Ever since John Harkes, was the first American soccer player to play in Europe, American soccer players have continued to make waves in European football. Some of the notable players include Christian Pulisic, who is the second United States player to ever score a hat trick in the English Premier League, where he scored 3 for Chelsea against Burnley.
Here, we will be taking a look at some of the best American Soccer players in Europe.
1. Christian Pulisic:
Played For: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea
As you might have expected, the first on our list of best American soccer players in Europe is Christian Pulisic.
Signed in 2019 by Chelsea, Christian Pulisic is one of the best wingers in the English Premier League (EPL).
Born on September 18, 1998, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the American made his European football debut at the German club, Borussia Dortmund, at the age of 17 years.
In his time at the German club, he quickly became a fan favorite and became one of the highest sought-after players in Europe, before his signing for Chelsea.
And at Chelsea, the American has since won the UEFA Champions League (UCL), the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and has also played in several domestic finals for the club.
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2. Sergino Dest
Played For: Jong Ajax, Ajax, FC Barcelona, AC Milan
Born on November 3, 2000, Sergiño Gianni Dest was born in Almere, Netherlands.
Signed in 2020 by the Dutch side, Ajax. Sergino Dest made his debut for FC Barcelona, one of the biggest football clubs in Europe on October 4th, where he replaced Spanish international, Jordi Alba in the 75th minute, in a 1-1 draw against league rivals, Sevilla.
However, despite being instrumental at the club, scoring several goals for the club as a full-back, he was sent out on loan to Italian Seria A side, AC Milan during the 2022 summer transfer window, with an option to buy for $20 million.
3. Giovanni Reyna
Played For: Dortmund
Beginning his youth career with New York City FC, similar to his national teammate and countryman, Christian Pulisic. Giovanni Reyna made his professional debut for Borussia Dortmund in 2020, after being signed by the club during the 2019-2020 season.
Born on November 13, 2002. 20 years old Giovanni Alejandro Reyna was born in Sunderland, England, and had an opportunity to be part of the English Three Lions. However, he chose the United States and was a key player in the squad that won the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League.
4. Weston McKennie:
Played For: Schalke 04, Juventus, Leeds United (loan)
Born on August 28, 1998. Weston James Earl McKennie is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Italian Seria A side, Juventus, albeit, he is currently on loan at the club from, the English premier league side, Leeds United.
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A versatile player, McKennie is capable of playing in a multitude of positions in midfield. He mainly plays as a box-to-box or as a deep-lying defensive midfielder, but can also play in more attacking roles.
Coming through the FC Phönix Otterbach Youth system, where he played from 2004-2009, before his move to FC Dallas and then to Europe, Weston McKennie has always been a phenomenal football player.
He was a key figure in the United States squad that won the CONCACAF Nations League.
5. Zack Steffen:
Played For: SC Freiburg II, Columbus Crew SC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds (loan), Manchester City, Fortuna Düsseldorf (loan), Middlesbrough (loan)
Fifth on our list of best American soccer players in Europe is Manchester City star, Zack Steffen, who is currently on loan at the EFL Championship side, Middlesbrough.
Born on April 2, 1995, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, United States. Zackary Thomas Steffen is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper in Europe and for the United States national team.
Signed by Manchester City in 2019 from the American side, Columbus Crew SC. Zack Steffen was highly instrumental for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Albeit, he was the second choice to Brazil International, Moraes Ederson for the goalkeeper. However, he was very reliable whenever he was called upon.
6. Tyler Adams:
Played For: Leipzig, Leeds United
Born on February 14, 1999. Tyler Shaan Adams is an American international who currently plays in Europe.
He was born in Wappinger, New York. The player previously played for Leipzig, which is part of the German Bundesliga, before earning a move to the English Premier League, where he currently plays for English side Leeds United.
And although he is primarily a midfielder (a position he majorly plays for Leeds United), Tyler Adams is capable of playing as a fullback or winger on either side of the defense. This includes playing as a left back, or as a right back.
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7. Josh Sargent
Played For: Werder Bremen II, Werder Bremen, Norwich City
Starting his youth career at St. Louis Scott Gallagher, Josh Sargent has grown to become one of the American finest players, currently plying his trade in Europe.
Currently playing for EFL Championship side, Norwich City.
Josh Sargent is one of the few American players who have spent most of his professional career in Europe. This includes when he made his professional debut for Werder Bremen II in Germany.
A versatile player, Josh Sargent is capable of playing in various roles, including as a winger, wing-back, and as a midfielder.
8. Matt Turner
Played For: Jersey Express, New England Revolution, Richmond Kickers (loan), Arsenal
Born on June 24, 1994, at Park Ridge, New Jersey.
Matthew Charles Turner is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for the English Premier League club Arsenal and for the United States national team.
Like most of the other players on this list of best American soccer players in Europe, Matt Turner spent most of his football career in the United States including his college career at Fairfield Stags from 2012 to 2015.
Conclusion
Before this day, seeing an American playing in Europe, was very rare. However, it is now becoming a norm for American soccer stars to cross over and play for some European elites.
And here, I have revealed some of the best American soccer players in Europe.