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Christian Pulisic

Pulisic with the United States in 2019

Personal information

Date of birth

September 18, 1998 (age 26)

Place of birth

Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States

Height

5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)

Playing position

Winger, attacking midfielder

Club information

Current club

AC Milan

Number

Youth career

2005–2006

Brackley Town

2006–2007

Michigan Rush

2008–2015

PA Classics

2015–2016

Borussia Dortmund

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps^†

(Gls)^†

2016–2019

Borussia Dortmund

(10)

2019–2023

Chelsea

(20)

2019

→ Borussia Dortmund (loan)

(3)

2023–

AC Milan

(17)

National team^‡

2012–2013

United States U15

(2)

2013–2015

United States U17

(20)

2016–

United States

(32)

Honours

Men's soccer

Representing United States
CONCACAF Nations League
Winner	2021 United States
Winner	2023 United States
Winner	2024 United States
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Runner-up	2019 United States

Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21:43, 14 January 2025 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of November 18, 2024

Christian Pulisic is an American professional soccer player. He was born on September 18, 1998. He plays as a winger (a player who attacks from the sides of the field) for the Italian club AC Milan. He also plays for the United States national team. Many people think he is one of the best North American players ever. Fans call him "Captain America" because of his amazing dribbling, speed, and scoring skills.

Christian started his career at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He quickly moved up through their youth teams. He joined the main team in January 2016 when he was just 17. He helped Dortmund win the 2016–17 DFB-Pokal (a German cup). His great playing earned him a runner-up spot for the Kopa Trophy in 2018. This award is for the world's best player under 21.

In 2019, Pulisic moved to the Premier League club Chelsea in England. He became the most expensive North American player ever at that time. At Chelsea, he was a key player when they won the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League. He was the first American to play in a Champions League final. He also helped Chelsea win the 2021 UEFA Super Cup and the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup. In June 2023, he joined Serie A club AC Milan in Italy. He won the 2024 Supercoppa Italiana with them.

Pulisic also played for the United States national team at different age levels. He made his debut for the senior team in March 2016 at age 17. He is the youngest player to ever be captain for the U.S. national team. He has won the CONCACAF Nations League three times (2021, 2023, and 2024). He was named the best player of the 2023 tournament. He shares the record for four U.S. Soccer Player of the Year awards. He is also the fifth-highest goal scorer for his country. Many call him the "face" of American soccer.

Early Life and First Steps

Christian Pulisic was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He spent most of his childhood there. Both of his parents, Kelley and Mark Pulisic, played college soccer. His father also played professional indoor soccer and later became a coach. When Christian was growing up, his soccer hero was Luís Figo.

When he was seven, Pulisic lived in England for a year because his mom was teaching there. He started playing for a youth team called Brackley Town. Later, he lived in Michigan and played for Michigan Rush. After his family returned to Pennsylvania, he played for a local club called PA Classics. He also sometimes trained with a professional club, Harrisburg City Islanders. In 2010, he even had a short trial with Chelsea.

Playing for Borussia Dortmund

Pulisic moved to Germany before he turned 16. He was able to play soccer there at a younger age because his grandfather was Croatian. This allowed him to get a European passport.

In February 2015, Borussia Dortmund signed Pulisic. He first played for their U17 team, then the U19 team. He scored 10 goals and made 8 assists in just 15 youth games. Because he played so well, he was asked to join the main team.

Amazing Debut Season

In January 2016, Pulisic played in friendly matches with the first team. He scored a goal and made an assist. On January 30, 2016, he made his first Bundesliga (German league) appearance. He was a substitute in a 2–0 win. On February 18, he played his first UEFA Europa League game.

Pulisic started his first Bundesliga game on February 21. His coach, Thomas Tuchel, praised him for playing well under pressure. On April 17, Pulisic scored his first Bundesliga goal for Borussia Dortmund. This made him the youngest non-German player to score in the Bundesliga. He was 17 years and 212 days old. A few days later, he became the youngest player to score two goals in the league.

Winning the DFB-Pokal

In his second year with Dortmund, Pulisic became the youngest player to ever play for the club in the UEFA Champions League. He scored his first goal of the season and made two assists in a 6–0 win against Darmstadt 98. This happened just one day before his 18th birthday.

