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We’ve seen the United States Men’s National team evolve over the years into a competent side relative to the rest of the world. The player pool continues to improve, and we’re seeing multiple young players emerge as big-time performers for noteworthy clubs. This piece will look at the history of the program, specifically those who represented the Red, White, and Blue.
25. Alexi Lalas
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You might recognize the mercurial personality from his role as a lead analyst for the FOX Sports coverage of U.S. Soccer. Whether you like him or not, there’s no denying his impact on the sport within this country. The rugged center back out of Michigan became the first ever American to play for a Serie A club (Calcio Padova). He did so at a time when most national team members were playing stateside or even in college. Lalas was a cornerstone of the ’94 World Cup team and also helped the U.S. at both the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
24. Paul Caligiuri
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The former UCLA Bruins star remains among the more underappreciated players within the history of this player pool. He scored several massive goals — including one that qualified the U.S. for its first World Cup appearance in 40 years. For over six years, Caligiuri cut his teeth playing abroad in Germany. It was here where he sharpened his skill tactically and technically. He became an indispensable member of the national team, functioning at a high level defensively both in the back and as a midfielder. Caligiuri finished his 14-year USMNT run with 110 caps.
23. Jozy Altidore
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Altidore is the third-leading scorer in USMNT history — behind only Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. He was a rare blend of power and speed. From a young age, the prodigious player had the look of a difference-maker. Altidore tore up MLS before embarking on a lengthy career abroad. He played in Spain, England, Turkey, the Netherlands, Canada, and Mexico. The highlight of his professional career came with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. It was here where he notched a whopping 49 goals and 11 assists over 89 appearances. When healthy for the national team, Altidore was a terror — particularly in World Cup Qualifying matches.
22. Earnie Stewart
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Raised in Holland by a Dutch mom and an American father, Stewart had the unique experience of representing the country despite learning the game elsewhere. It’s no surprise that the Dutch soccer system led to Stewart being a very technical player. Toggling between the midfield and forward spots, Stewart was a locked-in starter for the United States over many years. He scored a fantastic goal in the 1994 World Cup versus Colombia. Throughout his time with the USMNT, Stewart racked up over 100 caps before retiring from action in 2004.
21. Fabian Johnson
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It was a major coup when the federation uncovered Johnson. The son of a U.S. Military vet, Johnson was deemed eligible for the team despite growing up exclusively in Germany. The left-footed player was very dependable and talented — whipping in crosses and also exploding upfield into the attack. He was arguably the best player for the U.S. during its 2014 World Cup run. His time with the team wasn’t as long as some of the others on this list. With that said, few were as innately talented.
20. Antonee Robinson
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Robinson is one of the few current players within this piece. Throughout the last handful of years, you can make an argument he’s been the most steady player within the pool. You can pencil him in as the starting left back and not think twice about it. Robinson rarely gets injured and has a track record of stability both for club and country. Over the last year, Robinson has developed into one of the better left-backs in the EPL. His recovery speed is phenomenal, and his strong play has drawn reported attention from Liverpool. At only 26, Robinson still has plenty in the tank left.
19. Tim Ream
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Ream enjoyed the natural progression going from playing in MLS to developing into a rock-solid player abroad. Possessing a cultured left foot, he approaches the game unlike most American defenders. Rather than relying exclusively on athleticism and physicality, Ream is quite deft in playing the ball out of the back. He reads angles well and possesses the collective touch to unlock things downfield for teammates. There’s a reason his game has lasted into his mid-30s at a high level. Plus, if Pep Guardiola is a fan of your game, you know you’re doing something right.
18. Carlos Bocanegra
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Bocanegra was a stalwart for the National Team — there’s no other way to put it. He was one of the team’s central leaders during his spell. With a career that was spent mostly in England and France (including spells in Scotland and Spain), Bocanegra possessed the versatility to play both centrally and out wide as a left-back. Accruing 110 career caps, he was another one of those guys who’d you pencil in without thinking twice about it.
