Champions League 2024/25: 5 USMNT Players to Watch

Good news for USMNT fans and especially newly hired boss Mauricio Pochettino. The number of Americans participating in this season’s Champions League is a record-setting twelve, two up from the peak of 2021. Let’s take a look at the list, ranking the top five.

1. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

Pulisic is already off the mark in his second season with the Rossoneri. He’s now scored in his tenth season in Europe. He also ranks first among USMNT players with the most Champions League appearances (54).

The USMNT captain rode a revival year last season by moving to the Serie A from Chelsea. He tallied 12 goals and nine assists in 36 matches for the Red and Blacks. The improvement gave him a +4 upgrade in the leaked EAFC 2025 ratings.

2. Weston McKennie (Juventus)

Weston McKennie didn’t enjoy the best times on his loan to Leeds during the 2023 season. But the American was one of the best Juventus players last season as part of a revival tour. He notched ten assists. The Bianconeri rewarded the 26-year-old with a contract extension to 2026.

3. Folarin Balogun (Monaco)

AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun is one of the new faces on the USMNT. The 23-year-old center forward pledged allegiance to the Red and White Stripes in May 2023. His performance at the 2024 Copa America this past summer won plaudits.

Now, the former Arsenal star will take his former club in the opening league phase of the new Champions League Swiss-style format. But he’ll need to find himself consistently in the Monaco starting XI. He needs to remember that he scored 22 goals in 39 appearances just two seasons ago for Reims.

4. Tim Weah (Juventus)

Right midfielder Tim Weah joined USMNT Weston McKennie at Juventus last season. After a tough initial spell, he’s off to a good start this campaign with one goal in one match.

The only bad news for Weah is that Juventus signed three wingers before deadline day. In other words, his brilliant start in Serie A might come to an immediate halt as the starting XI competition heats up.

5. Yunus Musah (AC Milan)

The 21-year-old central midfielder joins fellow USMNT player Christian Pulisic in the Serie A for his second season. He assisted in 30 appearances last term and has made things happen for his team in this season’s first two matches with one dish.

Milan faces Real Madrid away as part of the new league phase draw.

Twelve American players are participating in the Champions League this season. Five USMNT players could be on the pitch for the Juventus—PSV clash. What a sight that would be for the new boss, Pochettino.