of goal. Altidore put up some serious numbers in the Dutch top-flight including an unbelievable 31 goal, 7 assist season in 2012/13. This season of white-hot form put Altidore in a galaxy of his own as he became the only player in U.S soccer history to bag 30+ goals in a season at a 1st division club in Europe.

USMNT Statistics: 115 caps, 42 goals, 6 assists

Best Club Season: 2012/13 @AZ Alkmaar (31 goals, 7 assists)

Trophies & Awards:

• 2012/13 Dutch Cup (AZ Alkmaar)
• 2016/17 MLS Cup (Toronto FC)
• 2016/17 Supporters Shield (Toronto FC)
• 2017 Gold Cup (USMNT)
• 17/18 Canadian Championship Top Goal Scorer (Toronto FC)
• 2013, 2016 x2 Footballer of the Year (USMNT)
• 2017, 2018 x2 Canadian Cup (Toronto FC)

9. DaMarcus Beasley

Traveling may not be an essential part of a player’s career but I think it speaks to a player’s quality when he’s able to seamlessly adapt to different leagues around the world and continue performing. One such American player was DaMarcus Beasley. Beasley played in eight different countries over his 20-year career, accumulating 126 caps for the USMNT in the process.

Beasley’s talent carried him on a globe-trotting career from the shores of lake Michigan in Chicago to the heart of Manchester. However, it was at PSV in the Netherlands and Rangers in Scotland were Beasley really earned a name for himself. Between 2004 and 2010, the winger with the magical left foot led both teams to two league titles each. To compound his club success Beasley also won the CONCACAF Gold Cup a record five times as a result of his longevity with the Stars and Stripes.

USMNT Statistics: 126 caps, 17 goals, 5 assists

Best Club Season: 2005/06 @PSV Eindhoven (6 goals, 7 assists)

Trophies & Awards:

• 2004/05 Dutch Cup (PSV Eindhoven)
• 2005 Gold Cup Top Goal Scorer (USMNT)
• 2007/08 Scottish Cup (Rangers FC)
• 2009/10 Scottish League Cup (Rangers FC)
• 2004/05, 05/06 x2 Dutch Champion (PSV Eindhoven)
• 2008/09, 09/10 x2 Scottish Champion (Rangers FC)
• 1999/00, 02/03, 17/18 x3 US Open Cup (Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo)
• 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013 x4 Gold Cup (USMNT)

8. Cobi Jones

Cobi Jones achieved legendary status in his playing career by becoming the most-capped player in USA history with 162 international appearances. He was ever-present, unrelenting, and ridiculously consistent. There were unquestionably some controversial moments in his career, such as a clash of heads with Mexico’s Rafa Marquez during the 2002 World Cup, but he wore his battle scars proudly and used every setback as a chance to improve his game. To this day one of the strongest images from the prickly U.S.A-Mexico rivalry is that of a diminutive 5' 7" Jones lying flat on the field while Mexican players and fans vehemently protest the sending off of their captain Rafa Marquez. The rage and angst of Mexico’s probable World Cup elimination at the hands of their bitterest rivals had boiled over and culminated in a moment of complete anarchy on the football pitch. That unforgettable duel and immortal result probably would have been enough to earn him a spot in the National Soccer Hall of Fame but Jones didn’t stop there.

Cobi Jones played for the USA in the 94, 98, and 2002 FIFA World Cups. Additionally, he was named to the best XI at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup and won with the national team at the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Top 10 Best US Soccer Players Of All Time - Top Soccer Blog

Jones had a memorable but brief season abroad at Coventry City before returning to the U.S to play in the very first Major League Soccer season for the LA Galaxy. The rapid winger was at his best here, scoring a mouthwatering 70 goals and taking home several titles. In 1998 he was awarded the US Player of the Year Award, retiring almost a decade later in 2007.