On January 23, 2017, Pulisic signed a new contract with Dortmund until 2020. On March 8, 2017, he scored his first Champions League goal. He was 18 years old, making him Dortmund's youngest ever scorer in that competition. He also helped his team reach the quarter-finals. On August 5, 2017, Pulisic scored the first goal in the 2017 DFL-Supercup against Bayern Munich.

Moving to Chelsea

On January 2, 2019, Pulisic signed with Premier League club Chelsea. He stayed at Dortmund on loan for the rest of that season. This transfer made him the most expensive American soccer player ever. When he arrived at Chelsea, he said he wanted to play as well as Eden Hazard, who was his idol.

First Season and Premier League Success

Pulisic made his Premier League debut for Chelsea on August 11, 2019. On October 26, 2019, he scored his first goals for Chelsea. He got a "perfect" hat-trick (scoring with his left foot, right foot, and head) in a 4–2 win. This was his first hat-trick ever. He became the second American to score a hat-trick in the Premier League. He was also the youngest player to score a hat-trick in Chelsea's history.

He scored in his next two league games as well. On October 23, 2019, he helped Chelsea win a Champions League match against Ajax. He scored his first Champions League goal for Chelsea on November 27. When the league started again after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Pulisic scored important goals against Aston Villa and Manchester City. On August 1, he scored the first goal in the 2020 FA Cup Final against Arsenal. He was the first American to score in that final. He finished the season with 11 goals and 10 assists.

Winning the Champions League

For his second season at Chelsea, Pulisic was given the number 10 jersey. He returned to training after an injury in September. On October 28, Pulisic scored a goal in a Champions League win. On December 5, he became the fastest American to reach 10 goals in the Premier League.

On April 3, 2021, Pulisic scored a goal against West Bromwich Albion. A week later, he scored two goals against Crystal Palace. On April 27, Pulisic scored Chelsea's only goal in a 1–1 draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. He was the youngest Chelsea player and first American to score in the Champions League semi-finals. In the next game, he helped Chelsea reach the final. On May 29, Pulisic won his first Champions League title. Chelsea beat Manchester City 1–0 in the final. He became the first American to play in a Champions League Final and the second American to win it.

Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Leaving Chelsea

On August 11, 2021, Pulisic won the 2021 UEFA Super Cup and scored in the penalty shootout. A few days later, he scored in Chelsea's first league game of the season. He then had to take a break due to an ankle injury. On January 2, 2022, he scored a goal in a 2–2 draw against Liverpool. He also helped Chelsea win the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup Final. He scored in both games of the Champions League last 16 against Lille.

In October 2022, Pulisic scored in his first start under the new Chelsea manager. As Chelsea bought many new attacking players, Pulisic started fewer games. People thought he might leave the club.

Joining AC Milan

On July 13, 2023, Pulisic moved to Serie A club AC Milan in Italy. He signed a four-year contract and was given the number 11 jersey.

Great Start in Italy

On August 21, Pulisic made his Serie A debut for Milan. He scored a goal in a 2–0 win. This made him the first American to score a goal in three of Europe's top five leagues. He scored again in the next game and was named Milan's Player of the Month for August. On October 7, Pulisic scored a last-minute winning goal against Genoa.

On December 13, he scored his first Champions League goal with Milan. On December 30, he scored his sixth league goal, breaking the record for most Serie A goals by an American in one season. He was named Serie A Player of the Month for December, the first North American to win this award.

In March 2024, Pulisic scored in two Europa League games. Three days later, he scored his 12th goal of the season, a new personal record. This goal was also AC Milan's 5000th goal in Serie A history. On April 6, he scored his 10th Serie A goal, breaking his personal best for league goals in a season. On May 11, Pulisic scored two goals in one game for Milan for the first time. After his first season in Serie A, he was seen as one of the best new players. He was also nominated for the Serie A Midfielder of the Season award.

Winning the Supercoppa Italiana

On August 24, 2024, he scored his first goal of the new Serie A season. On September 17, he scored in Milan's first Champions League game. On September 22, he scored the first goal in a big win against rivals Inter. He scored in four straight club games in September. On October 6, he scored a volley goal. His coach, Paulo Fonseca, said Pulisic should always take penalties after some teammates missed them.

On January 6, 2025, Pulisic won the 2024 Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan against Inter Milan. He scored a goal and helped set up the winning goal. This was his first trophy with AC Milan. He was also one of the top goal scorers in the tournament. His goal made him the first American in a top European league to score double-digit goals in two seasons in a row.