17. Oguchi Onyewu
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It’s a shame one severe injury essentially ended Onyewu’s career. His trajectory could’ve looked a whole lot different save for a fluky knee injury on turf during a World Cup Qualifier versus Costa Rica. Onyewu was always a monster in the air. You can take one look at the guy and realize few — if any — were as physically imposing as him. Good luck trying to win a 50/50 challenge with this guy bearing down your neck. As he got older, his game matured. Onyewu got better technically, and as such he blossomed into a very good player. He was excellent in the 2009 iconic win over Spain in the Confederations Cup Semifinal. It led to Onyewu securing a move to AC Milan. However, once he suffered a torn patellar tendon, his career was never the same.
16. Steve Cherundolo
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“The Mayor of Hannover” spent his entire 15-year playing career featuring for Bundesliga club Hannover 96. It’s almost unheard of for an American to be locked in as a starter for over a decade at a European club — let alone made team captain. The former right-back was energetic, skilled, and competitive for club and country. Cherundolo’s quickness in tight spaces enabled him to play the ball effectively and decisively. You rarely saw him caught out of position, and he was extremely workmanlike. To this day, he remains quite underrated in the grand scheme of the United States Men’s National Team.
15. Kasey Keller
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Throughout the ’90s and into the 2000s, the U.S. boasted a strong group of goalkeepers. Kasey Keller was among the more accomplished performers at the position. Notching over 100 caps for the USMNT, Keller had a very decorated career including spells in the English Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga. When factoring in a career abroad that spanned nearly 20 years — in addition to his prowess as an all-time USMNT great — there’s no denying how good Keller was.
14. Weston McKennie
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McKennie’s career has taken off quite quickly relative to his age. At only 25, McKennie has already developed into a veteran in both the Bundesliga (Schalke) and Serie A (Juventus). Most recently, he’s become a core member of Juve — flashing playmaking ability as a box-to-box midfielder. With the National Team, McKennie functions as both a goal-scorer and someone who can play the final ball resulting in goal-scoring chances. He’s also excellent in the air — something that has translated to all of the clubs he’s represented.
13. Eddie Pope
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Pope never played in Europe. For the casual fan looking at his Wikipedia page, they’d probably assume he’s another overrated MLS-lifer who couldn’t hack it at a higher level. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Pope was more than good enough to play abroad. He was fast, physical, technical, and very smart. You could make a case he’s potentially the best American ever to have not played in a European league.
12. Michael Bradley
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Michael Bradley has divided opinions amongst the fanbase. On one hand, nobody can deny that in his prime, he was one of the best midfielders in the squad. Winning the Gold Cup twice and an impressive club career spanning across Europe’s top 5 leagues, he was undoubtedly one of the greatest US players. After his prime, however, his career was somewhat marked with consistently poor form. Despite this recency bias, one cannot ignore Bradley’s ability when he was at the top of his game.
11. Cobi Jones
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Cobi Jones isn’t just a legend in American soccer, holding the record for the most caps with the USMNT at 164 and representing the country in three FIFA World Cups, he was arguably the face of soccer in America for a brief period. His Olympic appearance in 1992 and a stellar career with the LA Galaxy, where he won two MLS Cups and other titles, further highlight his contributions to soccer. Jones’ consistency and skill made him a key player for club and country, leaving a lasting legacy in American soccer history.
10. Tab Ramos
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Having migrated from Uruguay to New Jersey at the age of 11, Ramos’s professional journey took him from Spain, where he played for Figueres and Real Betis, to Mexico with Tigres UANL. He then wrapped up his illustrious career with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now known as the New York Red Bulls) where he dazzled fans from 1996 to 2002. Ramos will always be remembered as one of the most skilled players in USMNT history. Exemplified with a 2005 National Soccer Hall of Fame induction, he competed in three World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998) and the 1988 Olympics. Throughout his national team tenure, he netted eight goals in 81 appearances.