USMNT Statistics: 162 caps, 15 goals, 6 assists

Best Club Season: 1998/99 @Los Angeles Galaxy (19 goals, 10 assists)

Trophies & Awards:

• 1998/99 Footballer of the Year (USMNT)
• 1999/00 Concacaf Champions Cup (USMNT)
• 2002 Gold Cup (USMNT)
• 2001/02, 04/05 x2 MLS Cup Champion (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2000/01, 04/05 x2 US Open Cup (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 1997/98, 00/01, 01/02 x3 Supporters Shield (Los Angeles Galaxy)

7. Brian McBride

Brian McBride was a warrior in every sense of the word. He’s a player who wouldn’t think twice about throwing himself into a crowd of limbs just to get an important touch. He’s a player who’d willingly concuss himself just to score a goal. It was this tenacity and fighting spirit that helped him succeed in his national and club careers.

At club level, his fiery spirit and keen eye for goal were major assets for Fulham. He was given the captaincy after being the team's top scorer in the 2006–07 Premier League season. More importantly, he came back from a horrific knee injury when it really mattered to save the team, scoring three goals in a nail-biting 2007/08 relegation battle that would later be dubbed the "Great Escape." (8) Fulham FC 07/08 Season - The Great Escape - YouTube

In 96 appearances McBride produced a hatful of unforgettable moments for the USMNT and remains the nation's fifth-highest goal scorer. Historically, McBride played a key part in the 2002 World Cup campaign. In the group stages the striker scored in an earth-shattering 3-2 upset over Portugal. Later in the Round of 16 he bagged a crucial goal against bitter rivals Mexico to take the U.S to the quarter-finals for the first time in their modern history. Brian Mcbride in the World Cups

USMNT Statistics: 95 caps, 30 goals, 2 assists

Best Club Season: 2006/07 @Fulham FC (12 goals, 1 assist)

Trophies & Awards:

• 2001/02 US Open Cup Winner (Columbus Crew)
• 2002 Gold Cup Winner (USMNT)
• 2002 Gold Cup Top Scorer (USMNT)

6. Brad Friedel

American sports tend to be centered around playing the ball with your hands whether that’s catching and shooting a Basketball or the long-distance throwing required to be a quarterback in American football. These are sports that demand safe handling, lighting fast reflexes and unparalleled hand-eye coordination. That’s why it makes perfect sense for some American kids who are just getting in to soccer to start out as goalkeepers. This slight cultural difference is likely the reason why some of the greatest soccer players in U.S history have been goalkeepers and why this player is in my top 10. But if you know anything about U.S soccer then it shouldn’t surprise you in the slightest that a goalkeeper would be this high on the list. The shock factor decreases even further when you consider that Brad Friedel made 450 appearances in the Premier League while playing for Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Blackburn Rovers.

As one of the first 5 American soccer players to play in the Premier League Brad Friedel was a trailblazer. He exemplified the courage and gall that leaving your home and crossing the Atlantic to play soccer necessitates. Today the fabled American keeper sits in eight all-time for the most clean sheets logged in the Premier League and has the record for most consecutive appearances in the league (310 matches). On the national scene Friedel’s heroics in the 2002 World Cup tournament pushed the U.S team to a historic quarter-final finish and earned him the fitting nickname “The Human Wall”. Altogether Friedel made 84 appearances for the USMNT between 1992 and 2005, representing the states at three FIFA World Cup tournaments. Top 10 Best US Soccer Players Of All Time - Top Soccer Blog

USMNT Statistics: 80 caps, 83 goals conceded, 27 clean sheets

Best Club Season: 2009/10 @Aston Villa FC (42 appearances, 48 goals conceded, 15 clean sheets)

Trophies & Awards:

• 1995/96 Turkish Cup (Galatasaray)
• 1996/97 Goalkeeper of the Season (Columbus Crew)
• 2001/02 English League Cup (Blackburn Rovers FC)

5. Claudio Reyna

Revered for his presence in the heart of midfield and his ability to dictate the flow of matches Claudio Reyna is often regarded as the best center midfielder in U.S soccer history. From his masterful performances in World Cup matches to his globe-trotting career Claudio Reyna has truly left a legacy for young American soccer players to aspire to. So, in this section I’ll be looking at his career for club and country and explain a little bit as to why in my opinion he’s in the top 5 greatest U.S soccer players of all time.

