Top 10 best American soccer players of all time

In the world of football, the U.S. has long been unknown as a country with a strong tradition in the sport. However, over the years, the continuous development of American football has created positive signals, and many excellent players have arisen from this country. Among them, who is considered best American soccer players? Let’s find out with Premiumsoccertips through the article below!

Top 10 best American soccer players

1. Jozy Altidore

Hailing from New Jersey, Jozy Altidore began his professional career with the New York Red Bulls in 2006. Since then, he has embarked on a diverse journey with his football career, playing for clubs in various countries. Altidore has had playing stints in Spain, Turkey, England, the Netherlands, and Mexico before returning to the United States.

With the U.S. national team, Altidore has left a significant mark. He is one of the few American players to have participated in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Not only a crucial part of the national team, Altidore is also one of the leading players for the United States at the international level. With 42 goals, he ranks third on the list of highest-scoring U.S. players at the international level. Additionally, with 115 appearances, Altidore is also one of the team’s long-standing and steady leaders, contributing significantly to the development of American soccer on the international stage. Known for his strength and resilience, Altidore is not just an excellent striker but also a symbol of passion and fervor in American soccer history.

2. Walter Bahr

Many have come and gone in the kit of the U.S. men’s national team, but Walter Bahr stood the test of time when it comes to American soccer legends. For many years, Bahr captained the national team and played a crucial role in creating Joe Gaetjens’ memorable goal in the historic 1-0 victory over England at the 1950 World Cup.

Bahr played for the national team from 1948 to 1957 and contributed to the growth and advancement of American soccer in the early years of the century. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976, showcasing the high regard for his contributions to the nation’s sports history.

Beyond individual success, Walter Bahr also had a family steeped in athletic prowess. Two of his three sons, Matt and Chris, are outstanding professional soccer players, even excelling as skilled starters in the NFL, demonstrating the Bahr family’s strength and talent in American sports.

3. Marcelo Balboa

Marcelo Balboa is famous not only for his flowing long hair but also as a symbol of fairness and passion in soccer. Born in Chicago but raised in Southern California, Balboa amassed over 120 caps for the USMNT and captained the team throughout his career. He also became the first American to reach 100 international appearances.

Balboa played a crucial role in the U.S. national team’s defense in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. With his standout performances, he scored 13 goals, significantly contributing to the team’s induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In addition to his international career, Balboa also played in MLS and Liga MX in Mexico, showcasing his versatility and credibility both domestically and abroad. With his influence and contributions, Marcelo Balboa is not just an excellent player but also an icon in American soccer history.

4. DaMarcus Beasley

DaMarcus Beasley is the sole American to participate in four World Cups (from 2002 to 2014), a former honored player in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, a recently established arena. Beasley represented the U.S. national team 126 times, scoring 17 goals during his tenure, marking an impressive and significant contribution to American soccer at the international level.

At the club level, Beasley had a diverse and successful career. He played in the Netherlands, Mexico, Germany, England, and notably excelled while playing for the Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo in MLS. Beasley also featured in five MLS All-Star teams, demonstrating his excellence and credibility in the top tier of American soccer.

Beasley concluded his professional playing career in 2019 after a long and distinguished journey. He began his career with the U.S. U17 team, ending with glory and pride in his achievements in soccer, not only for himself but also for the nation and the American soccer community.

5. Carlos Bocanegra

Carlos Bocanegra, another captain of the USMNT, played a crucial role at every level he competed. From his early days at UCLA, where he established himself as one of the greatest players of all time in the late 1990s, to being twice honored as MLS Defender of the Year, Bocanegra consistently excelled. With 110 appearances and 14 goals for the national team, he made a significant contribution to the team’s success.

Beyond his MLS success, Bocanegra also had extensive professional experience in various countries such as England, Scotland, France, and Spain, showcasing his diversity and class on the global soccer stage. Not only successful in his playing career, as of 2023, Bocanegra also played a significant role in soccer management. He serves as the technical director and vice president of MLS team Atlanta United, continuing to contribute to the development and success of American soccer at both club and national levels.

