FanSided MLS
·7 de enero de 2025
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·7 de enero de 2025
Christian Pulisic is living a moment most athletes can only dream of. With 10 goals and 6 assists in 22 games during the 2024/25 season, the USMNT forward has been a key figure in Milan's triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana. The final, held at Al-Awwal Park in Saudi Arabia, was an emotional rollercoaster.
Milan had been 2-0 down to their eternal rivals, Inter, when Pulisic took the stage. He scored a stunning goal in the 80th minute to equalize the match, then in stoppage time, he provided a classy cut-through pass that led to the winning goal in a 3-2 victory. The trophy was theirs, and Pulisic had etched his name in the annals of the derby.
This title was not an exception but rather a novelty for Milan as well. With the victory, the club won its eighth Supercoppa Italiana, moving level with Inter for the second-most titles. For a team that has seen ups and downs these last years, this victory was monumental. And in that process, Pulisic's role cannot be gainsaid.
What makes this story even more compelling is Pulisic's growth throughout his career. He had reached double digits in goals only once before joining Milan — during the 2019/20 season with Chelsea. But he found in Milan just the perfect place where everything clicked. Last season (2023/24), he managed to score 15 goals and make 11 assists in 50 matches. And now, with less than half of the current season played, he already has 10 goals and 6 assists, proving he's beating even his own expectations.
It has not all been plain sailing this season for Pulisic. An injury to his calf in December kept him out for a month-a setback that could have derailed his momentum. But Pulisic came back stronger than ever. He scored in his first game back, against Juventus, to show that he was ready to take center stage again. And his performance in the Supercoppa final cemented his comeback story.
While shining in Europe, Pulisic is integral to the USMNT. The 76-cap attacker has, with continuous performances under the new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, placed himself as the face of American soccer on the international stage. More than the stats, Pulisic represents a new generation for the United States in the sport-a generation that looks at him for proof that it's possible to compete at the highest level.
The victory of the Supercoppa Italiana has marked Pulisic's first trophy with Milan. For him, the title won was "incredible," as he had contributed directly to it with a goal and an assist. He underlined the hard work of the team and the importance of taking this success as momentum for the rest of the season. At 26, Pulisic still has a lot to achieve, and going by the current form, the sky is indeed the limit.
With the season still in full swing, Pulisic can still break his personal records. He is on course to surpass the 15 goals he scored last season, and his importance in Milan's results is unquestionable. At the club, he's become indispensable, and for the USMNT, his leadership will be crucial in upcoming challenges, including the 2026 World Cup.