Club

Reyna began his professional club career in 1994 at Bayer Leverkusen after impressing scouts with his college soccer exploits at the University of Virginia. His time in Leverkusen was short lived, however, as he struggled to break into the first team, making only 5 appearances for the club. Looking for more playing time and new opportunities Reyna agreed to go on loan to fellow Bundesliga club, VfL Wolfsburg. At Wolfsburg, Reyna hit the ground running, quickly establishing himself as a starter and eventually going on to captain the side in the following 1997/98 season. This remarkable feat made him the first American soccer player in history to captain a European club. 15 Most Important Men and Women in U.S. Soccer History | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Reyna’s leadership qualities both on and off the pitch didn’t go unnoticed and it wasn’t long before the midfielder was attracting attention from clubs around Europe who wanted to secure his services permanently. In 1999 one such club got their wish as Rangers signed the young American for an estimated 2.6 million dollars. At Rangers, Reyna saw a bit of a positional resurrection as he was asked to play as a deeper number 6 instead of playing further up the pitch as an attacking midfielder. Reyna welcomed this challenge and thrived in his new position, making 29 appearances in Rangers’ title winning 1999/00 season and scoring 5 goals. Reyna’s next season was a bit less consistent as injuries kept him away from the pitch for extended periods but he still managed 18 appearances and won another league title for the second year in a row. After that, Claudio stayed on and played one more season at Rangers before setting his sights to the English Premier League.

In 2002 Sunderland came knocking and Reyna snatched at the chance to play in the hottest league in world football, the Premier League. While his time at Sunderland was brief and riddled with injury woes he still emerged as a shining light in an otherwise struggling Premier League side. Some of his most iconic moments in the red and white Sunderland stripes include a debut goal against Everton at the stadium of light and a magical Premier League brace against Leicester City. In the end Reyna featured in 29 matches over two seasons and earned the adoration of the Sunderland faithful through his spirited performances and class on the ball.

Fast forward a couple of years, Sunderland had become a team in crisis with looming fears of relegation. Reluctant to join Sunderland in the championship following their eventual relegation in 2003, Claudio Reyna sought out the next step in his professional career. Fortunately for the now experienced American midfielder Manchester City were ready to offer Sunderland a handsome 2.5 million pound package to secure his signature. Sadly, the injury setbacks that had plagued Reyna’s career continued during his tenure at City. In his first season he managed a respectable 30 appearances, however the injuries continued the following year and caused him to miss six months of the 2004–05 campaign. Ultimately, Reyna made 87 appearances and scored four goals during his three and a half seasons at the City of Manchester Stadium.

National

On the national scene Claudio Reyna was no less than a hero for his nation, pioneering and pushing the bounds of what an American soccer player was believed to be capable of. His performances at World Cup tournaments elevated him from a talented up and comer to a player of global renown. While he played in 3 World Cups and captained the side for two of them, Reyna’s undeniable magnus opus was the 2002 World Cup. It was at this tournament where he showed the world what American soccer players were capable of. His dominance and control in midfield carried the U.S team to a historic quarter-finals finish. Following his impressive displays on the pitch Reyna deservingly became the first American player to be selected in the World Cup All-Tournament team further reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest USMNT players.

Reyna continued his international career, captaining the United States once again at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Trailing 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament against the Czech Republic the best American opportunity of the game came when Reyna's 30-yard attempt rocketed off the post. In a cruel twist of fate, Reyna’s last moments of World Cup football ended in injury. After losing the ball to Ghana’s Haminu Draman, who dribbled in alone and scored, Reyna sustained a sprained medial collateral ligament in the final group match with the U.S failing to make it out of the group stages. 

