He has followed an unconventional path to the top. From making history with FC Dallas to rebuilding his confidence during a successful loan spell at FC Groningen, he has consistently responded to setbacks with strong performances.

His development in the Netherlands has also strengthened his position as one of the leading contenders for the USMNT‘s starting striker role. He has already collected league titles and scored memorable goals for the United States.

How old is Ricardo Pepi?

Ricardo Pepi is 23 years old. He was born on January 9, 2003, in El Paso, Texas, and has quickly become one of the top young strikers in American soccer. He made his professional debut as a teenager before emerging as one of MLS’s brightest prospects in 2021.

Since moving overseas, he has continued to mature as a center forward, becoming known for his intelligent movement, finishing ability and composure in front of goal. His rapid development has established him as a regular part of the United States’ plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How tall is Ricardo Pepi?

Ricardo Pepi is 6-foot-1 (1.85 meters) tall. His combination of size, athleticism, and positioning makes him a classic center forward capable of holding up play while remaining a constant threat inside the penalty area.

As he has gained experience in Europe, he has added more dimensions to his game, improving his pressing, link-up play and overall tactical awareness while continuing to develop into a complete striker.

Ricardo Pepi’s family

Ricardo Pepi comes from a close-knit Mexican-American family that has played a central role in his development as both a person and a soccer player. He was born in El Paso, Texas, to Daniel and Annette Pepi.

He grew up in a bilingual household near the U.S.-Mexico border, where Mexican culture and soccer were a constant presence. His father introduced him to the game at a young age, and the family regularly watched Liga MX together, with Club America being their favorite team.

Despite choosing to represent the United States internationally, he has often spoken proudly about his Mexican heritage and the values his parents instilled in him. The sacrifices made by Daniel and Annette have become part of Pepi’s story.

As his talent developed, the family supported his move to the FC Dallas academy, and later even relocated to the Dallas area so they could remain close to him while he pursued his dream.

Ricardo also has siblings, including his older brother Ronaldo Pepi, who is a professional soccer player. Named after Brazilian legend Ronaldo, he has followed a similar path through the FC Dallas academy system.

Which club does Ricardo Pepi play for?

Ricardo Pepi plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie. He joined the Dutch powerhouse in July 2023 after previous spells with FC Dallas, FC Augsburg and FC Groningen, signing a long-term contract through 2030.

He initially faced competition for playing time but steadily earned a larger role thanks to his efficiency in front of goal. His performances have helped PSV compete for domestic titles while also making an impact in the UEFA Champions League.

The move to the Netherlands has proven to be a turning point in his career. After a difficult stint in Germany, he rediscovered his confidence at Groningen before taking another major step forward with PSV.

When did Ricardo Pepi make his USMNT debut?

Ricardo Pepi made his USMNT debut on September 8, 2021. The then-18-year-old entered a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Honduras and made an immediate impact, recording one goal and two assists in a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory.

His memorable debut came just months after his breakout MLS season with FC Dallas. His confidence, movement and finishing quickly earned the trust of then-head coach Gregg Berhalter, and he soon became a regular part of the national team setup.

Since then, he has represented the United States in major international competitions, scoring crucial goals in CONCACAF tournaments and World Cup qualifying while competing for the starting striker role.

Ricardo Pepi’s career highlights

Became an FC Dallas homegrown star (2019–2021): Pepi signed his first professional contract with FC Dallas at just 16 years old and quickly emerged as one of Major League Soccer’s brightest young talents. In 2021, he scored 13 MLS goals, earned MLS Young Player of the Year honors, and secured a then-club record transfer to Europe.

Scored on his USMNT debut: Pepi made his senior debut for the United States against Honduras on September 8, 2021, recording one goal and two assists in a 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory. He became the eighth-youngest goalscorer in USMNT history, instantly announcing himself on the international stage.

Revived his European career with FC Groningen: After a difficult spell at FC Augsburg, Pepi rediscovered his scoring touch during a loan with FC Groningen, finishing the 2022-23 Eredivisie season with 12 league goals in 29 appearances. His performances convinced PSV Eindhoven to sign him permanently.

