“I am very thankful to have this kind of job as a brand ambassador for Borussia Dortmund,” Weidenfeller tells Bolavip. “I played 16 years for Borussia Dortmund, and I am now on the marketing side and see the world through different eyes. I have the chance to travel all over the world. I can support and work for our brand, Borussia Dortmund, and feel how powerful and great Black and Yellow is all over the world.“

Now as a club ambassador, Weidenfeller remains a symbol of the Black and Yellow as Dortmund increase their footprint in the United States. The club’s presence at the Times Square Cup in New York City for the fourth straight year was just a reflection of its growing popularity in the country, which has impressed Weidenfeller.

“I am very proud. We’ve had a lot of success and support from the United States. Not only from the United States, but from all over the world. We have a big community in Mexico. There are crazy, Black and Yellow fans. And also the fans and support here in the United States…they have been growing in the last few years. And we felt it during the last Club World Cup when we saw the stadiums where we were playing,” Weidenfeller says.

Winner of back-to-back Bundesliga titles (2010/11, 2011/12) and two German Cups (2012, 2017) during his 16-year stint at the club, Weidenfeller will always feel the love from Dortmund fans wherever he goes.

Witnessing Christian Pulisic’s rise

In the U.S., many of those fans were inevitably thrilled to see one of their own donning the Black and Yellow when Christian Pulisic played for the first team from 2016 to 2019. Weidenfeller watched Pulisic make his way up from the academy, and has nothing but great memories about those years.

“Look, I first met him when he was a kid and joined Borussia Dortmund. It was the first time he came to a professional team to train and I saw how talented he was. He was very fast, he had perfect technique. He had a great nose for the situation to create a shot. He’s a great player,” Weidenfeller remembers about Pulisic, who went on to play for Chelsea before joining his current team, AC Milan.

“So I feel, right now, he is big and he can organize himself in the future. Just recently, he won the Champions League, which I didn’t win (laughs). So I have a lot of respect for Christian. He is one of the best American soccer players. Now, he has joined AC Milan. He has had a great career, and I hope that in the future, he will be healthy enough and can stay in sports for a long time.“

The 2014 World Cup victory

Even though he joked about not winning a Champions League like Pulisic did, Weidenfeller can take pride in boasting the most coveted accolade for a soccer player: a World Cup medal.

In 2014, he was a member of the German national team that made it all the way to the promised land in Brazil, making indelible history in a country that lives and breathes soccer. Needless to say, that achievement has been defining for Weidenfeller’s legacy.

“Of course, the Champions League cup is big. And of course, when you win the championship in Germany, the trophy is also big. But in the end, the World Cup is actually the most important Cup and trophy you can win in soccer,” Weidenfeller admits. “I had the chance to touch this trophy and hold it up in the air. I can’t imagine how we could have organized this team to have won the World Cup in Brazil. But in the end, we had a great team, we had great teamwork, and we started the tournament in Brazil saying that we wanted to win it.

“Everyone was smiling and saying ‘yes, of course we want to win.’ We were the first team from Europe to win (a World Cup) in South America. And we said ‘yes.’ Of course, it’s not easy with the climate, with Brazil, and all the other countries, but we had the idea to win and we were completely focused on winning that tournament. And in the end, we won it!

“It was great teamwork and it was amazing. For me, in the end, I won the title at the World Cup and for your whole life, you’re a World Cup champion. This makes me very proud and I’m very thankful for my teammates. They organized with me and together we had great success.“

Inside Germany’s historic 7-1 win over Brazil

Perhaps the most memorable triumph from Germany‘s World Cup campaign was the semifinal victory over Brazil. While the hosts were seen as strong candidates to win the title, Weidenfeller watched how his teammates put seven past the five-time world champs, in a blowout win that continues to make noise.

“When we started the game against Brazil, nobody could imagine how it would go and how we could organize and win 7-1. I sat on the bench and the first attacks came from Brazil. We made counter-attacks. With the first counter-attack and the second counter-attack, we scored a goal. After that, Brazil was struggling a little bit. But in the end, it brought us big, big respect from the Brazilian guys, from fans, and from the public,” Weidenfeller recalls.