In the end, I decided to rank Claudio Reyna as 5th greatest player in USMNT history. He’s a player who led by example, was wonderfully gifted on the ball and changed the perception of U.S soccer around the world. He captained the best U.S national team in modern history and brought them to the quarter-finals of a World Cup where no one gave them a chance. The only thing holding him back from unlocking his potential was injuries. Unfortunately, Reyna was very injury prone and I think it held him back from becoming one of the best midfielders around at the time. Nowadays, the Reyna name is used in reference to Gio Reyna, Claudio’s uber-talented 22-year-old son. Gio announced himself in the Bundesliga as one of the most exciting young players a couple of seasons ago with his electrifying performances. But, after facing a couple of injury setbacks in the last years one has to wonder whether history will cruelly repeat itself. I hope not. I hope the injuries subside and I hope we can see this young star use the upcoming 2026 World Cup as a chance to write his name in the history books the way his father did in 2002.

USMNT Statistics: 110 caps, 8 goals, 12 assists

Best Club Season: 1999/00 @Rangers FC (29 appearance, 5 goals)

Trophies & Awards:

• 1999/00 Scottish Cup (Rangers FC)
• 2002 World Cup All-Star Team (USMNT)
• 1998/99, 99/20 x2 Scottish Champion (Rangers FC)

4. Tim Howard

When you think prime Premier league, the golden Barclays years it’s hard to get the iconic image of Timmy Howard and his thick bushy beard out of your head. At least my mind will always go there. When I think about growing up watching the Premier League in the early 2010s, I instinctively think of those iconic characters of the time such as Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard and admittedly Tim Howard. This larger-than-life goalkeeper nicknamed “The Secretary of Defense” was an ever-present figure both for Everton in the Premier League and for the U.S men’s national team for the better part of a decade from 2006 to 2017. In fact, Howard is one of only two American soccer players to have made over 300 appearances in the Premier League. This fact is a testament both to the competitive nature of the league but also to the longevity of Howard’s career. Ultimately, it was his commanding presence in the box, fierce persona and cat-like reflexes that made him a legendary goalkeeper for both club and country.

Club

Howard began his club career in the U.S at the North Jersey Imperials and MetroStars before securing his big move to the Premier League when Manchester United signed him for 3.2 million Euros in 2003. In his first season at the club Howard played 32 Premier League matches, managing to keep a staggering 12 clean sheets through the season. His standout performances and reliability earned him a place in the 2003/04 Premier League Team of the Season, an achievement which has never since been repeated by an American soccer player. In his time playing for the Red Devils Howard was able to win the 2003/04 FA Cup and the 2005/06 League Cup. However, Howard’s time at Manchester United was short lived as the club signed Edwin Van de Sar in 2005 to eventually replace the American goalkeeper.

From there, Howard was sent out on loan to Everton, the club where he would make his name and eventually go down as a legend. The American keeper quickly became a mainstay in the Everton team going on to appear over 300 times for the club in the Premier League. Howard’s Everton career was full of iconic moments including scoring a goal from inside his own penalty box and saving two penalties against his former club Manchester United to take Everton to the FA Cup final in 2009. 2009 also marked the year where Tim Howard set a club record 17 clean sheets in the Premier League for Everton demonstrating his resilience in front of goal. Ultimately, I would say Tim Howard’s club career is a genuine American miracle. As I researched for this article, I discovered how incredibly rare it was for an American soccer player to make it big in the Premier League and impose himself as a starter. Few U.S nationals have achieved that feat and even fewer enjoyed the longevity and consistency that Tim Howard did playing as Everton’s number one. In the end, there’s a reason he’s adored in Merseyside and revered as one the club’s greatest players and that reason is that he’s Tim f*cking Howard.

National

Given the incredible form at club level, it should come as no surprise that Tim Howard was also one of the U. S’s most vital players of the last generation, featuring prominently as the nation’s number 1 from 2006 to 2017. Just as it was at club level, Howard’s international career was marked by its longevity. To this day, Tim Howard holds the record as the most capped goalkeeper in the history of U.S soccer. In this long and storied career Howard produced a number of unforgettable footballing moments for his nation. One of the most iconic of these moments was his performance in the 2014 World Cup when U.S.A faced Belgium. Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves in a single match to prevent the U.S from embarrassment at the hands of Belgium’s golden generation. Another standout moment for Howard in a USMNT jersey was his instrumental role in carrying the team to a CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy in 2007 and again in 2017.

