The greatest American soccer players ever

The USA has produced some brilliant soccer players throughout its history. While some of them are still playing, many of them are retired. Here are the best American soccer players ever.

Undeniably one of the USA's all-time soccer icons, Landon Donovan played for big European sides such as Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Everton FC. He also represented the USA 157 times, scoring 57 goals.

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic started his professional career at Borussia Dortmund, before joining Chelsea on a 64 million euro transfer in 2019. Pulisic is currently one of the driving forces behind the USA national team.

Passing through the likes of Chicago Fire, DaMarcus Beasly made a name for himself at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. After that he would also play for Manchester City, Rangers and Hannover 96, before retiring in 2020.

Born in Uruguay, but holding a citizenship in the United States, Tab Ramos was a skillful midfielder who played for Spanish side Real Betis, amongst other clubs. Ramos wore the USA shirt on 87 occasions, scoring 7 goals.

Princeton-born Michael Bradley was and still is one of the best American midfielders of his generation. Bradley retired at Toronto FC, after an impressive career in Europe at sc Heerenveen, Aston Villa, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Chievo Verona and AS Roma.

Father of current Borussia Dortmund player Giovanni, Claudio Reyna started his career at SBPS Gray Bees and Virginia Cavaliers, before heading to Europa to go and play for Bayer Leverkusen. After that, Reyna wore the jersey of VfL Wolfsburg, Rangers FC, AFC Sunderland, Manchester City and New York Red Bulls.

A prolific striker in he 90s-2000s, Brian McBride scored 30 goals for the USA national team. On club level, he impressed at Fulham FC and Columbus Crew.

One of the best American goalies ever, Tim Howard played for European giant Manchester United and Everton FC. Known for his excellent reflexes, Howard also played 121 for his country.

Not only Howard, but also fellow countryman Brad Friedel made a name for himself in the Premier League. The Lakewood-b0rn played for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, before ending his career in 2015.

It was never in doubt that Clint Dempsey would find a spot on this list. The Texan was known for his goal-scoring ability, despite the fact that he was not a pure striker. Dempsey scored goals for Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Seattle Sounders FC, amongst other clubs.

Holding the most appearances for his country (164), Cobi Jones always left everything out there on the field. Jones ended his career in 2008, playing for LA Galaxy.

One of the best center-backs to ever wear the USA jersey, Eddie Pope spent his entire career playing domestically. He represented the USA on 83 occasions, finding the back of the net eight times.

An integral part of the USA's 2010 world cup squad, Carlos Bocanegra is one of the best American defenders ever. He started his career at Chicago Fire FC, before representing Fulham, Stade Rennes, Saint-Étienne, Rangers FC, Racing Santander and Chivas USA.

The third goalkeeper in this list, Kasey Keller impressed at the 2006 world cup. The 103-time international played for renowned European clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Mönchengladbach, but ended his career at Seattle Sounders FC.

A USA soccer icon, Eric Wynalda tried his luck in Europe at a time American players would stay and play in their home country. Wynalda wore the jersey of German sides Saarbrücken and VfL Bochum, and also played for Mexican Club León FC, before ending his career at Bakersfield.

An iconic figure of the USA 1994 world cup squad, Alexi Lalas played for Italian side Padova. During the rest of his career, he would represent several American clubs, apart from a short spell at Ecuadorian side Club Sport Emelec.

A strong attacker, Jozy Altidore scored 42 goals in 115 appearances for his country. During his club career, he represented European sides such as Villarreal, AZ Alkmaar and AFC Sunderland.