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While the United States Men’s National Soccer Team continues to toil on the field in the lead up to a FIFA World Cup on soil in 2026, things aren’t looking better off the field. Especially when it comes to the relationship between current star Christian Pulisic and former star Landon Donovan.
Pulisic is not part of the USMNT’s 26-man roster for this summer’s Gold Cup, opting instead to take the summer off to rehab from several minor injuries. Donovan was not particularly a fan of that decision.
“This is what it means to represent your country,” he said of the move. “And if you don’t want to take this, as a professional soccer player and someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey and take it seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in.”
He did not, however, call out Pulisic by name. Now, the AC Milan star says that it was all part of a calculated move by the country’s joint all-time leading scorer.
“When it comes to those guys, I don’t know, I guess it is tough because I looked up to those guys growing up,” Pulisic said on the “Call It What You Want” podcast. “Some of these guys were my idols and I respect them so much as players.
“And it’s tough, especially when some of them as well, even privately, the way they talk to me and clearly want to show support and be your friend and everything, and then it goes and they say something slightly different publicly and that’s fine.
“It doesn’t hurt me. Am I surprised by it? I don’t know, not really. People are always going to have their opinions, but in the end, I’m focused on how can I better myself.”
Ultimately, both sides make valid points. The USMNT is in a dire situation and Pulisic being there to lead a turnaround ahead of the World Cup would be huge. But the current soccer schedule is as ridiculous as it’s ever been. Players play pretty much year-round, and with the focus on the World Cup, it makes sense for Pulisic to rest and recover.
If the USMNT weren’t so much of a disaster right now, it wouldn’t be nearly as big a deal. After all, several other presumed starters pulled out as well for various reasons. But unfortunately, it appears the U.S. will head into its first home World Cup in three decades with a dark cloud hanging over it.