TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Marten de Roon of Atalanta BC battles for possession with Weston McKennie of Juventus during the Serie A match at the Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie shared how Juventus coach Igor Tudor took a straightforward approach in advising the USMNT midfielder to shed some pounds. ‘This was the first summer I felt comfortable taking my shirt off at the pool!’
Since joining Juventus in 2020, McKennie has frequently been on the verge of leaving the club during transfer windows but has managed to secure his role, often starting in matches.
However, he faced a potential exclusion during the summer, until Tudor delivered a candid ultimatum to the 27-year-old.
McKennie Given an Ultimatum: Lose Weight or Leave Juventus
“My genetics are finally showing,” he joked on TNT Sports after a recent match, as the commentary team noted his slimmer figure.
“I went through an extensive pre-season. My coach at Juventus, Tudor, applied real pressure, saying, ‘Listen, you’re getting older, and your body won’t recover from games like it used to. You need to lose some weight to remain part of this team.’
“So, I committed to my training, adjusted my diet, and stopped snacking as much. Now, if I do snack, it’s on healthy options, and I’ve been working out more frequently. It’s been a lot of running.”
Tudor’s guidance has not only improved McKennie’s on-field performance but has also led to unexpected personal benefits.
“This was the first summer I felt confident taking off my shirt by the pool!”
So far this season, McKennie has made seven competitive appearances for Juventus, starting in four matches.