‘Captain America’ has been a nickname of honor given to the stars of the United States men’s national soccer team, most recently given to forward Christian Pulisic.
He continues to show why he earned the nickname, as he was named the 2023 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, the fourth time he’s received the honor and tying Landon Donovan for the most wins by a USMNT player. Pulisic was awarded the honor over goalkeeper Matt Turner, midfielder Yunus Musah, forward Folarin Balogun and forward Ricardo Pepi.
‘If you’re joining Landon on anything regarding the national team, you’re doing something right,” Pulisic said in a statement. ‘He’s a legend. I looked up to him, so I’m grateful to be in that conversation. I’m hoping to continue to push, and hopefully it will not be the last.’
Christian Pulisic 2023 season
Pulisic, who previously won the award in 2017, 2019 and 2021, had a strong 2023 season for the U.S. that included a Concacaf Nations League title. He was named the tournament’s best player with three goals scored in tournament play, including two against Mexico in the semifinals. In total, he had six goals and three assists on the year, and the national team won seven of the eight games he appeared in.
There was also the 25-year-old’s move to AC Milan in July. So far, he has five goals and three assists in 13 appearances for his new club. And he made U.S. soccer history in December when he scored in UEFA Champions League Play, becoming the first U.S. international to score for three different clubs in Champions League play.
‘It’s an honor to win this award again for the fourth time,’ Pulisic said in a statement. ‘It was an incredible season for me. I always enjoy playing with the national team and winning more trophies with the national team. Of course, coming here to AC Milan, it’s been just a really exciting year. I’ve enjoyed it so much, so I’m really grateful to win an award like this.’
Brenden Hunt of ‘Ted Lasso,’ Landon Donovan surprise Christian Pulisic
In the spirit of award season, USMNT took a unique approach to let Pulisic know he won the 2023 award.
U.S. Soccer got help from actor Brenden Hunt, who played Coach Beard in ‘Ted Lasso,’ and AC Milan to surprise Pulisic. He came into the club’s studio to do an interview for what he was told was for its TV channel. After one question, Pulisic was told he needed to watch a video, which showed Hunt appearing in an Emmys-like style where he announced the nominees of the award. Hunt then opened an envelope to reveal Pulisic as the winner, much to the surprise of the soccer star.
That wasn’t all for Pulisic. Donovan then appeared on a video call to see Pulisic win the award, providing another surprise for this year’s winner. The two co-leaders for the award spoke about Pulisic’s achievement in a wholesome moment.