10 Things You Need to Know about Football Player Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic for the USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago by Erik Drost – Wikimedia Commons

10 Things You Need to Know about Football Player Christian Pulisic

Christian Mate Pulisic is an American football/soccer player. He plays primarily as a winger and can be utilized on either side and as a Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM). He is currently playing club football for English giants Chelsea FC.

Pulisic is a household name in his home country, being one of the biggest soccer stars in the United States. The ‘Lebron James of soccer’ or ‘Captain America’ as you might have seen him being referred to if you’re on Twitter.

He is a technical player renowned for his dribbling and scoring ability as well as his speed. The Champions League winner played for German club Borussia Dortmund before moving to Chelsea in 2019 for $73 million (£57.6 million).

Here are some things about Captain America that you might want/need to know.

1. Both Parents Were Footballers

Pulisic was born on September 18th, 1998 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. He is the son of Kelley and Mark Pulisic who both were football players at George Mason University.

His father, Mark Pulisic, later played indoor soccer for Harrisburg Heat before becoming a football coach. Considering football/soccer is not that popular a sport in the USA, it’s fascinating and clear as day that Pulisic has soccer coursing in his veins.

Also, important to note he shares his birthday with Brazilian legend Ronaldo (R9), or the original Ronaldo. Growing up his idol was Luis Figo.

2. Played for Brackley Town

Children playing soccer by Gerhard from Pixabay

Chelsea FC is the first team English team Pulisic has played for professionally. However, they are not the first English club Pulisic has been associated with.

As a child, Pulisic moved to England with his mother while she was on a teacher exchange. This was through the Fulbright Program and in this period, they lived in Tackley, Oxfordshire.

While in Tackley, Pulisic joined the Brackley Town youth team and played for them. His father claims that this stint in England playing for Brackley, was when Christian fell in love with the beautiful game.

3. He Was Eligible to Play for Croatia’s National Team

Today, Pulisic is a regular for the USMNT and arguably their most important player. However, there was a chance for him to represent Croatia before he committed to the USA. Thankfully, as many Americans will admit, this never happened.

You’re probably asking how this is possible. When Christian moved to Germany, he required a work Visa to be eligible to work in Europe. However, his grandfather was Croatian which meant he was eligible for Croatian citizenship which he applied for.

His Croatian citizenship meant he was eligible to represent the Croatian National team before he made his debut for USMNT’s senior team.

4. Most Expensive American Soccer Player

Stack of Dollars by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

After 5 years in Germany, Pulisic moved from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea for a fee of $73 million (£57.6 million). To date, this remains the most expensive transfer of an American soccer player. Second, on the list is Brenden Aaronson who moved from Red Bull Salzburg to Leeds United for $30.2m in 2022.

Pulisic’s current contract runs all through 2024 and earns him roughly $9.44 million (£7.8 million). This means he earns approximately $181,470 (£150,000) per week from his contract with Chelsea FC.

5. Signed to Replace Eden Hazard at Chelsea

Eden Hazard wore #10 before Pulisic at Chelsea by Aleksandr Osipov – Wikimedia Commons

If you follow the Premier League then you have definitely heard the tales of Eden Hazard. Or even better, you’ve had the pleasure of watching him at his peak. Hazard will go down as a Premier League great to all and not only Chelsea Fans.

He produced mesmerizing performances day after day and won Chelsea several times in his spell at the Club. In June 2019 Hazard moved to Real Madrid for a fee of €100 million. Coming in to replace him was Christian Pulisic and boy did he have big shoes to fill.

After almost 4 years at the club, many can argue that Pulisic has been able to fill the void left by Eden Hazard. However, one can also argue that the Jury is still out. After all, Pulisic is only 24 and his best days are surely ahead of him.

6. Tattoo Connoisseur

Pulisic in a preseason match against RB Salzburg by Werner100359 – Wikimedia Common

A common theme with most international footballers is tattoos. Some have small sentimental ones while others cover most of their bodies with ink. Pulisic is one of these stars who have covered his entire left arm in them.

Near his shoulder, he has a tattoo of the American flag and a bald eagle. Definitely showing the love he has for his country with those. A tattoo that most of his fans are familiar with is the set of Tiger’s eyes on his forearm.

This is because he uses this tattoo to celebrate when he scores. He places his arm on his face to align the tiger’s eyes with his. Pulisic claims the tattoo was inspired by Tiger Woods. Other tattoos include a date in roman numerals around his wrist, a quote from Napoleon Hill near his elbow, and a chess piece tattoo.

7. Not A Big Fan of the Nickname ‘Captain America’

Captain America pendant by farid fezari from Pixabay

Following his exploits on the field for club and country, Pulisic has been dubbed Captain America. This is after the first avenger, one of Marvel’s most famous characters.

However, despite the popular and often usage of the name, Pulisic has admitted he is not a big fan of the nickname. This is especially when used by his teammates.

8. Youngest Goal scorer and Captain of the USMNT

Pulisic for USMNT by Tasnim News Agency – Wikimedia Commons

Throughout his career, Pulisic has been a record-breaker. He was the youngest non-German to score in the Bundesliga. While in Dortmund he also became the youngest BVB player to feature in the Champions League back in 2016.

For his country, Pulisic also has several accolades to his name. He was the youngest player to have ever participated in a World Cup qualifying match, as well as their youngest captain and modern-era goal scorer.

9. He Endorses Hershey’s Chocolate

Chocolate candy bars (Several Hershey’s bars visible) by Milly from Pixabay

Pulisic was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania which is a humble town in the USA. Pulisic might have left to become a football star but he remains true to his roots.

The world-renowned ‘Hershey company’ is a chocolate company from his home town and he has signed an endorsement deal with them.

10. He Has a sister

Pulisic has managed to keep most of his personal life away from the public eye. However, both his parents are highly involved with his career and therefore are common topics of discussion.

He also has a grandfather, Mate Pulisic, from Croatia whom Pulisic is named after. He also has a sister Devyn. Pulisic’s cousin Will is a professional goalkeeper.