“We did not have smiles on our faces. We were not laughing. We didn’t do anything. We won this game and were very respectful and we waited to celebrate until our colleagues from Brazil left the pitch. And after they went into the dressing rooms, we celebrated. And this was a big, big key. In the final, all the Brazilian guys supported us against Argentina. And so we had the chance to win this big, big title.“

Facing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

While the 7-1 win over Brazil may be one of, if not the first game that comes to mind when thinking about Germany’s 2014 World Cup win, their campaign also included wins against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Germany started their journey with a commanding 4-0 victory over Portugal and ended it with a dramatic, hard-fought 1-0 win in extra time against Argentina in the final.

“I had the chance to play against maybe the two biggest players in the world, Messi and Ronaldo, and also I played against the Brazilian Ronaldo and Ronaldinho too. But look, just recently when I met some kids and youth players, everybody asked me, ‘Did you even play against Ronaldo?’ I say, yes. ‘Messi?’ Yes. And they couldn’t believe it, you know. I said, yes, I played against both. And yeah, it made me proud and I’m very thankful to have had the chance to play in big football matches. So…yeah, of course, both guys are amazing to play against.“

The World Cup saw him face both Ronaldo and Messi in the same tournament, but Weidenfeller had a larger history of matches against the Portuguese star at the club level. His record against CR7 includes an epic win in the 2013 Champions League semifinals, when Dortmund upset Real Madrid to make the final at Wembley.

“I had the chance to play against Ronaldo a lot more than Messi,” Weidenfeller says. “And of course, when Ronaldo saw me, you know what happened. So we always had big, big matches against Real Madrid, big matches against Juventus. And with Portugal against Germany. So it was always a challenge and it was always amazing to have had these chances to play against him.”

Weidenfeller on Messi’s impact in soccer in the US

Speaking of Messi, Weidenfeller also credits the Argentine star’s move to MLS side Inter Miami for boosting soccer’s awareness and popularity in the United States.

“I mean, Lionel Messi is a big brand in soccer. And when he joined the MLS, of course, it became more popular,” the Dortmund icon says. “And now everybody is watching soccer in Miami. Before, it was always people going for basketball or for holidays. And now, people are going there to enjoy the MLS and Inter Miami CF.

“So Messi, and also Marco Reus, support the MLS. And Marco won the (MLS) title when he played and joined the LA Galaxy. He won the title. It’s amazing. It’s amazing for these guys and it’s amazing for the MLS to have this support from these guys and in the end, they make this league very popular around the world.“

Former teammate and fellow Dortmund icon Marco Reus, another star in MLS

While Messi may take most of the limelight, Weidenfeller is also paying close attention to Marco Reus‘ performance in the league. A Dortmund legend just like him, the midfielder took his talents to MLS in 2024 after 12 years with the Black and Yellow, spending six of them alongside the goalkeeper.

“When I met Marco for the first time when he joined Borussia Dortmund, he was a big, big player, but he is now a big brand too. A big brand for Borussia Dortmund, also for Puma, and also for the MLS. He’s such a nice guy. He’s very smart. He’s very humble,” Weidenfeller says of Reus, whom he hopes to welcome back to Dortmund one day. But first, he wants his former teammate to continue shining in MLS.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Marco when he comes back. But now he has time to play and he has to play soccer,” Weidenfeller clarifies. “For Borussia Dortmund as a brand, it is good. Here in the US, we have an old icon or an old teammate from Borussia Dortmund. He’s very spectacular and powerful here in the MLS. And it’s good for our brand, Borussia Dortmund.“

Iconic Dortmund teammates

Apart from Reus or Pulisic, Weidenfeller has played with countless superstars who donned the Borussia Dortmund uniform. The goalkeeper captained teams that included the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, and Mario Gotze, among many others. Therefore, it’s hard for him to name just one teammate who stood out.

