Christian Pulisic is crowned US Soccer’s male player of the year for a fourth time… as the AC Milan forward ties Landon Donovan for most wins

United States men’s national team star and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic was named US Soccer’s male player of the year for a fourth time on Thursday.

Pulisic has been crowned with the honor every other year for nearly a decade, winning it in 2017, 2019, 2021 and now 2023.

His fourth player of the year honor brings him level with the all-time record for award wins, set by American legend Landon Donovan when he claimed his fourth in 2010.

Pulisic is only 25 and has shown no signs of slowing down after his summer move from Chelsea to AC Milan. Donovan, meanwhile, won his final award at the age of 28.

The current USMNT talisman won the prize after helping his country win the CONCACAF Nations League title for the second time in a row, after defeating rivals Mexico and Canada by a combined score of 5-0 en route to the trophy. 

His fourth player of the year honor brings him level with the all-time record for award wins, set by American legend Landon Donovan

‘If you’re joining Landon on anything regarding the national team, you’re doing something right,’ Pulisic said via a news release. ‘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.’

Like Donovan, Pulisic holds the unwritten responsibility of being the male face of American soccer for his generation. Both were prodigies thrusted into the spotlight at young ages and did not relent to massive expectations. 

While Donovan played ‘Captain Football America’ during a time where soccer started to land more than sporadic appearances on US television channels, the former Chelsea player and his USMNT can be seen every week on the small screen. 

Pulisic is the face for the Stars and Stripes as it enters a critical period for the sport in America.

The United States will host this summer’s Copa America, alongside the Club World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League semifinals and final in 2025.

All those competitions culminate with the United States, Mexico and Canada hosting the 2026 World Cup, with America being the home soil for most of the matches. 

Pulisic is sure to be integral to any success the United States has over the next few years.