 

Additionally, Howard was also part of the U.S team that reached the FIFA Confederations Cup final in 2009. This tournament performance is widely regarded as one of the greatest success stories in U.S soccer. In this hair-raising tournament run the U.S national team were able to defeat a globally dominant Spanish side packed with superstars and living legends in the semi-finals. This 2-0 victory was in large parts thanks to the goalkeeping heroics of an in-form and acrobatic Tim Howard who managed to keep the European giants at bay. His performance was glorified by journalists and pundits across the pond with The New York Times even calling it “all-universe goalkeeping”. Player Ratings: U.S. Topples Spain - The New York Times Unfortunately, the powerhouse team display of the semi-finals was not replicated in the final as Brazil blitzed their way back from a 2-goal deficit to clinch a 3-2 victory over the Americans. Nevertheless, Howard made his name that year and proved to the world that he wasn’t just a good American keeper but one of the best shot stopers on the planet.

USMNT Statistics: 121 caps, 121 goals conceded, 49 clean sheets

Best Club Season: 2008/09 @Everton (46 appearances, 47 goals conceded, 20 clean sheets)

Trophies & Awards:

• 2000/01 Goalkeeper of the Season (New York MetroStars)
• 2003/04 English FA Cup (Manchester United)
• 2003/04 English Super Cup (Manchester United)
• 2005/06 English League Cup (Manchester United)
• 2007, 2017 x2 Gold Cup Winner (USMNT)
• 2008, 2014 x2 Footballer of the Year (USMNT)

3. Cristian Pulisic

“This guy’s like the phenom guy, he’s like the LeBron James of soccer” – Corey from PawnStars

Although this is possibly the worst comparison in the history of sports, that should take nothing away from the fact that Cristian Pulisic is an undeniable baller. I would argue that there is no bigger name in American soccer nor has there been in the last 7-8 years than that of Cristian Pulisic’s. His tight ball dribbling, sharpness in the box and deadly finishing have propelled him to the heights of a distinguished European club career. With 82 goals and 75 assists for some of Europe’s top clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and his current club of AC Milan Cristian Pulisic has demonstrated his class on the biggest stages in world soccer. Christian Pulisic - Career stats | Transfermarkt. Fortunately, his personal success has been followed by the success of his clubs, earning him some of the most coveted silverware in the game.

Club

The young baller from Hershey, Pennsylvania began his professional career at 16 playing for the Borussia Dortmund youth team after graduating from the U.S Soccer Development Academy. Pulisic quickly distinguished himself as a rising star scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists in only 15 matches for the Dortmund youth teams. His promising start and breakout performances earned him a call-up to the senior team in the winter of 2015. Christian Pulisic - Wikipedia While at Dortmund, Pulisic managed to clinch the German cup from the grasp of a Bayern Munich super team featuring the likes of Arjen Robben, Frank Ribery and Robert Lewandowski.

But it wouldn’t be until his big 73 million Dollar transfer to Chelsea FC in the heart of London that Pulisic would taste European success. Under manager Tomas Tuchel, Pulisic was able to win the UEFFA Champions League in 2021. The young American even scored an instrumental goal in the semi-final at the Bernabeu to defeat a seasoned Real Madrid side coached by the legendary Zinedine Zidane. In the return leg Pulisic also provided an assist to help Chelsea reach the final of the competition. As a bonus his crucial goal in the semi-final made him the only U.S national soccer player to ever score in a Champions League knockout match.

 

Nowadays, Pulisic plays his soccer at AC Milan and is in the middle of his most prolific season to date with 10 goals and 6 assists in 22 appearances. If he can stay fit and continue to put up these kinds of numbers who knows what he can accomplish as the figurehead of the current national team rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino.  