“Look, everybody impressed me,” Weidenfeller explains. “I joined Borussia Dortmund when I was very young, I was 21 and I sat in the dressing room and met for the first time Jürgen Kohler, Stefan Reuter, (Tomáš) Rosický, (Márcio) Amoroso…amazing guys. And now, I have the chance to sometimes play with these guys in the global legends games around the world. It’s amazing.

“But also in my time, in my career and as a captain, a lot of young players joined us. (Jadon) Sancho, (Ousmane) Dembélé, (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang, so many guys. Not in my career, but (Erling) Haaland and (Jude) Bellingham also (played for Dortmund).

“And for me, (Alexander) Isak. Nobody talked about Isak before. Isak is now one of the biggest players in the Premier League. And he joined us as a young player. … So I’m looking, not forward, I’m looking straight back to have this chance to join this moment with these great players. And I mean, Borussia Dortmund is a big, big brand. And for the young players, to join us and grow up with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, they have the chance to take the next step.

“And in the end, looking back, it was always a great time. And it’s nice to have had the chance to play with and make friends with these guys. And always have the chance to call them or see each other on the pitch when we play against each other. So it’s always humbling and beautiful that they come and they put you in their arms and say, ‘Hey, how is it going and how is work?’ And everything’s fine.

“Sports have the power, and especially soccer, to create a different lifestyle, a different life, and sport has the power in your whole world and in your whole life. It’s not important what language you speak. It’s not important what your religion is. It’s more important you make friends and you are teammates. And sports have the power to create something special. There are guys who study at university or make a school team and then there are other guys who come from a small town. I do not speak English very well but in the end, I had the chance to play with all the guys. And we always created a good time together.“

The Jürgen Klopp influence

Besides teaming up with other stars throughout his successful career, Weidenfeller also worked under world-renowned managers. Again, choosing just one of them may not be easy. Still, Jürgen Klopp and Joachim Löw deserve special mentions.

“I learned a lot from each manager. But each manager had a little bit of a different style. And the most success I had, of course, was with Klopp and with Löw. Klopp at the club level and Löw at the national team level. When we talk about these guys, both guys are very smart and very human,” Weidenfeller says. “And in the end, they talk with the people and connect with the people well. And so the people have to work more for these coaches and managers. And the player knows he has to work harder than ever before. And so the success is coming.“

Löw led Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil, in an unforgettable experience for Weidenfeller. But it’s safe to say Klopp was particularly influential in his career, coaching the Dortmund team that won multiple domestic titles and made the Champions League final in 2013, putting many players on the map.

“Look, listen, Jürgen is not only the head coach, he’s not only a manager, he’s like our father. And he treats us like we are family, you know? He did not say, ‘Roman, you have to…’ He said, ‘hey, come on, guy, what’s happened? You have to go in front. And the guy’s coming in the back, he’s going with you. You have to go for it.’ He was always very strict and charismatic, but in the end, smart and human, you know?,” Weidenfeller adds, reflecting on his time under Klopp.

After making a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp went on to find even more success at the helm of Liverpool. Now the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, he appears to be done with coaching, at least for the foreseeable. Still, Dortmund fans obviously hope to see Klopp back at the club someday.

“I saw him at an event in Hamburg, Germany. I’m always very impressed by him and feel great pleasure when I get to see him. But also hopefully (see him) in Germany and at Dortmund… I support Jürgen Klopp, you know, as a person. And I can imagine he doesn’t want to have the pressure of the whole day, like a manager or head coach,” Weidenfeller says.

While Klopp and other legends who also shaped Borussia Dortmund’s history have moved on, Roman Weidenfeller remains a steadfast pillar of the club, serving in a new capacity. A match made in heaven, his journey with the team began in 2002 and continues to thrive beyond his playing days. Retirement has not diminished his bond with the Black and Yellow, proving that some connections truly do last forever.

One of the biggest challenges for the U.S. men’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup comes in the form of Ecuador, one of the most consistent and competitive CONMEBOL teams in recent years. They have just completed one of their strongest World Cup qualifying campaigns, making this test particularly valuable for the Americans.

