Breaking Down USMNT Stars Competing in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League
For soccer fans around the globe, few club tournaments are as prominent as the UEFA Champions League. For the first time, the tournament adopted the “Swiss Model” with 36 teams, while the old model had only 32. Each team plays eight matches during the league phase, before the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16. The next eight teams must survive a preliminary 16-team playoff to fill out the field. Are you confused yet? Just know there’s 36 teams currently playing, There will be 16 left after January 26, and the U.S. soccer players of Europe are set to take the stage.
There are multiple Americans competing in the 2024-24 UEFA Champions League. From Christian Pulisic to Malik Tillman, the U.S. Men’s National Team is no stranger to this prestigious tournament. For the USMNT players in the Champions League and their respective Champions League teams in 2024, look no further. Here’s a closer look at the Americans competing, their clubs, and their impact.
What American soccer players are competing in the Champions League?
The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League features 12 players from the USMNT pool, representing top clubs across Europe’s major leagues. Some, like Christian Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi, are key contributors for their teams, while others, such as Diego Kochen and Cole Campbell, are emerging talents gaining invaluable experience. Let’s take a closer look at each player and their role this season.
Christian Pulisic – AC Milan (Serie A)
Age: 26
From: Hershey, PA
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Christian Pulisic, a Champions League winner in 2021 with Chelsea, has quickly become a key figure for AC Milan. His creativity, pace, and finishing ability have bolstered Milan's attack, making him a vital player–and mainstay in their starting 11.
Yunus Musah – AC Milan (Serie A)
Age: 21
From: New York, NY
Musah has adapted quickly to life in Milan, showcasing his composure and ball retention in midfield–completing roughly 90% of his passes. All while building rapport with USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic. His performances in the Champions League highlight his growing maturity and ability to play at the highest level.
Folarin Balogun – AS Monaco (French Ligue 1)
Age: 23
From: New York, NY
Balogun hit the ground running in Ligue 1 this season, bringing his goal-scoring prowess to Monaco. Balogun is currently working his way back from a dislocated shoulder and hopeful to play in the upcoming matches.
Giovanni Reyna – Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Age: 22
From: Sunderland, United Kingdom
Despite battling injuries, Reyna remains one of the most promising talents in American soccer. His vision and ability to create scoring opportunities are invaluable for Dortmund. He has recently worked his way back into form and getting some Bundesliga minutes, making him a prime candidate to play in some upcoming Champions League matches.
Weston McKennie – Juventus (Serie A)
Age: 26
From: Fort Lewis, WA
Can you believe Juventus wanted to get rid of him during the offseason? McKennie has proved himself to be integral to the Juventus squad this season. McKennie’s versatility and work rate make him a critical component of Juventus’s midfield. His defensive contributions and ability to link play are crucial in high-pressure matches. Not to mention is uncanny ability to score when it matters.
Timothy Weah – Juventus (Serie A)
Age: 24
From: New York, NY
Weah’s pace makes him a valuable asset to the Juventus attack. Weah has also shown his scoring ability with 4 goals in the current Serie A campaign.
Auston Trusty – Celtic (Scottish Premiership)
Age: 26
From: Media, PA
Trusty has gone the full 90 in Celtic’s last 4 Champions League games. Known for his athleticism and composure under pressure, he has been instrumental in bolstering Celtic's backline during their Champions League campaign.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – Celtic (Scottish Premiership)
Age: 26
From: Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
A key figure in Celtic’s defense, Carter-Vickers brings leadership and stability to the squad. With his ability to read the game and dominate aerial duels, he has been pivotal in Celtic's domestic success and European performances.
Sergiño Dest – PSV Eindhoven (Dutch Eredivisie)
Age: 24
From: Almere, Netherlands
Dest’s attacking runs and defensive reliability have made him a standout for PSV. At the moment, Dest, working his way back from a torn ACL, has the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Malik Tillman – PSV Eindhoven (Dutch Eredivisie)
Age: 22
From: Nuremberg, Germany
Tillman scored 2 goals for PSV in the 87th and 90th minute during their epic comeback against Shakhtar Donetsk. His technical skill and knack for scoring important goals make him a key contributor in PSV’s Champions League campaign.
Ricardo Pepi – PSV Eindhoven (Dutch Eredivisie)
Age: 21
From: El Paso, TX
Pepi is thriving at the moment for PSV. Pepi has scored 4 goals in his last 3 PSV game–including a hat trick against FC Groningen His clinical finishing has helped PSV compete at the highest level. His strong start to the season underscores his potential as a future USMNT star. Most recently proving this during the Concacaf Nations League, scoring a goal in back-to-back matches.
Richie Ledezma – PSV Eindhoven (Dutch Eredivisie)
Age: 24
From: Phoenix, AZ
Ledezma is a talented midfielder known for his exceptional vision and creativity, making him a key contributor to PSV Eindhoven. With a knack for dictating the pace of play, he excels at delivering accurate passes and driving the team's attacking momentum.
Developmental Players On The USMNT
Diego Kochen – Barcelona (LA LIGA)
Age: 18
From: Miami, FL
Cole Campbell – Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Age: 18
From: Houston, TX
Do any additional Americans play in the Champions League?
Beyond the members of the USMNT, there aren't any other Americans on rosters in the Champions League. The United States has a history with the tournament, with players making an impact in various iterations of the tournament.
Has any American won a Champions League?
In short, yes. There are two Americans who are recognized as having won a UEFA Champions League final. The first player, Jovan Kirovski, won the tournament with Dortmund in 1997. Kirovski didn’t check into the final match against Juventus. Officially, though, he’s the first American to have ever won the Champions League.
In 2021, Christian Pulisic became the first American to appear in a Champions League final and win. He won the tournament with Chelsea.
Across the board, the USMNT is represented at the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. From established stars like Christian Pulisic to rising talents like Ricardo Pepi, American players are leaving their mark on the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. With standout performances and a growing presence in top European leagues, these players are paving the way for the future of U.S. soccer on the global stage.
As the tournament progresses, fans should keep an eye on these stars. The possibility of another American lifting the Champions League trophy is closer than ever.
