Christian Pulisic appeared to be among the world’s elite footballers at one point this season. By December 8, 2025, the USMNT attacker had solidified his position as a top-tier talent over a season and a half. His goal tally reached an impressive 26 since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, surpassing the likes of Bukayo Saka, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer. During this period, he stood out as Serie A’s top performer, delivering crucial goals and vital assists for his team. On December 28 of that same month, in a match against Hellas Verona, Pulisic netted his 10th goal of the campaign, a significant achievement in what promised to be his finest career season. However, that goal remains his most recent to date. What has transpired since then?
The 2025-26 season for the American captain commenced in the summer of 2025 when he opted out of playing in the Gold Cup with the United States Men’s National Team under Mauricio Pochettino. The former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund forward’s primary objective was to be in optimal physical condition for the 2026 World Cup, where he would represent his nation in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, set to kick off on June 11. Pulisic’s approach was clear and logical: to train with AC Milan from the very start of pre-season under the new coach Massimiliano Allegri, ensuring peak fitness. AC Milan itself was recovering from a disappointing previous season, having failed to qualify for any European competitions, a circumstance that, ironically, seemed to offer Pulisic a reduced workload and potentially fewer injury risks.
This, however, did not come to pass.
Persistent fitness struggles
Despite an encouraging start, where he scored four goals in his first six Serie A matches, the American international was sidelined for five games between October and November due to a muscle injury. He recovered, only to face further complications in 2026, leading to increased inconsistency in both his performance level and playing time, a noticeable contrast to his form in the initial months of the season. Even with his recent assist against Torino FC, Christian Pulisic has not scored in 2026, with his last goal still being the one from December 28. Allegri has had to contend with Pulisic’s injuries and recurrent bursitis issues, which have prevented the Italian coach from consistently relying on him, despite his status as arguably the best player in the squad.
CBS Sports
An evolved tactical placement
Allegri’s most impactful decision in the summer of 2025 involved redefining Pulisic’s role. His astute tactical move to position Pulisic higher up the field within a 3-5-2 formation, partnering him with the central striker, proved to be one of the Italian manager’s most intelligent adjustments, significantly elevating Pulisic’s contributions during the early part of the season. The challenge, however, lay in Allegri’s vision of an ideal attacking partnership featuring Pulisic and Rafael Leao; both players suffered from recurring injuries, limiting their availability for the starting lineup more than the coach desired, even if their individual statistics remain favorable compared to the previous season.
Exactly one year prior, Leao registered 28 appearances, starting 21 matches and accumulating 1,826 minutes, along with five goals and eight assists. Pulisic, in the same period, also featured in 28 games but started more frequently (25), playing 1,685 minutes and contributing nine goals and eight assists. This current season, Leao has participated in 22 matches, starting 18 and playing 1,492 minutes, notably increasing his goal count to nine, though his assists have decreased to two. Pulisic, conversely, has made 23 appearances, with 16 starts and 1,290 minutes played, recording eight goals and three assists. While Leao has become a more direct goal threat this season, Pulisic’s statistics remain respectable but show a slight dip in consistent starts and overall influence.
CBS Sports
Ongoing contract discussions
Questions are increasingly arising regarding the future of the USMNT captain. Negotiations for a new contract are presently underway, with his existing deal set to expire in the summer of 2027. In an interview with Men’s Journal prior to upcoming USMNT fixtures, Pulisic affirmed his current focus while also acknowledging the possibility of a future departure, given that he has yet to sign a new agreement with the Italian giants: “I don’t discuss other clubs or potential transfers with my agent. It truly doesn’t affect me or influence me whatsoever. Naturally, when the time comes to consider options, I will do so, but that moment isn’t now. I’m content to be here at present, and that’s where my full attention lies.” With the 2026 World Cup approaching and uncertainties surrounding his long-term club future, the upcoming summer is poised to be pivotal. Both the player and the club must reach a resolution promptly, ideally before the World Cup, where Pulisic is expected to be a pivotal figure for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT in the highly anticipated global tournament.