9. DaMarcus Beasley
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DaMarcus Beasley’s soccer journey began with the U.S. Under-17 team and concluded in 2019 after an illustrious career that saw him become a celebrated figure in American soccer. He broke the record as the only American man to compete in four FIFA World Cups from 2002 to 2014. His national team journey was incredible, amassing 126 caps and finding the back of the net 17 times. These accolades led to his recent induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Beasley’s club career was equally globe-trotting, featuring stints in the Netherlands, Mexico, Germany, and England.
8. Eric Wynalda
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Eric Wynalda was a trailblazer in American soccer, tallying 34 goals for the USMNT before being overtaken by the likes of Dempsey, Donovan, and Altidore. Known for his fearlessness in significant matches, Wynalda delivered memorable performances, such as scoring against Switzerland in the 1994 World Cup and Argentina in the 1995 Copa America. His impressive career spanned 100 national team appearances and a club career with Germany’s 1. FC Saarbrücken, where he netted 34 goals from 1992 to 1994. His influence on the field led to his induction into the Hall of Fame and paved the way for his post-playing career in the MLS.
7. Claudio Reyna
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Reyna’s career highlights include participating in four World Cups, notably standing out as one of the tournament’s best players in 2002. With a total of 112 caps from 1994 to 2006, Reyna is among the most celebrated American players, contributing significantly to the national team’s successes in multiple international competitions. His club career saw him perform at top levels in Germany, Scotland, and England, culminating with a final playing chapter at New York Red Bulls. Beyond the pitch, Reyna continued to influence American soccer through executive roles with MLS clubs, New York City FC and Austin FC. His contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.
6. Brian McBride
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The Chicagoan could be one of the greatest strikers the US national team has ever had. Another star player for Fulham in the Premier League, he was known for his crucial goals and fighting spirit. While he may not have the highest goal tally, McBride’s knack for scoring when it mattered most, including three memorable World Cup goals. His pivotal role in the U.S. winning the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup underscored his importance to the team. His career, spanning from 1993 to 2006, saw him don the U.S. jersey over 90 times.
5. Brad Friedel
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“The Human Wall”. Perhaps one of the most legendary goalkeepers in United States and Premier League history. Blackburn Rovers fans will endlessly wax lyrical about him, telling tales of him calmly stopping shots from Ruud van Nistelroy and Thierry Henry. He turned out more than 80 times for the USMNT, and helped them during multiple World Cups, reaching the quarterfinal once.
4. Christian Pulisic
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Perhaps the only player on this list who can currently push for that #1 spot. Pulisic is still young and has already accomplished things that other US players never have — such as winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea. Furthermore, he’s won two Nations League titles with the US national team. He’s still only 25 years old. Currently playing for legendary Italian side AC Milan, if he can continue to build his form and performance, then the sky is the limit for him.
3. Tim Howard
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No nonsense — just pure determination, grit, and skill. Tim Howard was a legend at Everton, making more than 300 appearances. He is also the most capped goalkeeper in US history. His ability was exemplified during his performance during the 2014 World Cup, where his heroic, record-breaking saves in the match against Belgium earned him worldwide praise.
2. Landon Donovan
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Even though Landon’s injury issues prevented him from truly showing off his potential in Europe,
he is a name synonymous with American soccer. His record of 57 goals for the USMNT, a number he shares with Clint Dempsey, exemplifies his status. Beyond his scoring, Donovan’s 58 assists show his ability as a critical playmaker. At the club level, Donovan’s leadership and skill were instrumental in securing numerous titles for LA Galaxy. His legacy includes unforgettable moments, such as his dramatic last-minute goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup.
1. Clint Dempsey
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Fulham legend Clint Dempsey is a colossus in American soccer. With 57 goals for the US Men’s National Team (a record he shares with the mentioned Donovan above), Dempsey’s international impact was huge, showcased across three World Cups and significant tournaments like the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. His club career in both the Premier League and MLS, coupled with his international achievements, earned him a well-deserved induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2022. In his prime for Fulham, he was known as one of their best players, highlighted by an incredible performance against Italian giants Juventus.
