“Being called the ‘LeBron James of Soccer’ doesn’t bother me, it’s funny”

Christian Pulisic has become the main focus point for US soccer on the global stage. He is the captain of the USMNT and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, probably playing the best football of his career with Serie A giants AC Milan.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Pulisic spoke about life with Milan, and offered insight on being called the ‘LeBron James of soccer’. The nickname emerged during one of the episodes of the nine-part documentary ‘Pulisic’.

The 26-year-old stated: “I’ve heard it (the nickname) a lot. When we were in Saudi Arabia with Milan, a guy yelled it at me, but for me that’s normal. People might think I’m serious or maybe they think ‘he’s not close to LeBron James’, I don’t think so either, but it doesn’t bother me, it’s just funny and that’s all,” Pulisic responded.

Zlatan influence

Pulisic also highlighted the importance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the American during his Milan career. “I think we’ve had a good relationship from the start. He told me straight up what I could expect from the club. Once you get to know him, he’s pretty direct, he tells you what he thinks, which is important to me.

I think he’s also reached out to me in some of the tough times and he generally cares a lot about the players. He asks us ‘how’s your head? ’ because he wants us to be able to come to training and be focused on what’s happening on the pitch. He makes sure to tell us that if everything’s good off the pitch, you’ll be good and do well on the pitch,” acknowledged Pulisic.

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