Pulisic’s absence from the starting lineup was somewhat expected. Just a day before the match, head coach Mauricio Pochettino surprised many by revealing that Pulisic and a few others had not trained. Pochettino completely ruled out Alex Zendejas for the game against Ecuador.

Pochettino explained that Pulisic and Antonee Robinson were both held out of training as a precaution to prevent potential injuries. “I need to communicate that we have some issues with players like Christian [Pulisic], who didn’t train today, and Antonee Robinson,” Pochettino said. “We need to assess tomorrow if they will be available or not.”

Why is Christian Pulisic not starting vs Ecuador?

Christian Pulisic enters the U.S. men’s national team’s friendly against Ecuador as the reigning Serie A Player of the Month, but the team’s attacking centerpiece won’t be able to showcase that form from the opening whistle.

The American captain starts the game on the bench against the World Cup-bound South American side. As mentioned earlier, Pochettino had hinted at possible fitness concerns for Pulisic and other key players in his pre-match press conference. That makes his omission from the starting XI less of a surprise—though still disappointing for fans.

Pulisic remains available on the bench, but it’s unclear whether Pochettino will risk him later in the match. The star winger could still make an appearance in the second half, depending on how the game unfolds and the team’s needs.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Christian Pulisic is on Al Nassr’s radar. The club intends to surround CR7 with top-tier talent, and adding a player of that caliber could be key to competing for the elusive Saudi Pro League title next season.

The interest is so strong that, according to reports, Al Nassr are considering an investment of up to $82 million to acquire Pulisic from AC Milan. The deal could also include Aymeric Laporte, the 31-year-old Spanish defender who joined the Saudi side from Manchester City in 2023, as part of the exchange.

Al Nassr lost Jhon Duran this summer, the Colombian forward who arrived midseason from Aston Villa and scored 12 goals in 18 matches. Duran moved to Turkey’s Fenerbahce, where he will be coached by former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.

This departure helps explain the Saudi team’s interest in adding another high-level attacker. While Pulisic has different characteristics than Duran, he could be an ideal complement to Cristiano Ronaldo.

How is Pulisic doing at AC Milan?

In his two seasons with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic has delivered convincing performances that make him a key player for the club. So far, he has appeared in 100 matches across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and European competitions, registering 32 goals and 20 assists — that’s more than a goal contribution every two games.

Given this, it’s understandable that Milan has no intention of letting him go. “We are planning to extend Christian’s stay,” sporting director Igli Tare recently assured. “He’s vital to our future, both on and off the pitch.”

Pulisic arrived in Italy in 2023 from Chelsea in a transfer worth around $25 million. He signed a four-year contract with an option for an additional year, lasting until 2028. His annual salary is $4.7 million, and while there have been talks about a raise, nothing has been finalized yet.

Throughout the Gold Cup, Diego Luna and Malik Tillman have taken charge of the offense, powering the team with their dynamic play. Their efforts have transformed the national squad into one of the most formidable attacking forces in the tournament. Alongside them, young striker Patrick Agyemang has emerged as a vital component in Pochettino’s strategy.

Despite these offensive gains, the USMNT’s defense remains a significant concern for the game against Mexico. The absence of Weston McKennie, who is participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with Juventus, has left a noticeable void. Luca de la Torre and Tyler Adams have stepped into midfield roles but have struggled to form a cohesive partnership.

Why will Christian Pulisic not play in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final game?

Christian Pulisic has firmly established himself as the marquee player for the U.S. Men’s National Team, but his absence from the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup raises eyebrows due to non-injury reasons. The AC Milan forward elected to skip the tournament to prioritize recovery, citing the need for a break after several grueling seasons. This decision underscores his commitment to maintaining peak performance with his Italian club before rejoining the national team.

AC Milan fans have warmly embraced Pulisic’s choice, interpreting it as a profound commitment to the club. The team has experienced significant administrative and sporting transitions that have unsettled the organization. With the legendary Massimiliano Allegri stepping in as the new head coach, Pulisic seizes an invaluable opportunity to carve out a spot in the starting lineup, demonstrating both his readiness and dedication to his club responsibilities.