National

Pulisic has been the ‘main man’ so to speak at national level ever since when he was given the legendary number 10 jersey in 2016 previously worn by Landon Donovan, the country’s greatest ever player. With that jersey came the burden of expectation and the pressure of having to be the leader of the pack and the one that makes things happen for the team. Like Gareth Bale in the Wales team or Lewandowski for Poland, Pulisic is that one guy that all Americans look to and expect greatness from regardless of the situation. Occasionally, that pressure has led to some truly inspired performances from the dynamic number 10. But, at the end of the day soccer is a team sport and it requires 11 good players working in tandem. At times this synergy has been lacking from the U.S national team resulting in poor performances and calamitous blunders. No moment proved that fact more than the USA’s inexplicable 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago in 2017. Pulisic scored the only goal in this monumental soccer match for the U.S which saw them fail to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia marking the first time the team had failed to qualify for a World Cup tournament since 1986. This dreadful display is often times referred to as the worst moment in U.S soccer history. Following the defeat pundits from across the world took turns at bashing the team with none of them being more vicious and succinct than Alexi Lalas. The former center-back for the U.S national team and icon of the 94-world cup publicly thrashed the U.S soccer program on live Television stating that:

“This team failed themselves, […] they failed their sport, and they failed their country” U.S. Soccer fails to qualify for World Cup for first time since 1986 | SPEAK FOR YOURSELF

The catastrophic result brought Pulisic to tears on that wet tropical pitch in Trinidad and was the driving force behind his decision to write an open letter to the fans in The Players Tribune titled “1834 days”. In this letter Pulisic publicly expressed his disappointment in the USMNT program and in his own performances. He ended the letter with a promise to the American people that he would fight to bring the team back to the glimmering lights of the world cup stage in 2022:

“I just want every USA soccer fan reading this to understand, that no matter what decisions are made over these next couple of years … no matter what changes are implemented … no matter who the coach is, or what the roster looks like: I’m going to be obsessed with winning. And I’m going to be obsessed with doing my part to help U.S. Soccer get over the hump. […] So let’s plan on it, then –2022. Get your basements ready, and mark it down. We’ll be there.” 1,834 Days by Christian Pulisic | The Players’ Tribune

As the youngest captain in U.S soccer history (20 years old) Pulisic took charge of the team in 2018 from the reins of an aging Clint Dempsey and kept his promise. He contributed with pivotal goals in the qualifiers and delivered game-changing assists to propel the U.S out of the depths of their failure and to the 2022 world cup. Fast forward, to that momentous winter in Qatar and Pulisic once again proved his worth and importance in the national team. In the 2022 World Cup, Pulisic was involved in every U.S goal (1 goal, 2 assists) in a campaign that saw them crash out in the round of 16 to a devastating Dutch side.

In the end, I think Pulisic is a player who truly cares about his nation and about the development of U.S soccer. He’s been through hell and back with this national team and never wavered or considered using his dual Croatian nationality to jump ship and join the far more experienced and competitive European side. Pulisic is one of those rare players who’s brave enough to make promises to a nation that expects greatness and rarer still he’s a player that delivers on those promises. Technically he may be the most gifted soccer player the states has ever seen but it’s the strength of his character that has earned him a place in the pantheon of legendary American players.

USMNT Statistics: 76 caps, 33 goals, 20 assists

Best Club Season: 2024/25 @AC Milan (10 goals, 6 assists) *

              *Season is ongoing

Trophies & Awards:

• 2014/15 U-17 Bundesliga Champion (Borussia Dortmund)
• 2015/16 U-19 Bundesliga Champion (Borussia Dortmund)
• 2016/17 DFB-Pokal German Cup (Borussia Dortmund)
• 2020/21 UEFFA Champions League (Chelse FC)
• 2021/22 UEFFA Supercup (Chelse FC)
• 2021/22 FIFA Club World Cup (Chelsea FC)
• 2019/20, 22/23, 23/24 x3 Concacaf Nations League (USMNT)
• 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 x4 Footballer of the Year (USMNT)

2. Clint Dempsey

As I researched for this article, I found two names that kept coming up when I prodded Google with the question “who is the greatest American soccer player of all-time” and those names were Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Ultimately, I think arguments can be made for both to top the list. I chose to go with Landon as my number one simply off the fact that he probably means more to American soccer and has produced more iconic moments in the stars and stripes. That being said, Clint Dempsey is still a legendary baller who accomplished things that Donovan didn’t, namely the successful European career.

