Pulisic Shines Beyond the…

Christian Pulisic certainly knows how to stir things up. He’s not just making it complicated for himself, but also for his teammates and the devoted U.S. men’s national team supporters who have long held aspirations for him to become the best player in the program’s history.

Since the USMNT’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup, Pulisic has faced considerable criticism, much of which is warranted. Reflecting on my experience covering the New York Yankees in the early 2000s, I recall Derek Jeter sharing a crucial lesson: “You don’t only get to be famous on the good days.” That rings true for Pulisic as well.

Landon Donovan has voiced concerns regarding Pulisic’s inner circle. U.S. women’s national team icons Carli Lloyd and Sydney Leroux expressed their displeasure with Pulisic’s comments about taking time off for his injured leg post-elimination. Tim Howard echoed Donovan’s sentiments, urging listeners to “believe someone when they show you who they really are.”

Yet, in the grand scheme, such feedback may not hold as much weight for those who still believe in Pulisic’s potential to elevate this American side. The reality can overshadow the criticism:

To begin with, Pulisic’s performance at this World Cup was underwhelming.

He showcased an impressive 45 minutes during the opening match against Paraguay but didn’t appear again in the group stage until a lackluster showing against Türkiye in a match of little consequence two weeks later. An unremarkable performance followed against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and his showing in the match against Belgium, where he lost possession 14 times, was nothing short of disastrous. Pulisic’s closest moment of brilliance during the tournament came through endless commercials with Lionel Messi.

Secondly, Pulisic has been plagued by injury issues.

Only Pulisic truly knows the extent of his injuries, thus it’s futile to speculate whether he should have played through the pain or label him “soft” for stepping back. The confirmed fact is that he suffered a bone bruise and microfracture in his lower leg during the tournament, affecting his availability. This brings complications to debates about the “greatest USMNT player,” where consistency and longevity are key factors, much like they were for Donovan and Clint Dempsey.

Lastly, Pulisic faces an optics dilemma.

Some parts of this misfortune may stem from sheer bad luck (such as injuries), but others seem to be within his control. Pulisic often downplays situations—a common trait among athletes perhaps to ease pressure—but stating that this World Cup is “just another big tournament,” as he said earlier this year, or making a social media post after elimination that declared “it’s just the start for us and for this sport in America” can come off as out of touch (if not alienating) to dedicated fans of the team.

Error aside: this isn’t a fresh beginning for this side, many of whom were also present at the 2022 World Cup. Also, the narrative of a burgeoning soccer scene in America overlooks the fervor and support this team has seen, particularly evident in the passionate crowds it drew at games and the heightened attention it garnered.

The idea that this World Cup was merely the start feels misaligned. It was meant to be a high point for both Pulisic and this group of players. Letting that opportunity slip is a regret that lingers deeply.

What lies ahead is uncertain.

Pulisic will likely not emerge as a vocal leader for the national team; his temperament suggests otherwise, and it’s significant that both Mauricio Pochettino and former coach Gregg Berhalter have opted for different captains during the World Cup. It seems unlikely that Pulisic will transform his outward demeanor following this tournament.

Pulisic’s club achievements have always filled U.S. fans with hope. However, his form has dipped this season with no goals since December while playing for Milan. Unlike Clint Dempsey during his time with Tottenham Hotspur or Fulham, Pulisic is not the sole American competing at a high level in Europe. To live up to the expectations tied to his talent, he needs to elevate his performance, especially while donning a USA jersey.

Time is perhaps the most precarious aspect. In four years, Pulisic will be 31—an age that typically favors younger players, and considering his injury record, gauging his potential impact on the next U.S. World Cup roster remains a challenge. He’s had one unforgettable World Cup moment—the goal against Iran that advanced the Americans into the knockout rounds in Qatar four years ago—but the expectations around Pulisic always hinted at an even greater future.

Could that Iran goal turn out to be the pinnacle of his journey with the national team? Absolutely. Could there be a resurgence in his early 30s that surpasses it? Certainly. Dreaming is simple, doubting is too, but feeling assured about it all is a challenge.

This uncertainty is arguably the most exasperating aspect of the U.S.’s experience over the last month.

All signs pointed toward Pulisic being America’s standout star in this World Cup. Instead, he has emerged as the team’s greatest enigma.