If you haven't checked a box score since the 2022 World Cup, you might still picture "Captain America" wearing a Chelsea kit or maybe even the yellow and black of Borussia Dortmund. But soccer moves fast. Christian Pulisic isn't in London anymore. He’s not in Germany, either.
Right now, Christian Pulisic plays for AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A.
He moved to the San Siro in July 2023, and honestly, it’s been the best decision of his career. While his time at Chelsea had some legendary highs—like being the first American to play in and win a Champions League final—it was also a bit of a roller coaster with injuries and changing managers. In Milan, things are different. He’s not just a rotation player; he’s the guy.
Why AC Milan is the Perfect Fit for Pulisic
Since arriving in Italy, Pulisic has basically reinvented himself. He’s 27 now, which is generally considered the "prime" for a winger or attacking midfielder. He isn't just surviving in Serie A; he’s thriving under Massimiliano Allegri.
Wait, why does that matter? Because the Italian league is famous for being tactically "stiff" and defensive. People thought a fast, direct American winger might struggle. They were wrong.
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In the current 2025-2026 season, Pulisic has been a monster. He’s already bagged 10 goals in 18 matches across all competitions. That includes 8 goals in Serie A alone, putting him right near the top of the Golden Boot race alongside Inter’s Lautaro Martinez. He’s also been playing everywhere—right wing, left wing, and even as a "second striker" or "trequartista."
Quick Stats Breakdown (2025-26 Season)
- Club: AC Milan
- League Goals: 8
- Total Goals: 10
- Key Teammates: Rafael Leao, Luka Modric (who joined recently and has been a massive mentor), and Mike Maignan.
- Current Form: He’s coming off a slight hamstring tweak in October, but he recently rescued Milan with a second-half brace against Torino after coming off the bench.
The International Side: USMNT and the 2026 World Cup
When he’s not wearing the famous red and black stripes of Milan, Pulisic is the undisputed leader of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT).
With the 2026 World Cup literally months away—hosted right here in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—the pressure on him is immense. Mauricio Pochettino, the current USMNT boss, has been vocal about how important Pulisic is to the "collective" identity of the team. Pochettino even compared him to Lionel Messi in terms of his iconic status within American soccer culture.
It’s a big year for the national team. They’ve been testing out new kits (the 2026 home jersey recently leaked and it’s a wavy, flag-inspired design) and trying to find a rhythm. Pulisic has 82 caps and 32 goals for the U.S. as of early 2026, making him the most experienced veteran on the roster.
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Is He Leaving Milan Soon?
There’s always transfer gossip. That’s just soccer.
Lately, there have been rumors about a return to the Premier League, with Manchester United and even Liverpool being mentioned in the tabloids. But here’s the reality: Milan considers him "untouchable."
His current contract runs until June 2027, but the club is already working on an extension that would keep him in Italy until 2029. They’re looking at a salary bump to around €5 million net per season. He seems happy, the fans love him, and he’s playing 90 minutes almost every week when fit. Why leave a good thing?
What Most Fans Get Wrong
A lot of people think Pulisic is "injury-prone" because of his final year at Chelsea.
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That narrative is kinda old news. While he had a small hamstring issue this past October that kept him out for a few weeks, his durability at Milan has been surprisingly solid. He played nearly 50 games in his first season there. He’s matured. He knows when to sprint and when to save his legs.
He’s also become much more efficient. In the past, he’d dribble into three defenders and lose the ball. Now, he’s making "late arrivals" into the box—something Allegri has clearly coached into him. It’s why his goal numbers have spiked.
Real-World Takeaways for Fans
If you’re trying to follow his journey through the rest of this year, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Serie A Title Race: Milan is currently neck-and-neck with Inter and Napoli. Every Pulisic goal matters for the Scudetto.
- The "Poch" Factor: Watch how Pochettino uses him in the March international window. It’ll give us the best hint of how the U.S. will line up in June.
- Fitness Management: Milan has been resting him in "smaller" games (like the recent 3-1 win over Como) to make sure he doesn't burn out before the World Cup.
- Contract News: If he signs that extension through 2029 this spring, it shuts down all the transfer noise for the summer.
To keep up with him, you'll want to catch AC Milan matches on Paramount+ in the U.S., or keep an eye on the official USMNT schedule as they ramp up for the biggest summer in American soccer history.
Follow his "Expected Goals" (xG) stats this spring. Currently, he’s outperforming his xG of 5.14 with 8 league goals, which shows he’s finishing at an elite, world-class level right now. If he maintains this clinical edge, the 2026 World Cup might just be the moment he truly becomes a global household name.
Check the Serie A standings every Monday morning to see if Milan has managed to leapfrog Inter. That rivalry is at an all-time high, and Pulisic is right at the center of it.