Club

Dempsey began his club career in the MLS playing for the New England Revolution amassing 25 goals in 3 seasons and leading the team to 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the MLS Cup. His performances and tenacious approach to the sport caught the eye of the Fulham scouting department prompting the club to sign him for 7 million Euros in 2007. It was here on the banks of the River Thames where Dempsey enjoyed his greatest goalscoring years, bagging 60 goals and providing 20 assists in 232 appearances for the Cottagers Clint Dempsey Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and more | FBref.com. His ferocious strength and deadly finishing in the box helped him to become the only American soccer player to score a hattrick in the Premier League at the time (a feat that has since been repeated once by Cristian Pulisic). Nevertheless, this is an achievement that often gets overlooked but I think it’s one of the most impressive things he did as a footballer. To score a hattrick in the Premier League, which is notoriously the most physical and competitive league in the world, is a special achievement. The Premier League had never seen that level of footballing ability from an American before. On top of this, Dempsey was instrumental in Fulham’s historic 2009 Europa League campaign in which they reached the final. The moment that cemented Dempsey’s legendary status at the club was his world-class chip from outside the box which completed a historic 5-4 turnaround against a star-studded Juventus team in the quarter-finals.

 

On a personal level it was Fulham’s 2011/12 season where Dempsey reached the undeniable pinnacle of his club career, netting 23 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions. At the height of his career Dempsey was a powerful, brutish force that would bulldoze his way through a defender just to get on the end of cross. In the end, I believe it was this tenacity, dominant aerial presence and sharp eye for goal that allowed Dempsey to thrive in Europe where other American soccer players had failed.

National

On the national level Dempsey was no chump either. He’s tied with Landon Donovan as the highest scoring U.S national team soccer player with a whopping 57 goals as well as being the only U.S national team player to score in three different FIFA World Cup competitions. Everything that made Dempsey such a prolific marksman at club level transferred to his national career. In 2014, his leadership and dedication to the team earned him the captaincy ahead of Landon Donovan as the squad traveled to Brazil for the World Cup. He carried that armband proudly and continued to produce magic for the States until his eventual retirement in 2017.

USMNT Statistics: 141 caps, 57 goals, 16 assists

Best Club Season: 2011/12 @Fulham FC (23 goals, 7 assists)

Trophies & Awards:

• 2013/14 US Open Cup (Seattle Sounders FC)
• 2013/14 Supporters Shield (Seattle Sounders FC)
• 2014/15 Top Scorer Gold Cup (USMNT)
• 2015/16 MLS Cup (Seattle Sounders FC)
• 2005, 2007, 2017 x3 Gold Cup (USMNT)
• 2007, 2011, 2012 x3 Footballer of the Year (USMNT)

 

1. Landon Donavon

Who else could top this list but the symbol of American soccer: Landon Donovan. After all, THAT goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup is an indelible moment in the history of U.S soccer. On that brisk winter night in Pretoria, South Africa, Landon Donovan produced a piece of footballing theater when he fired in a last-gasp winner against Algeria to send the U.S to the knockout stages of the World Cup. 180 seconds to go, on the world’s biggest stage with everything on the line and it’s the boy from Ontario California who scores the goal that inspired a generation of young Americans. Accented by Ian Darke’s unforgettable “GO, GO USA!” commentary Donovan’s goal made a country erupt in ecstasy and likely caused millions in damages to local bars and pubs. However, to some Americans the goal struck a deeper emotional chord within them. As Donovan explains in an interview for USA Today Sports:

“I still have people come up to me, to this day, […] a lot of times people will say ‘I was with my child, my son, and that was the biggest bonding moment we ever had’, I have people say ‘that was the last time I saw my grandpa before he passed away and that was our lasting memory’. It made me realize that there’s so much power in a moment in sports” – Landon Donovan on his last-minute goal against Algeria Where were you during Landon Donovan’s iconic game-winning goal vs. Algeria in 2010?