International Career

Youth Teams

Pulisic played for the United States at the under-15 and under-17 levels. He scored two goals in 10 games for the U-15 team. For the U-17 team, he scored a goal in a championship win against Brazil in 2013. He was the captain of the U-17 team at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He scored 20 goals in 34 games for the U-17 team. Pulisic could have played for Croatia, but he chose to play for the United States.

Senior Team Debut and Records

On March 27, 2016, Pulisic was called up to the senior national team. Two days later, he made his debut in a World Cup qualifying game. He became the youngest American to play in a World Cup qualifier. A week later, he became the youngest player to score for the United States in the modern era.

On September 2, 2016, Pulisic scored two goals and made an assist in a World Cup qualifying match. This made him the youngest person to score in a World Cup qualifier for the U.S. and the youngest to score two goals in one game. In the next game, he became the youngest American to start a World Cup qualifying match. He was the top scorer for the U.S. in that qualifying round with five goals. However, the United States did not qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

On November 20, 2018, Pulisic became the youngest player to captain the United States national team. He was 20 years and 63 days old. On March 26, 2019, he became the youngest U.S. player to score 10 international goals.

CONCACAF Wins and World Cup

On June 6, 2021, Pulisic was the captain when the United States won the first-ever CONCACAF Nations League final against Mexico. He scored the winning goal from a penalty kick.

Pulisic at the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Wales

On March 27, 2022, Pulisic scored his first hat-trick for the U.S. national team during a World Cup qualifying game. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Pulisic helped set up a goal for his team against Wales. He was named Man of the Match for his great play against England. In the next game, he scored the winning goal against Iran, which sent his team to the knockout rounds. He was again named Man of the Match. In the Round of 16, he assisted another goal, but the U.S. lost to the Netherlands. Pulisic received two Man of the Match awards in the tournament, which was one of the highest totals.

In the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, Pulisic scored two goals against Mexico in the semi-finals. The United States then beat Canada to win their second Nations League trophy. Pulisic was named Player of the Tournament. In 2024, he captained the U.S. to win their third Nations League trophy in a row against Mexico.

At the 2024 Copa América, he scored a goal and made an assist in the opening win against Bolivia. On November 18, he became the fastest U.S. player to be involved in 50 goals (scoring or assisting) for the national team.

How Christian Pulisic Plays

When Pulisic joined the Dortmund first team, his coach, Thomas Tuchel, saw his great speed, quickness, strength, and smart decisions. Tuchel said Pulisic is "very self-confident" and "doesn't show any nerves under pressure." His teammate, Nuri Şahin, said Pulisic is "fearless" and has an amazing "first touch" that helps him create space. Pulisic often plays on the wing, attacking from the sides of the field. He is so good at dribbling that opponents often foul him.

In 2020, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard compared Pulisic to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard. Lampard said Pulisic "has a more direct attacking instinct" and "has the talent to pass through defenders and run inside the box." He also said Pulisic is "taking responsibility to change games."

At AC Milan, Pulisic usually plays on the right wing. His manager, Stefano Pioli, has praised him, saying, "He has quality, intensity and willingness." Pioli also noted that Pulisic "is scoring a lot, too, which isn’t always easy for a winger." Sometimes, Pulisic also plays as a central attacking midfielder, helping to create plays in the middle of the field.

Personal Life

Christian Pulisic's last name can be pronounced in two ways, and he says both are fine. Because he is the captain of the U.S. national team and plays at a high level, fans call him "Captain America". He also has a funny nickname, "The LeBron James of Soccer," from a TV show clip that became a meme.

Pulisic's paternal grandfather was born in Croatia. Pulisic got Croatian citizenship when he moved to Germany. This helped him get a work permit there. Christian has a cousin, Will Pulisic, who also plays soccer.

Pulisic is Catholic and sometimes shares Bible verses on social media. Outside of soccer, he likes the New York Jets (American football), New York Rangers (hockey), and Philadelphia 76ers (basketball). He also loves the Ford Mustang car.

In October 2022, he released his autobiography called Pulisic: My Journey So Far. The book talks about his journey in the soccer world. In June 2024, a docuseries about Pulisic called PULISIC was announced. It will share details about his life and career. Since June 2024, Pulisic has been in a relationship with professional golfer Alexa Melton.

