From the MLS to Europe: American Soccer Players Making Their Mark Across the Atlantic

Not too long ago, it was completely unheard of for American soccer players playing overseas in Europe in some of the top leagues in the world.  Now in 2023, the sentiment is not the same. American-born soccer players, as well as those who are considered American nationals, have been making bigger and bigger impacts than ever before on the world stage. Experience the thrill of soccer with Tipico Sportsbook in Ohio win big, and feel the excitement of the game.

Below we take a look at some of the top American soccer players playing in Europe and how they’re making their mark across the Atlantic.

The best-known American soccer play is that of Christian Pulisic. Pulusic, a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania, recently made the move from Premier League side Chelsea to Serie A club AC Milan. After a hot start with Chelsea following a $71 million transfer in 2018, Puluisic struggled to find his footing with the club while dealing with various injuries but also just an overall lack of strong playing time. Puluisc and A.C. Milan both hope that a change of scenery is just what the 24-year-old midfielder and winger need to get back on the right track.

Pulusic won’t be the first American to play for A.C. Milan, as defender Sergino Dest recently played eight games with the club on a loan from Barcelona. He also played with Ajax before joining Barcelona in October of 2021. The 22-year-old defender will serve as a quality depth piece for Barcelona.

Another American overseas in Europe that is making a name for himself is midfielder Brenden Aaronson. The Medford, New Jersey native originally played for the Philadelphia Union before making the move to FC Red Bull Salzburg in 2021. Leeds United would buy him from Salzburg a year later, and now the U.S. men’s national team start will be headed back to Germany on a loan to Union Berlin which will last all of next season.

Let’s mention goaltender Zack Steffen. Steffen was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia, before growing up in Ohio and playing his college soccer in Maryland. Since his college career, Steffen has traveled across the world playing for SC Freiburg II, Columbus Crew SC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Manchester City, Fortuna Dusseldorf, and Middlesbrough. He’s also made 29 career appearances for the United States men’s national teams.

My thoughts on the City squad:

• Alvarez – keep
• Walker – keep
• Bernardo – keep
• Phillips – keep (unless big offer arrives)
• Mahrez – sell (needs replacing)
• Laporte – sell
• Cancelo – sell
• Zack Steffen – sell
• Gomez – loan
• Palmer – loan

Thoughts? 🔵👀

— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) July 14, 2023

One American soccer player with a very bright future ahead of him is Washington native Weston McKennie, who, at 24, has already spent time with Shalke 04, Juventus, and Leeds United. He’s also made 44 appearances for the United States men’s national team, recording 11 goals in the process. The midfielder is only scratching the surface of his potential and is well on his way to challenging Christian Pulisic as the United State’s top player overseas. 

There is also Giovanni Reyna, the son of Claudio Reyna. Giovani has played for Borussia Dortmund since making his debut in 2020 and has also made 20 appearances for the men’s national team scoring four goals. At just 20 years old, Reyna has an incredibly high ceiling, and his potential might be the highest of any American playing in Europe. The United States is relying on Reyna to be a potential star for the team in the upcoming years.

Finally, there is Folarin Balogun, who potentially is the missing piece that the United States’ men’s team has been looking for, for quite a while. The striker, who has played for Arsenal, Middlesbrough, and Reims, scored 21 goals this past year for Reims in 37 appearances. The Brooklyn native in May chose to represent the United States over England after spending time with both as a youth international.

Over the last decade, the abilities of American soccer players have made immense jumps. Never before has the future of American soccer, both in the States and overseason, ever been so bright. American soccer players are making bigger and bigger impacts in Europe’s top leagues, making their presence known on an international stage. It’s unclear if the United States will ever take a huge jump when it comes to international play, the country is still a while away from ever being competitive enough to win a World Cup, but the United State’s men’s soccer program overall has certainly seen an exponential amount of growth since the dismal results of the 1990s.