Christian Pulisic becomes the first American to play in the men’s Champions League final

Chelsea FC winger Christian Pulisic was subbed into the Champions League Final, becoming the first American man to play in the ultimate club match.

Christian Pulisic made history for American men playing soccer on Saturday.

During the Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester City, Pulisic was a 66th-minute substitution. He’s now the first-ever American male to feature in the Champions League Final.

He’s also the second American to win the Champions League after the Blues saw out their 1-0 victory.

https://twitter.com/rogbennett/status/1398738213594972161?s=20

There was a guarantee that a USA player would win the Champions League for only the second time in history. While Pulisic plays for Chelsea, Manchester City’s bench included American goalkeeper Zack Steffen, a 26-year-old from Pennsylvania. In 1997, Jovan Kirosvki won it with Borussia Dortmund over Juventus. Up until now, he’s been in a league of his own.

Christian Pulisic is the first American man to feature in the UCL Final

Pulisic, who also hails from Pennsylvania, is one of the brightest young Americans in history as a 22-year-old. He made his name as a teenager with Borussia Dortmund before moving to Chelsea in 2019. His estimated $70 million price tag is the largest ever for an American.

In his debut season, he scored a hat trick and totaled 11 goals in all competitions. This past season, he scored six goals in 42 appearances, often coming off the bench as a super-sub for Chelsea.

In the semi-final against Real Madrid, Pulisic came on as a sub and assisted Mason Mount to secure Chelsea’s place in the final.

The future of American men’s soccer likely lies in his boots.

It’s far less rare for USA women to reach these kinds of heights. Nine American women have featured in the Champions League Final on the women’s side. The women have also proven wildly successful in international competition. Pulisic makes it more and more likely the men can begin to mirror their success.