USMNT fans reacted poorly to his decision, arguing that a captain and team leader should not prioritize club commitments over national duties. Even legendary player Landon Donovan chimed in, criticizing the choice and drawing a comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo who despite facing a grueling season and being 40 years old, still attended the UEFA Nations League. The USMNT legend pointed to this as evidence of Christian’s perceived lack of commitment.

According to a USMNT report, Pulisic skipped the tournament for personal reasons. However, he clarified on CBS Sports’ “Call It What You Want” podcast. Pulisic felt he needed a break after playing about 120 games over the past two years. Nevertheless, he expressed that he wanted to play in preparatory matches against Switzerland and Turkey. Yet, head coach Mauricio Pochettino chose not to call him up.

Following these statements, Mauricio did not hesitate to give some clear explanations about Pulisic’s absence. “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan… They cannot dictate the plan… The most important thing is that we explain why we decided not to include him in the two friendly games. And then if you have some problems, no, that is not my problem to understand. When I signed my contract in the federation, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin.”

Despite the controversy, Pochettino expresses maintaining strong relationships with Pulisic and the other team members. The latter suggests that they remain integral to his plans. Yet, USMNT legend Landon Donovan criticized Pulisic’s decision, sparking debate among fans.

Not only Donovan but also many fans see Pulisic’s gesture as contempt for the national team as Tyler Adams, Max Tillman, Chris Richards and Johny Cardoso also play at the elite level and still decided to participate in the Gold Cup. While his decision was not appreciated by USMNT fans, AC Milan fans look at it as a gesture of professionalism after prioritizing the team that pays his salary, showing his commitment.

Was it a mistake for Christian Pulisic to prioritize rest to stay in top form for AC Milan’s 2025-26 season?

Christian Pulisic’s choice to skip the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup has sparked debate. However, his injury history may justify his decision. During his early years at Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic stayed relatively healthy. Yet, his move to Chelsea marked a turning point, as he missed 420 days over four seasons, resulting in a permanent transfer from the English side.

Now at AC Milan, Pulisic seems to have found an ideal fit. He has mostly avoided the serious injuries that once plagued him. Nevertheless, the risk of injury remains high without adequate rest. Participating in the Gold Cup could have disrupted his momentum if he had suffered a serious injury. For these reasons, the Italian side fans appreciate his choice, understanding the physical strain he could have faced during the 2025-26 season.

While Portugal celebrated their UEFA Nations League title, Donovan used the moment to call out Pulisic, pointing Cristiano Ronaldo’s commitment as a sharp contrast. “This is what it means to represent your country… He’s (Cristiano) 40 years old, he played a long-a** season, he’s tired, he was out there grinding and hurt himself in the process. And I can’t help but think about some of our (USMNT) guys on vacation right now, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It’s p****g me off,” he said, via Fox studio.

Although Donovan did not mention Christian Pulisic, everything points to the fact that his words were directed towards the now AC Milan star. After this, his father Mark Pulisic did not remain silent and responded forcefully: “This guy is…talking about commitment. look in the mirror + grow a pair and call names out or are you afraid next time you want an interview you will get rejected again,” he said, on his Instagram account.

Since breaking into the elite ranks, Christian frequently battled injuries, which even curtailed his tenure at Chelsea FC. Now, he has regained peak physical condition. Participating in this tournament, however, could heighten his risk of re-injury or lead to fatigue-induced absences from his team. Additionally, Pulisic is not the only player facing challenges, Yunus Musah also found himself sidelined, albeit for personal reasons.

Is Christian Pulisic finally hitting his stride at AC Milan?

Christian Pulisic joined Chelsea FC with high expectations after a $73 million transfer. However, he struggled to make a consistent impact over four years. He played 145 games, scored 26 goals, and recorded 21 assists. Numerous injuries hampered his progress and kept him off the field. Thus, the English team transferred him to AC Milan in 2023, where he has showcased his talent.

