The Summer of Stars is in full swing on FOX with the European Championship in Germany and the United States-hosted Copa América. Both tournaments feature the world’s best soccer players, but how many of them are all-time great players for their respective countries? To answer that question, FOX Sports has put together 11 all-time international teams. The United States team includes Brad Friedel, Sergiño Dest, Eddie Pope, Carlos Bocanegra, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, John O’Brien, Tab Ramos, Christian Pulisic, Clint Dempsey, and Landon Donovan. These players have made significant contributions to the US Men’s National Team over the years.
Brad Friedel, with 82 caps, is considered one of the most talented goalkeepers in the history of the USMNT. Sergiño Dest is recognized as the most gifted right back in the team’s history, having already played for top clubs like Ajax, FC Barcelona, and AC Milan. Eddie Pope, despite spending his entire professional career in Major League Soccer, is widely considered the best US defender of all time. Carlos Bocanegra, with 110 caps, has been a consistent performer for the USMNT, showcasing leadership and scoring prowess during his career. Antonee Robinson has emerged as one of the best left backs in the Premier League and has made significant contributions to the USMNT.
Weston McKennie has established himself as a key midfielder for the USMNT, with notable performances in Italy’s Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. John O’Brien, known for his technical brilliance, was a key figure on successful US men’s teams in the early 2000s. Tab Ramos, one of the most skillful attacking talents in US soccer history, played a pivotal role in US squads at the World Cup and Copa América. Christian Pulisic, at just 25 years old, is on his way to becoming the best American men’s player ever, with achievements like winning the UEFA Champions League and multiple US Soccer Player of the Year awards.
Clint Dempsey, the only American to score at three different World Cups, is joint-top scorer for the national team alongside Landon Donovan. Landon Donovan, with 157 caps, burst onto the scene as a young talent and went on to have a successful career with clubs in Europe and the MLS. These players, along with honorable mentions like Tim Howard, Marcelo Balboa, and Claudio Reyna, have all made significant contributions to the USMNT. Their performances and achievements have solidified their places in the history of American soccer.
Doug McIntyre, a soccer writer for FOX Sports, has covered the United States men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. His analysis and insights into the game provide valuable perspectives on the players who have represented the USMNT over the years. As the Summer of Stars continues with the European Championship and Copa América, the spotlight is on the current generation of players looking to make their mark on the international stage. The legacy of these all-time greats will continue to inspire future generations of American soccer players.