Career Statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Continental		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Borussia Dortmund	2015–16	Bundesliga	9	2	0	0	—		3	0	—		12	2
	2016–17	Bundesliga	29	3	4	1	—		10	1	—		43	5
	2017–18	Bundesliga	32	4	1	0	—		8	0	1	1	42	5
	2018–19	Bundesliga	20	4	3	2	—		7	1	—		30	7
	Total		90	13	8	3	—		28	2	1	1	127	19
Chelsea	2019–20	Premier League	25	9	2	1	2	0	4	1	1	0	34	11
	2020–21	Premier League	27	4	6	0	0	0	10	2	—		43	6
	2021–22	Premier League	22	6	4	0	3	0	7	2	2	0	38	8
	2022–23	Premier League	24	1	0	0	1	0	5	0	—		30	1
	Total		98	20	12	1	6	0	26	5	3	0	145	26
AC Milan	2023–24	Serie A	36	12	2	0	—		12	3	—		50	15
	2024–25	Serie A	16	5	1	0	—		6	3	2	2	25	10
	Total		52	17	3	0	—		18	6	2	2	75	25
Career total			240	50	23	4	6	0	72	13	6	3	347	70

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
United States	2016	11	3
	2017	9	6
	2018	3	0
	2019	11	5
	2020	0	0
	2021	8	3
	2022	14	5
	2023	8	6
	2024	12	4
Total		76	32

United States score listed first, score column indicates score after each Pulisic goal.

List of international goals scored by Christian Pulisic
No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	May 28, 2016	Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City, United States	3	Bolivia	4–0	4–0	Friendly
2	September 2, 2016	Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	7	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	4–0	6–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	September 2, 2016		7	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	6–0	6–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	March 24, 2017	Avaya Stadium, San Jose, United States	12	Honduras	4–0	6–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
5	June 3, 2017	Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, United States	14	Venezuela	1–1	1–1	Friendly
6	June 8, 2017	Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, United States	15	Trinidad and Tobago	1–0	2–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
7	June 8, 2017	Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, United States	15	Trinidad and Tobago	2–0	2–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
8	October 6, 2017	Orlando City Stadium, Orlando, United States	19	Panama	1–0	4–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
9	October 10, 2017	Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago	20	Trinidad and Tobago	1–2	1–2	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
10	March 26, 2019	BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, United States	25	Chile	1–0	1–1	Friendly
11	June 22, 2019	FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, United States	27	Trinidad and Tobago	4–0	6–0	2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
12	July 3, 2019	Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States	30	Jamaica	2–0	3–1	2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
13	July 3, 2019	Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States	30	Jamaica	3–1	3–1	2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
14	October 11, 2019	Audi Field, Washington, United States	33	Cuba	7–0	7–0	2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League A
15	March 28, 2021	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	35	Northern Ireland	2–0	2–1	Friendly
16	June 6, 2021	Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, United States	38	Mexico	3–2	3–2 (aet)	2021 CONCACAF Nations League final
17	November 12, 2021	TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, United States	41	Mexico	1–0	2–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
18	February 2, 2022	Allianz Field, Saint Paul, United States	45	Honduras	3–0	3–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
19	March 27, 2022	Exploria Stadium, Orlando, United States	47	Panama	1–0	5–1	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
20					4–0
21					5–0
22	November 29, 2022	Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar	55	Iran	1–0	1–0	2022 FIFA World Cup
23	March 24, 2023	Kirani James Athletic Stadium, St. George's, Grenada	57	Grenada	5–1	7–1	2022–23 CONCACAF Nations League A
24	June 15, 2023	Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, United States	59	Mexico	1–0	3–0	2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals
25	June 15, 2023	Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, United States	59	Mexico	2–0	3–0	2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals
26	September 9, 2023	CityPark, St. Louis, United States	61	Uzbekistan	3–0	3–0	Friendly
27	October 14, 2023	Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, United States	63	Germany	1–0	1–3	Friendly
28	October 17, 2023	Geodis Park, Nashville, United States	64	Ghana	2–0	4–0	Friendly
29	June 12, 2024	Camping World Stadium Orlando, United States	68	Brazil	1–1	1–1	Friendly
30	June 23, 2024	AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States	69	Bolivia	1–0	2–0	2024 Copa América
31	September 10, 2024	TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, United States	73	New Zealand	1–0	1–1	Friendly
32	November 18, 2024	CityPark, St. Louis, United States	76	Jamaica	1–0	4–2	2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League A