Won back-to-back Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven: Since joining PSV in 2023, Pepi has helped the club win consecutive Eredivisie championships and multiple Johan Cruyff Shields. Despite often competing for minutes with veteran striker Luuk de Jong, he developed into one of the Dutch league’s most efficient scorers.

Captured consecutive Concacaf Nations League titles: Pepi played an important role in helping the USMNT win the 2023 and 2024 Concacaf Nations League championships, adding international silverware to his growing list of accomplishments.

Made his mark in the UEFA Champions League: Pepi has become a regular contributor for PSV in Europe’s premier club competition, scoring crucial goals—including a dramatic late winner against Shakhtar Donetsk—while continuing to establish himself on the continental stage.

Established himself as a leading USMNT striker: Still in his early 20s, Pepi has surpassed 40 senior international appearances and has scored in World Cup qualifiers, the Concacaf Nations League, and other major competitions. He remains one of the top candidates to lead the United States’ attack during the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle.

Now after an adaptation period in Europe and finding his scoring touch in the Eredivisie, 7 goals in 10 games, Pepi might be due another move this time to the Premier League. According to various reports, Augsburg is very interested in selling the USMNT striker and not sending him out again on loan, given his price tag Groningen has no chance of retaining the player past his loan spell.

Now according to Charlie Parker-Turner, Pepi has interest from two Premier League teams for next season. Here are the teams interested in Ricardo Pepi.

Ricardo Pepi interest from Premier League

According to Charlie Parker-Turner, the clubs in question are not quiet Bayern Munich and Manchester United, but equally interestinglanding spots, one being Wolves and the other Brighton.

Both clubs could use a striker and Pepi has shown that maybe Augsburg was not the right place for a player of his talents. Pepi is considered one of the best prospects the USMNT has at striker but was not included on the World Cup roster by Gregg Berhalter in Qatar.

Pepi has admitted in an interview that he simply hung up the phone on Gregg Berhalter when the manager told him the news. For Gregg Berhalter it has been a bad week of revelations from his scandal with Gio Reyna’s family and now Pepi admitting that he could not be bothered with the manager that gave him his international start.

On January 2022, Augsburg went all-in and paid the $20 million transfer fee to bring him to Europe. In fact, that operation broke some records. Pepi was the most expensive American player from the MLS acquired by a European club and Augsburg have never spent that much money for a player in their entire history.

Nine months later, Augsburg decided to send Pepi to the Eredivisie considering he didn’t score a single goal in Germany. FC Groningen got the loan for the 2022-2023 season and the striker lived up to the expectations withfive goals in eight matches. He was having an extraordinary semester and everyone thought he would be on the United States roster for the World Cup.

Why is Ricardo Pepi missing the Qatar 2022 World Cup?

Ricardo Pepi was in the middle of a huge controversy because he could have played for Mexico instead of the United States. The player was born in El Paso, Texas, but most of his family is Mexican. In fact, both his parents wanted him to represent Mexico, but Gerardo Martino’s call came too late and Pepi felt he was more appreciated by the USMNT.

Now, the truth is very few people understand why Gregg Berhalter left Pepi out of the 2022 World Cup. According to the US manager, he could only choose two of these three names:Jesus Ferreira, Josh Sargent and Ricardo Pepi. In the end, the call went for the first two and Pepi was snubbed. One of Berhalter’s arguments was the Dutch league wasn’t as strong as the EFL Championship (Sargent in Norwich City). Still, thousands of fans don’t comprehend Berhalter’s explanation.

The most incredible thing of this turn of events is that Pepi maybe left behind a real chance to play the World Cup with Mexico, because he assumed there was a spot for him in the USMNT. Now, he’s out of Qatar 2022,the Mexican team is no longer a possibility and Pepi will have to wait four more years to fulfill his childhood dream.

In LaLiga, Premier League, heck even MLS, there are no short of big name, big transfer signings that just don’t work out. The players on this list still have time to make amends, while others will be looking at other destinations come next year.

Here is one player from Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Premier League, Serie A, and LaLiga who came in with big aspirations and have paid little dividends. Here are 5 disappointing signings in European soccer this season.

Lionel Messi – Ligue 1

Lionel Messi is by far the best player of all-time to some, certainly the best player of his generation, but all great players get old or make a mistake. Messi’s signing to PSG looked great on paper, but the Argentine has been a fish out of water, providing flashes of brilliance and not much else.

