The top 10 best American soccer players ever

In the history of world football, the names of American players have not only been symbols of strength and talent but also highlight the continuous development of the sport in America. From the top stars of the current generation to the great legends who have contributed to creating a special image of American football on the international stage, these players have risen through arduous paths to become indelible symbols in the hearts of global football fans. In the following article, let’s look back at Kingsoccertips at the 10 best American soccer players ever and the outstanding journeys of these top figures!

Top the best American soccer players today

1. Clint Dempsey

Clint Dempsey has carved out a special place in the hearts of American soccer fans, becoming one of the greatest players of all time, thanks to his success in the Premier League – a league that few American players can achieve success in. Any American player can achieve it. Dempsey’s number of appearances in this league, with 218, far exceeds that of most of his teammates of the same nationality.

Known as a versatile striker, Dempsey has been instrumental in Fulham’s success, having moved from MLS side New England Revolution in 2007. After that, his career continued to develop as he moved to Tottenham six years later.

Although his time at Tottenham did not match the success he had at Fulham, where he helped the team reach the 2010 UEFA Cup final and became the first American player to participate in a major European final, he still shone with the national team. His scoring record for the USMNT proves that Dempsey is not only a skilled Premier League player but also an icon among the best American soccer players.

2. Brad Friedel

When it comes to American sports, another image that may come to mind is that of a sport played with the hands. And in this field, the name Brad Friedel is an icon with incredible achievements.

With 450 appearances in the Premier League, Friedel is one of the goalkeepers with the longest and most impressive careers. His jersey has been worn by Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, with this record of appearances remaining unbroken by any other American goalkeeper. In particular, Friedel made his mark in Premier League history by becoming one of the six goalkeepers to score a goal after 31 years of the league’s existence.

On the international front, Friedel also played an important part in the US team’s journey. With 84 caps, he attended the 2002 World Cup as the team’s number-one goalkeeper, and delivered inspiring performances, helping the US advance to the quarterfinals of this prestigious tournament. Brad Friedel is not only an American football player but also a symbol of perseverance and success in international football.

3. Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan, one of the greatest players in American football, has proven his strength through an impressive career. Although he could not realize his dream of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues, his record of scoring 57 goals for the US national team (tied with Clint Dempsey) affirmed his position in the hearts of fans.

Donovan’s contributions don’t stop there. His excellence in Major League Soccer (MLS) helped turn the league into a solid foundation for American soccer. Spending a long time with LA Galaxy, Donovan scored 308 goals, a record that will probably be difficult for any player to break.

In addition, Donovan also challenged himself with brief stints in the Bundesliga and Premier League, playing for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Everton. Although he could not achieve the same level of success as in MLS, these experiences demonstrated his diverse abilities and competitive spirit. Landon Donovan is not only an American football star but also a symbol of patience, passion, and the unwavering fighting spirit of this sport in his homeland. His impact on the game further cements his status as one of the best American soccer players in history.

4. Cobi Jones

Coventry City fans won’t soon forget Cobi Jones, despite his brief one-season stint at Highfield Road during the 1994/95 campaign. His impact is still remembered as he has been recognized in the National Football Hall of Fame. This was Jones’ first foray into a professional club after being signed by the United States Soccer Federation. Before this, he had made over 30 appearances for his national team, including playing in the 1994 World Cup.

Over the next decade, Jones established himself as the United States men’s team’s best player of all time, amassing 164 caps before ending his international career in 2004. He continued to shine with LA Galaxy, where he has played for 12 seasons since joining MLS in 1996.

The diminutive midfielder has made his mark with impressive achievements in Los Angeles, including MLS Cup championships in 2002 and 2005, multiple Western Conference titles, and especially the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2000. The career of Cobi Jones’s career is not just a personal journey but an integral part of the growth and success of American soccer.

5. DaMarcus Beasley

During a 20-year career, DaMarcus Beasley has created an impressive story with eight clubs in six different countries, including MLS, Premier League, and Bundesliga. Not only successful at the club level, Beasley has also played an important part in more than 126 matches for the US national team.

However, Beasley’s greatest success at club level was achieved at PSV and Rangers, when he won two league titles at each club between 2004 and 2010. With his technique and speed, the player winger has become an indispensable part of the tactics of both teams. His impressive career achievements and contributions solidify his place among the best American soccer players.

Earlier this year, DaMarcus Beasley was inducted into America’s National Soccer Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for his contribution to the nation’s soccer history. This will certainly cement his legacy in the hearts of American soccer fans.

6. Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic is the most expensive North American player of all time, having demonstrated his appeal and great potential since joining Chelsea in 2019 for a transfer fee of up to 57.6 million pounds. Although he is still young and has plenty of time to develop, there are already clear signs of his ability.

At Chelsea, Pulisic set a record as the youngest player in the club’s history to score a hat-trick, and he also won the Champions League and Club World Cup titles with the London team. Before joining Chelsea, he shined at Borussia Dortmund, making an impressive debut at the age of 17 and achieving second place in the 2018 Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 years old.

However, Pulisic’s peak is probably his influence on the US national team. He captained the US team at the age of 20 and won the Best Young Player award at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Pulisic’s leadership and fighting spirit inspired the US team to secure two victories in the CONCACAF Nations League. With his potential and talent, Pulisic promises to be one of the leaders of the next generation of American football.

7. Claudio Reyna

Being selected for the National Team and participating in the World Cup is not only an honor but also an important turning point in a football player’s career. Claudio Reyna, for all his excellence, was the first American to achieve this, and his performance at the 2002 World Cup earned him the honor, even though he had to leave the field due to injury in the opening match, which ended 3-2 against Portugal.

Despite injuries and limited playing time at Rangers, Sunderland, and Manchester City, Reyna consistently showed off his quality and talent every time he appeared on the field. The fact that he played for the U.S. National Team in 112 games is no coincidence.

Reyna’s best moments came from his time at Rangers during the 1999/2000 season, when he helped Gers win the Premier League and Scottish Cup double. Six years in England with Sunderland and Manchester City also proved Reyna’s strength and charisma, as he received praise for his class each time he returned to full fitness. His career achievements further solidified his place among the best American soccer players of his generation.

8. Alexi Lalas

Alexi Lalas, one of the unique icons of American soccer, stood out with his distinctive beard and long hair at the 1994 World Cup. He became an integral part of the U.S. national team, playing at the heart of the defense in the memorable 1994 World Cup home campaign.

After the World Cup, Lalas moved to Serie A and became the first American to play in Italy’s top league by joining Padova. He spent two challenging years in Italy before returning to the US, participating in his first MLS season with the New England Revolution.

However, Lalas’ greatest success came from his time playing for LA Galaxy from 2001 to 2003. There, he won four titles, including the CONCACAF championship trophy in 2000. Despite scoring only nine goals in 96 international appearances, Lalas remains an icon of American football.

In addition to his career in the field, Lalas is also famous for his artistic and musical creativity. However, not everyone is impressed by the eight solo albums he has released over the past three decades.

9. Tim Howard

Tim Howard attracted the attention of his hometown when he signed for Manchester United in 2003, one of the most powerful clubs in the world. However, as Everton’s number one for most of his career, he showed reliability and consistency at Goodison Park for over a decade.

At Everton, Tim Howard established himself as a key player. He became one of the most crucial players on the team and played a significant role in every match. In one particular match, he performed a miraculous long throw that, with a little help from the wind, sent the ball past Bolton Wanderers’ Adam Bogdan and into the net. This remarkable play was a memorable highlight of Howard’s career and showcased the talent and versatility of an outstanding goalkeeper. It was an unforgettable moment in Howard’s career, demonstrating the talent and versatility of an outstanding goalkeeper.

10. Brian McBride

Brian McBride was part of the group of players drafted for the inception of MLS in 1996, and his time in the Premier League is considered the most memorable part of his career. His contributions on both sides of the Atlantic solidify his status as one of the best American soccer players, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

However, McBride’s peak was probably his time playing for Fulham from 2004 to 2008. There, he became a fan favorite, scoring 41 goals in 154 matches and winning two Player of the Season awards. Although not winning any titles, McBride was also given the captaincy at Craven Cottage before returning to MLS with Chicago Fire.

Internationally, McBride scored 30 goals in 96 games, and for each goal, he donated $100 to the Central Ohio Diabetes Association. He was instrumental in the US national team’s performance at the 2002 World Cup, earning the MVP and Golden Boot awards. McBride is a role model for his commitment and contribution to both the field and the community.

Conclusion

Above are the top 10 best American soccer players ever that we want to share with you. These top American soccer players have left a deep mark not only on the history of their country’s soccer but also on an international level. They have not only enhanced the reputation of American soccer but have also been a source of inspiration for the younger generation. With their talent, commitment, and relentless fighting spirit, these players have made history and contributed to the growth and development of American football. With their achievements and contributions, they deserve to be considered the best American football players of all time!

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