USMNT
Christian Pulisic, ‘Captain America’ of the United States and enemy number one in Mexico
Christian Pulisic has become the standard bearer of the golden generation of the United States and at the same time, an enemy to Mexico.
On Monday 18 September, Christian ‘Captain America’ Pulisic celebrated his 25th birthday. Although the Pennsylvania-born footballer wants to get rid of the superhero nickname leaving it only for the legend of Landon Donovan, it is undeniable that the AC Milan player has become a standard for the golden generation from the United States.
Despite Mexico currently holding the Gold Cup trophy, it has been the USMNT who have dominated the region in terms of soccer success, as the results from recent meetings show. During these games, Pulisic has been one of the main players responsible for the fine streak of form that the Americans have against El Tri.
Pulisic made fun of Mexico legend Guillermo Ochoa
The former Chelsea man has scored four goals in the last three matches that the United States have played against Mexico, including a double in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League that took the Americans to the final, which they eventually won.
However, one of the greatest moments for the player was when he responded to Guillermo Ochoa’s tasty words: the goalkeeper had said “Mexico is the mirror in which the United States wants to see itself”. Pulisic scored in the qualifying game and hilariously celebrated with a t-shirt that said: ‘Man in the Mirror’.
There is no shortage of trophies for the winger
Despite being just 25-years-old, Pulisic can boast plenty of trophies, among which the two Concacaf Nations Leagues that he won in 2021 and 2023 stand out, as well as many others.
Pulisic became the second footballer from the United States to win the Champions League when Chelsea beat Guardiola’s Manchester City in the 2020-2021 season. Shortly after, he went on to win the FIFA Club World Cup final.
The challenges that Pulisic faces this season
However, the American has left the ‘Blues’ after a disastrous season and he has already began a series of new challenges with a Milan team that will seek to be contenders for the Champions League once again, albeit in a group that includes a tough Dortmund side, a Kylian Mbappé-fuelled PSG... and Newcastle, who they play on Tuesday 19 September with kick off at 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT.
In addition, Pulisic will also be working hard to be an important part of Stefano Pioli’s system, despite concerns about him being dropped for the Champions League. His start to the season was encouraging, but in the game against Inter he was nowhere to be seen, despite playing 56 minutes.