Now this is just my take but I think THIS is why soccer is so special. It has an unrivaled power to unite, to inspire and to change people’s lives. No other sport comes close to achieving this impact on such a universal scale. At the end of the day a professional footballer’s career is measured by numbers on a screen and metal objects they don’t get to keep. And, while these metrics are entirely necessary to promote competition and to recognize brilliance, they are, when you really think about it, meaningless. A moment, on the other hand, can live on in people’s memories, in their stories, and in their actions. So, maybe, just maybe, we ought to measure professional success in moments and in the influence those moments have over people’s lives. If we did that, then Landon Donovan will always go down as the best American player to have ever kicked a soccer ball.

But, just for the fun of it and because it’s my job let’s discuss the rest of his career:

In 151 international matches Donovan established himself, not only as a leader but as a prolific goal scorer and record breaker for his nation. With his illustrious 57 goal international career Donovan goes down as the highest scoring soccer player in U.S history (tied with Clint Dempsey). To add to that Donovan provided a baffling 58 assists in his time wearing the stars and stripes. This statistic not only makes him the American player with the most assists but the number one creator across international football tied only with a certain Lionel Messi. Now I don’t think I have to explain how ridiculous that is, but I will anyway. Just to be in the company of a player that many consider to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is a prestigious honor in itself but it goes to show how talented and productive Landon Donovan was as the captain of the USMNT.

Club

The only thorn in the side of an otherwise sparkling career for Landon Donovan is his lackluster form in Europe. With disappointing spells at Bayer Leverkusen, Everton and at loan at Bayern Munich Donovan struggled to replicate the electrifying goal-scoring form of his national career. In 30 matches across 3 European clubs Donovan only managed a measly 2 goals, both scored while on loan at Everton in 2010.

A far cry from his dreary European goal record Donovan returned to the heights of his youth playing on international soil, first for the San Jose Earthquakes and later for his hometown team, LA Galaxy. This homecoming brought with it goals galore for the American star as he went on to score 145 goals across 340 appearances in the MLS. In 10 years in the league Donovan won 6 MLS cups, a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and two Supporters’ Shields. Complementing his team achievements Donovan bagged a number of individual accolades including 14 consecutive All-Star selections, two MLS Cup MVP awards and seven MLS Best XI honors Major League Soccer names Most Valuable Player award after Landon Donovan | MLSSoccer.com. In 2015 Major League Soccer recognized Landon Donovan’s seismic influence on the league by making him the face of their MVP Award, immortalizing him in the form of a 12-inch sterling silver trophy Landon Donovan honored to have the MLS MVP trophy named after him | LA Galaxy. The “Landon Donovan MVP trophy” now stands as a testament to the greatness of this all-American soccer icon and remains the highest individual honor a player can receive in the MLS season.

In the end, Donovan’s club career was a triumph of perseverance as his struggles in Europe were eventually eclipsed by his rip-roaring success across the waters of the Atlantic. Many will point to the fact that he never won major trophies in Europe as proof that he wasn’t an elite player. My belief which is backed by the stats of his career is that Donovan’s success and struggles are intrinsically linked to his nation and the feeling he has when he plays on American grass. It’s difficult to argue that when he was confident and free-flowing he was a magical attacking and creative force on the soccer pitch.

USMNT Statistics: 157 caps, 57 goals, 58 assists

Best Club Season: 2007/08 @Los Angeles Galaxy FC (24 goals, 10 assists)

Trophies & Awards:

• 1999/00 German U-19 Bundesliga Champion (Bayer Leverkusen)
• 1999/00 Middle Rhine Cup (Bayer Leverkusen)
• 2004/05 US Open Cup (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2006/07 North American SuperLiga Top Goal Scorer (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2007/08 MLS Top Goal Scorer (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2008/09 MLS MVP (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2002/03, 2010/11 x2 MLS Cup Playoff Player of the Year (San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2009/10, 2010/11 x2 Supporters’ Shield (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• 2002, 2005, 2013 x3 Gold Cup Top Goal Scorer (USMNT)
• 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013 x4 Gold Cup (USMNT)
• 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010 x4 Footballer of the Year (USMNT)
• 2000/01, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14 x6 MLS Cup Champion (San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Galaxy)