In just two years with Milan, Pulisic has thrived. He managed to play 100 games and scored 32 goals. With 23 assists, he has become a key figure in the team’s project. His dynamic play with Rafael Leao has made them Milan’s most important players. Free from injuries, he seems rejuvenated. He now prioritizes his health, even if it means missing U.S. national team games.

Christian Pulisic has dazzled fans across continents, becoming one of the brightest American exports in soccer. From Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea and AC Milan, his journey reflects more than just goals, it’s about global impact.

He has not only made headlines for his footwork but also for the fortune he’s amassed along the way. With major brand deals and hefty transfers under his belt, his off-the-pitch value is as striking as his on-field speed.

Now thriving in Serie A, questions around his financial empire have grown louder. Between club salaries, endorsements and bonuses, just how much wealth has “Captain America” built over the years?

What is Christian Pulisic’s net worth?

As of 2025, Christian Pulisic’s net worth is estimated at approximately $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His fortune reflects not just a series of high-profile transfers, but a carefully cultivated personal brand.

From the moment he emerged at Borussia Dortmund as a teenager, he stood out as a rare American talent poised to break barriers and earn big doing it. He has aligned with big brands, capitalizing on his image as a clean-cut, marketable star.

Notably, his $73 million move to Chelsea in 2019 made headlines as the most expensive North American transfer in soccer history. Even after joining AC Milan in 2023 for a reported fee of €22 million, his value off the field hasn’t wavered.

What is Christian Pulisic’s salary?

At AC Milan, Christian Pulisic earns a reported €5.13 million per year (around $5.6 million), according to Capology. That translates to just under €100,000 per week, a substantial figure, though notably lower than his Chelsea salary.

This adjustment might seem like a step back at first glance, but it reflects a different context: in Milan, he has become a key player, enjoying more consistent playing time and a creative leadership role under manager Stefano Pioli.

His impact in Serie A has been immediate, with crucial goals and assists that have reinvigorated his reputation after a stop-start few years in the Premier League. Recent reports from AS indicate that Milan is interested in extending his contract beyond 2027.

Christian Pulisic’s career earnings

Across his professional career, Christian Pulisic has accumulated an estimated €55.8 million in gross earnings, with inflation-adjusted numbers pushing that total closer to €62 million, as Capology reported.

His earning trajectory mirrors the modern soccer player’s path: early breakthroughs, major club transfers and lucrative brand endorsements, such as Puma, Gatorade, Chipotle and Hershey’s, among others.

His professional wages began modestly during his time at Borussia Dortmund, but his switch to Chelsea in 2019 marked a major turning point. There, he commanded one of the highest salaries among American players in Europe.

Despite injury setbacks, his Champions League-winning season and marketability ensured his paycheck remained untouched. The move to AC Milan might have slightly lowered his base salary, but it’s positioned him as a centerpiece in one of Europe’s most storied clubs.

It was AC Milan’s first win, moving them up to 21st place on a 1-2 start to the competition, and the American winger was influential not only on the goal but also by playing all over the field—from right and left wing to being a menace down the middle.

After the match, Christian Pulisic spoke to TNT Mexico and stayed humble amid a start to the season that has him at 7 goals and 3 assists in 11 games, in what could be a magical season for the USMNT star.

Christian Pulisic on His UCL Olimpico

Christian Pulisic was honest about his corner kick goal, stating it was a cross: “Of course it was a cross. I wanted to go strong to the near post; if it misses everyone, it’s a perfect cross. And if it goes to the goal, so, of course, it’s a cross and I got a bit lucky.”

When asked about his experience so far at Milan, Christian Pulisic expressed his happiness about the club and city he joined. In the last two games, the American has given interviews in Italian, really endearing himself to the Milan faithful, and he has become one of the most popular players at the club.

When asked if his olimpico was one of the best goals of his career, Christian Pulisic remained his usual introverted self: “For me, it was not a tough goal. It’s not common; I’m not going to sit here and say I tried to shoot and score. It was a good cross, though.”

Up next for AC Milan and Pulisic is a Saturday Serie A showdown with Bologna away from home.

