Top 10 Best American Soccer Players Of All Time- Ranked

USA has a rich sporting history, competing across multiple sports, winning medals and tournaments. Unfortunately, soccer is one of the sports they could not dominate like they used to. Yet, they have a rich history, producing some of the best players in the world who contributed to the growth of the popularity of the sport in the country but also earned global recognition for their extraordinary performances on a regular basis. This ranking explores the best American soccer players of all time, looking back at their careers and celebrating their achievements.

Ranking Factors

Performances – Their performances for their club and country during their career.

Longevity – How long they have played in Europe.

Impact and importance to the squad – How important their role was to their clubs and country and how much positive impact they’ve had.

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players Currently

10. Brad Friedel

Friedel was one of the best American goalkeepers of all time who had to spend a lot of time in the shadow of another American great, Tim Howard. He spent the majority of his career in England and is the current holder of the Premier League record for most consecutive appearances with 310, a feat he achieved during spells at Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. He scored his first and only goal when he was at Blackburn and became the second goalkeeper in Premier League history to score a goal.

His international career was a big hit too and is the fourth-most capped goalkeeper in U.S. national team history. He was dubbed “The Human Wall” by fans during the spectacular 2002 World Cup run.

Also Read: The 10 Most Heartbreaking Deaths Of Soccer Players On Field In History

9. Tyler Adams

A destroyer in midfield, Tyler Adams is one of the best American soccer players and defensive midfielders to come from the States. He is a Red Bull academy product and came through New York Red Bulls and then joined RB Leipzig. His most successful stint came at Leeds United, where he was adored by the fans for his passionate and hard-working performances on a weekly basis. He is currently at AFC Bournemouth and has been suffering injuries which took some momentum away from his initial success.

His international career has been a huge success too. He was the youngest captain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He won the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year award in 2022 after leading the Americans to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

8. Brian McBride

Brian McBride, a forward by trade, spent the majority of his career in the United States with stints in both Germany and England. When he was in the Premier League, he played for Fulham, where he became a fan favorite, as well as team captain. He was eventually voted “Player of the Season” two times.

He also represented his country in three FIFA World Cups and he was the first American player to score at two FIFA World Cups.

7. DaMarcus Beasley

A left-footed wide player, Beasley spent the majority of his career as a wide fullback or a winger or a wingback. He had a lot of success in Europe, winning the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. He also played in the Premier League and Bundesliga too, before returning to America to play in Major League Soccer (MLS)

He was a stalwart for the national team, making more than a hundred appearances, participating in four FIFA World Cups, and part of the winning squad of five Gold Cups. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

6. Weston McKennie

A versatile player with the ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder, deep-lying midfielder, or a wingback. McKennie has played a lot of football at a young age. He joined Schalke at the young age of 17 and quickly became one of the best young American soccer players for the club. His performances took notice of Italian super club Juventus and he became the first ever American to represent Juventus. His Juventus career had a lot of fluctuations and was also loaned out to Leeds United to partner with another American Tyler Adams. Unfortunately, he was unable to succeed at the club but he managed to prove to Juventus that he is still good enough.

McKennie is one of the most important players for USMNT, being one of the first names on the teamsheet. Still 26, he has already represented his country 58 times!

5. Claudio Reyna

Father of young American attacker Giovanni Reyna, Claudio Reyna was a midfielder who spent the majority of his career in Europe, playing in the Bundesliga, Scottish Premier League and the Premier League. His international career was also a huge success, representing the country in many international tournaments and was also in the Team of The Season of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is currently a sporting executive having worked for two MLS clubs so far.

4. Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic was always a prodigy. He joined the German giants Borussia Dortmund and shined at a young age. He was one of the most expensive January transfers when he joined Chelsea. After a struggling period at Chelsea, he left the club to join Italian side AC Milan. He regained his form, scoring and assisting regularly. He was rewarded with a place in the 2023-24 Serie A Team of The Season. He is now an integral part of the club and there is a big chance Milan could retain him. Captain America, as he is fondly called, is showing why he’s considered the best in the business.

3. Tim Howard

Regarded as the American best goalkeeper of all time, Howard started his European career at Manchester United but spent the majority of his time at Everton. He scored a fantastic goal from long range vs Bolton Wanderers when he was at Everton, his first and only goal in his career. With more than 300 appearances under his belt for the Toffees, he is regarded as one of the best players to have ever represented them.

2. Clint Dempsey

Dempsey is known for his exploits outside the USA. He started out his career in New England Revolution, caught the eyes of scouts, and moved to the Premier League joining Fulham FC. He was a star at Craven Cottage, especially in their underdog journey to the final of the UEFA Europa League inthe 2009/10 season. After returning from his European journey, he represented Seattle Sounders for the major part of his MLS career, primarily playing as an attacking midfielder. His time at the club was marked with some of the most memorable moments of the league.

Also Read: Top 10 Best American Soccer Players Currently- Ranked

1. Landon Donovan

Regarded as the best American soccer player ever, Donovan spent a huge chunk of his career in his home country, representing the giants LA Galaxy. A six-time MLS Cup winner and second most goals scored ever in the league, Donovan’s accolades are truly spectacular. In honor of his achievements, the most valuable player in the league each season is awarded with Landon Donovan MVP Award.