6. Michael Bradley

As of 2023, Michael Bradley continues to be a vital player within the extensive family of American soccer. Playing in MLS past the age of 30, he maintains strength and stability on the field. As a former captain of the USMNT, Bradley had a splendid international career, participating in two World Cups and scoring 17 goals in 151 appearances, ranking third among American players in international appearances.

Beyond his time with the national team and MLS, where he won a championship with Toronto FC in 2017, Bradley also has significant experience in top leagues worldwide. He played in Eredivisie, Bundesliga, Premier League, and Serie A, bringing diversity and richness to his career. With his outstanding contributions, Bradley continues to be an icon in American soccer history and an inspiration for future generations of his nation.

7. Paul Caligiuri

Paul Caligiuri, with over 108 appearances for the national team, is known for his excellent defensive abilities in midfield. One of his international goals became one of the most famous in American soccer history. In November 1989, Caligiuri scored the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, securing qualification for the 1990 World Cup. This goal became legendary, earning him the nickname “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”.

In that event, Caligiuri not only helped the U.S. qualify for the World Cup but also scored the first goal for the U.S. team in the tournament since 1950. Beyond his international career, he also played professionally in Germany and MLS, leaving an undeniable mark on American soccer history.

8. Clint Dempsey

Clint Dempsey, a true star of American soccer, shone both at club and international levels. At the international level, Dempsey ranks fourth among Americans with 141 appearances from 2004 to 2017. With 57 goals, he is the highest-scoring American player for the national team.

When it comes to club level, Dempsey made a strong impact. He scored 57 goals between two major Premier League clubs, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Additionally, he had impressive performances in MLS, playing for New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders, where he scored over 70 goals in total.

With his success, Dempsey etched his name in American soccer history. He scored goals in three different World Cups for the national team, marking his significance and importance in the world’s biggest soccer events. Especially in 2022, Dempsey was honored in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, showing high recognition for his great contributions to American soccer.

9. Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan, an icon of American soccer, shares the international goal-scoring record for the U.S. national team with Clint Dempsey as you mentioned. With 157 caps from 2000 to 2014, Donovan ranks second among U.S. national team players in appearances. ESPN honored Donovan as the greatest American soccer player of all time.

Donovan is not only known for his individual accomplishments but also for his remarkable success in club career. He was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year four times, won six MLS Cups, and leads all-time in MLS with 136 assists and ranks third with 145 goals. Moreover, Donovan is one of three American players to score in a World Cup, with three goals in the 2010 World Cup, highlighting his prominence in the world’s biggest soccer events.

10. Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel is one of the most reliable players not only in American soccer history but also in the game itself. His final professional match took place just days before his 40th birthday in May 2011, while playing for Aston Villa in the Premier League. His consistency and assurance as a goalkeeper were demonstrated by his record of 310 consecutive appearances in the EPL, a feat few can match. Friedel made his mark not only in English soccer but also in various other countries around the world, including Denmark, Turkey, and MLS with the Columbus Crew.

Throughout his long career, Friedel instilled fear in opponents with his defensive abilities and also showed versatility by scoring over 80 goals against the USMNT from 1992 to 2005. He was part of three U.S. World Cup teams, providing his nation with memorable moments and pride in its international soccer achievements. Brad Friedel is not only a great goalkeeper in American soccer but also an icon of patience, effort, and passion for the sport he dedicated his life to.

Conclude

On the journey of development of American football, there have been many outstanding players contributing to improving the reputation and prestige of this sport in the international arena. However, when it comes to best American soccer players, it’s impossible not to mention Landon Donovan. With his international goalscoring record, unprecedented achievements at club and national team level, and his popularity and influence on and off the pitch, Donovan has surpassed the strictest criteria to become an icon of American football. Donovan’s diversity, stability, and passion for the sport have helped Donovan build a great legacy and contribute to the sustainable development of American football around the world.

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