9 goals in 32 matches was woefully under productive for a player useto scoring 20 or more per season, with another season on the horizon Messi has the chance to produce more for PSG.

Ricardo Pepi – Bundesliga

Ricardo Pepi is a monumental bomb signing for FC Augsburg, purchased at $20 million and beating out the likes of Ajax, Manchester United, and Wolfsburg, Pepi has struck out in the Bundesliga with 0 goals in 11 matches and playing second half sub minutes.

A few clubs at the moment are thanking their lucky stars at the bullet they dodged, and FC Augsburg have to ask themselves with 20 million to spend, why did they go after an unproven young talent?

Jack Grealish – Premier League

At over $100 million Jack Grealish is the most expensive English soccer player ever, given the 10 jersey, Grealish is riding the big wave that is Manchester City, but 2 goals in 24 games and only 3 assists one has to ask, if Christian Pulisic is considered a “flop” signing at Chelsea, then what is Jack Grealish?

Joaquín Correa – Serie A

Inter Milan is thankful that Joaquín Correa is only on loan this season after 22 goals in 90 games for Lazio. At Inter, Correa stunk up the forward line with 4 goals in 24 games. Correa is currently at 10 games without a goal for the second-place team.

Antoine Griezmann – LaLiga

Four years ago, Antoine Griezmann was the best player at the 2018 World Cup, now a shell of his former self. On loan to Atlético Madrid from Barcelona, Griezmann did little with his move with 3 goals in 23 matches.

Injuries have played a part, but the French World Cup winner is scoreless in 10 matches. Where Griezmann ends up next will be one of the summer’s biggest stories.

The representativefor the player was reportedly in advanced talks with an unidentified Bundesliga team. Pepi has been in contact with a number of European teams,including Premier League side Wolves of the English, and his rumored dream team, La Liga giants Real Madrid,added Romano.

Then it seemed as though Wolfsburg appearedto be the frontrunner in the Pepi race, but no official deal had been reached.The competition to sign the American talenthas now beenwon by another German club.

Pepi-Augsburg: Just anotherUSMNT player to go to the Bundesliga

It is the Bundesliga team, Augsburgwho came out on top in the end and will close the transaction for Pepi soon for a total of €18 million, says the latest report by Fabrizio Romano. The Texas-born striker will now travelto Munich, Germany, with his agent Jaime Garcia to undertake medical testing and finalize his move. Interestingly, this move is responsible for breaking two records.

The first is that it is the biggest sum paid for a formerMLS academyplayer, surpassing Bayern’s purchase of Alphonso Davies in 2018. It’s also the second-largest transfer in the MLS history, after only Miguel Almiron’s move to Newcastle.

Pepi being Augsburg’s largest ever transfer is the second record. It will nearly quadruple Augsburg’s 2016 payment to Salzburg for Martin Hinteregger, which was around €10.5 million. Like Christian Pulisic,Giovanni Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, Pepi seems to be the latest young American to play in the Bundesliga.

Ricardo Pepi, Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson, and George Bello are the current batch of players that could be on the move in the winter. Various reports confirm transfer talk, although some are wishful thinking others are hot as hot can be.

Here is the current status of these four USMNT players chances of moving and based on the reports we have classified them as hot, medium, or cold.

Ricardo Pepi – Wolfsburg – HOT

Steaming hot, Pepi has been the subject of various transfer rumors from clubs like Manchester United to AC Milan. Wolfsburg has popped up now and again and kept their cool on the USMNT forward. Now Fabrizio Romano is reporting that talks are well advanced, and that Wolfsburg is the ‘most likely’ destination for Pepi. The Pepi camp have been pushing for a move and Wolfsburg, which has been USMNT friendly in the past, seems like a good fit.

Weston McKennie – Tottenham Hotspur – Medium

Here we go again, AS in Spain is reporting that USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie is once again on Spurs shortlist. McKennie is having a great year for Juventus and has been the team’s lone bright spot. Juventus will want to cash in on the USMNT who may be the only player at the club currently who has actually increased his value. But a winter move? Juventus will need a lot from McKennie down the stretch to try to get the team to Champions League positions, this smells like a summer move. Juventus is asking for 35 million euros for the box-to-box midfielder.