In the 33rd minute, Pulisic stepped up to take a corner from the left side. Instead of delivering to the penalty area, he went straight for goal, outsmarting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Although a Brugge defender attempted to clear the ball, it had already crossed the line, securing Pulisic’s remarkable goal.

The former Chelsea player is having a breakthrough season under new coach Paulo Fonseca. So far, he has scored 2 goals in his 3 Champions League appearances, and he leads the team in Serie A with 5 goals.

Pulisic extends his record in Champions League

The AC Milan’s player continues to showcase his quality on the biggest stage, further solidifying his status as a key figure of American soccer in Europe. With his goal against Club Brugge, Pulisic extended his record as the top American scorer in UEFA Champions League history.

Tuesday’s goal against the Belgian side brought Pulisic’s tally to 10 goals in the competition. No other American player comes close to his total; the next highest is retired player DaMarcus Beasley, who scored 4 goals during his time with PSV and Rangers.

Pulisic’s great time in Italy

Christian Pulisic has seemingly found his footing in Italy. In the 2023-24 season—his first with AC Milan—the American enjoyed a career-best year in terms of goals and assists. Across 50 appearances, he scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists, contributing directly to 26 goals in all competitions.

So far this season, Pulisic has featured in 11 games, including the match against Brugge, scoring 7 goals and delivering 3 assists. If he continues this rich vein of form, he could surpass his previous best season.

So far this season, he has 5 goals and 2 assists in 7 Serie A games. Sadly, his great stats out of the gate have not translated to a good season for Milan at the moment; the team is sixth with a 3-2-2 record. Ahead of them is Udinese with a 4-2-1 record, making Saturday’s game much more important.

Now in his second season, Pulisic has taken to Serie A like a fish to water. FTBL compiled some of the American’s stats so far in Italy, and they are quite impressive.

Christian Pulisic’s Italy Stats

According to FTBL, Christian Pulisic is the player who has scored the most goals for Milan since his arrival. Pulisic scored AC Milan’s 5,000th Serie A goal against Inter in the Milan Derby, which Milan won 2-1, marking their highlight of the young season.

Continuing with impressive stats, Christian Pulisic is the first Milan midfielder to score over 10 goals, excluding penalties, in a single season—doing it for the first time since Kaká did back in 2005/2006. Marketing-wise, the arrival of Christian Pulisic has been a home run; Milan’s kit sales rose by 400%, and Pulisic’s name is featured on 70% of all kits sold.

Milan’s fanbase in the United States has increased by 50% since Pulisic joined the team. As the subject of possible transfer talks to the Premier League once again, Pulisic finally seems to have landed at the “right” club, and it will take a lot for a Premiership side to sign him.

At AC Milan, Christian Pulisic has been able to break through a lot of walls, first and foremost the banter that he was not a big club player, showcasing his talent in key games. Last season, he put up career numbers and is on pace to break them this year. The other criticism he has faced is that he is injury-prone; however, he went all of last season without an injury, thanks to Stefano Pioli properly managing the American’s minutes.

This year, Christian Pulisic is front and center at AC Milan, without question being the club’s best player this season, and therefore carrying a lot of his team when Milan becomes stagnated. Mauricio Pochettino wants to make certain that, when it comes to the USMNT, his staff knows how to take care of the team’s best player.

Mauricio Pochettino on Christian Pulisic’s Minutes

In a report by Pro Soccer Wire, Mauricio Pochettino was clear about his thoughts on how to work with Christian Pulisic this window: “(Pulisic) is playing every single game, every single minute. That is also a thing that we are a little bit worried about.

“Sometimes we need to protect [Pulisic]. We’ll see, because he arrived a little bit tired. [We need to] build a very good relationship with the club [AC Milan] and try to help. And when we really need him, he needs to be in form, happy, strong, and the quality is there, because he has enormous talent. He’s a fantastic player.”

Christian Pulisic has been red-hot for AC Milan, with key goals in the Champions League and a world-class finish against Inter Milan in the Milan derby. The American has gone from cult hero to major star for AC Milan, receiving some of the loudest praise from the San Siro crowd.