Brenden Aaronson – AC Milan (Cold), Leeds United (Cold), RB Leipzig (Hot)

Brenden Aaronson has a huge future, playing very well in the Champions League for Salzburg and the USMNT. AC Milan is reported to like the American but the asking price for them may be too big. Leeds United are facing relegation and playing under Bielsa might be tempting but really will Bielsa stay past this season? RB Leipzig on the other hand keeps it within the family. Aaronson will most likely move to Germany unless Milan pays the big bucks. The reports indicate that Aaronson will move on this summer, where? That really depends on the checkbook.

George Bello – Watford – Medium

The Telegraph have it that George Bello could be Premier League bound, at least for six months, if Watford can avoid the drop. Claudio Ranieri is reportedly looking to add a left back, and Atlanta United have prepared themselves for Bello’s departure with the return from loan of Andrew Gutman. Bello would command a small transfer, but some cash influx for Atlanta United. If the numbers add up this could get done.

Ricardo Pepi is 18 years old and was born on January 9, 2003, he has Mexican descent, through his parents, and began playing youth soccer with FC Dallas from 2016-2019. Pepi showed incredible talent scoring 19 goals in only 8 matches when he was promoted to the FC Dallas U-17 at 15. Pepi would later play for the clubs’ affiliate team North Texas SC playing 13 games and scoring 9 goals.

Pepi would then get a chance with FC Dallas first team in 2019 and this season has had a breakout year, in which his national team play and his club form have some of the best teams in the world interested in the Dallas striker.

Ricardo Pepi’s stats

Since his career began, Pepi has played a total of 55 matches and scored 15 goals with 4 assists. Pepi’s breakout year came in 2021 where he scored 13 goals for FC Dallas in 31 matches. Pepi is six feet one inches tall and weighs 163 lbs.

Who are Ricardo Pepi’s parents?

Ricardo Pepi’s parents are Daniel Pepi and Annette Pepi and both hail from Cuidad Juarez in Mexico, which made Pepi available to play for the Mexican national team. Pepi would participate in both the USMNT U-17 and Mexico U-17 camps at some point in his youth career, but ultimately chose to play for the United States after being contacted by the USSF and Gregg Berhalter.

What is Ricardo Pepi’s salary?

Ricardo Pepi earns an estimated $271,333.00 in guaranteed compensation as per the MLS Players Union. Pepi has a contract with FC Dallas and MLS until 2026 and he has a sponsorship deal with Nike.

What is Ricardo Pepi’s transfer fee?

Reports have indicated that MLS and FC Dallas have tagged Ricardo Pepi’s transfer fee between $10 million – $15 million. Pepi has garnered the interest of teams like AC Milan, Liverpool, Wolfsburg, and Manchester United.

In the last few months Ricardo Pepi’s stock has risen tremendously, as he has played for the USMNT and scored in vital World Cup qualifiers and at 18 is one of the league leading scorers in MLS.

Pepi who as of yesterday it had been reported is forcing a deal to move out of FC Dallas, was set to commit to Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga. Now things have changed, and Ricardo Pepi is wanted by Liverpool and Inter Milan.

Ricardo Pepi rumors to Liverpool and Inter Milan

According to CBS Sports Pepi has attracted the attention of Liverpool and Inter Milan following a rejected bid by Sampdoria of Serie A for $8 million. Pepi is said to have agreed at least verbally to join Wolfsburg and that he is now forcing a move away in January, while FC Dallas want him to stay a bit longer.

Pepi’s reported asking price is between 12-15 million dollars, and Liverpool and Inter Milan are said to be ready to pay that fee for a player who has surprised many in only 1 season.

Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax are also said to be interested in Pepi who does not want to turn down the opportunity to land at a big club with all this interest at the moment.

Both players have been subject to transfer rumors to AC Milan and each one’s stock is rising considerably when taking into account that Pepi is a scoring machine and Aaronson has made the USMNT fans not miss Gio Reyna or Christian Pulisic.

Valencia’s Yunus Musah was a handful for a flat Jamaica side and Tyler Adams was more comfortable leading the team from the middle of the park. Weston McKennie returned to the team after the off-field drama and put in a solid performance. All in all, it was a 2-0 victory that left three things to take away.

Ricardo Pepi is the truth

We are all aboard the hype train of Ricardo Pepi, and how can USMNT fans and reporters not get excited? Another great performance and this time with two goals to boot. Pepi has talent, and against Concacaf opposition is a cut above the rest. The question now becomes, what happens next? Pepi will take his ascension into USMNT stardom until the end of the MLS season. After that a huge transfer is in the works, then the real challenge begins. Can Pepi do what he is doing in a top league where the competition will be hugely better and keep it up with the USMNT? This kid has all the skills we dream of, hold up play, speed, heading, and more importantly scores.

A win is a win

Jamaica is by far the worst team in qualification, and that alone made them dangerous, the young USMNT showed no nerves, no sign of needing to adjust, despite some early hiccups in the first half the USMNT had nearly 70% possession and out shot Jamaica considerably. Winning builds confidence, builds calmness, and loosens the boys up. When the team takes a look at the standings, going to Panama will be much easier.

Relying on the boys

USMNT fans on Twitter went crazy when they saw that Gianluca Busio was not even on the bench and Paul Arriola was in the starting lineup. Gyasi Zardes, Sebastian Lletget, Kellyn Acosta, and Walker Zimmerman, the MLS crop, are guys Gregg Berhalter knowns and will rely on. After winning two international cups and being undefeated in qualification, Gregg Berhalter has earned fans to stop with their meltdowns on Twitter, it pretty clear, like it or not, Gregg Berhalter knows what he’s doing. So cut the man some slack.

Ricardo Pepi burst onto the scene this season with FC Dallas in MLS, scoring 12 goals in 25 outings for the Texas side. In total Pepi has 14 goals in 49 appearances in his career at the club level. What got the world’s attention to the young man was his stellar performance against Honduras in World Cup qualifying where he scored 1 goal and assisted on 2 in the USMNT 4-1 victory.

Now it would appear that Pepi’s signature is becoming more sought after with Ajax reportedly sending a scout to meet Pepi’s representative and discuss the possibility of signing the American in two weeks.

Ricardo Pepi to Ajax?

According to 90min FC Dallas have placed a $10 million price tag on Ricardo Pepi and that fee sits just right with Eredivisie giants Ajax. The Ajax representative took in the MLS clash between the Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas, both teams are way down the pecking order in the standings.

While FC Dallas lost 1-0, the Ajax people and Pepi team met to discuss the opportunity for the young American to play for Ajax in the Netherlands. Ajax is known for buying and cultivating young talent to then sell them for big money to the rest of Europe. Ajax has been home to two American national team players in 2002 World Cup veteran John O’Brien and Barcelona left back Sergiño Dest.

Pepi’s people are hoping to resolve the future of the player in two weeks in which a big decision must be made with clubs such as Bayern Munich, Juventus, and AC Milan chasing the young American.

According to reports from 90min and other sources, Pepi is on the radar of teams from Italy, England, and Germany. Pepi’s transfer would be record breaking according to reports and would even surpass what Bayern Munich paid for Alphonso Davies, but it would not be the highest paid transfer fee for a MLS player, that honor still belongs to Paraguayan Miguel Almirón.

Ricardo Pepi, who was a dual national, chose to represent the USMNT over Mexico and was immediately inserted into Gregg Berhalter’s team against Honduras, his inclusion was key for the USMNT to get their first win in qualifying and said performance has attracted even more clubs’ attention for the FC Dallas forward.

Ricardo Pepi to transfer to Europe shortly

According to sources the people who represent Ricardo Pepi would like to see the player transferred to Europe in the next two weeks. The idea would be for Pepi to have a destination in hand after the MLS season ends, where it would seem that FC Dallas will not make the playoffs.

The same sources have indicated that Pepi is wanted by three clubs from Italy, two from Germany and two from England. Two of the three Italian clubs, which rumors have indicated could be AC Milan is in this seasons UEFA Champions League.

Pepi has shown great ability to finish either with his foot and head and has very good hold up play. For FC Dallas it would be yet another big-time transfer as the club recently sold Bryan Reynolds to Roma, Reggie Cannon to Boavista, and is famous for having developed players like Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, and the Funes Mori brothers of Mexico and Argentinafame.