Christian Pulisic became the first American-born man to feature in — and then win — a Champions League final on Saturday.
Born and primarily raised in Hershey, Pa., the 22-year-old Pulisic came on in the 66th minute of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester City. He had a great scoring chance but slipped a shot wide. Still, Chelsea held on against a fevered attack.
As the final whistle blew, Pulisic fell to his knees in celebration. The United States soccer prodigy has struggled through injury this season and was considered by some a disappointment in his second year with the London-based club.
Yet he fought through. Here’s the moment he realized his team had won:
Christian Pulisic. Hershey, PA. European champion. pic.twitter.com/y2fS0owyCH
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 29, 2021
It really is an astonishing feat. As somebody who grew up not far from Hershey, Pa., traveling to some of the same fields (often alongside Amish buggies) where Pulisic played, I can say this: It’s a long, long, long way from the Champions League.
Pulisic’s father, Mark, played professional indoor soccer in Harrisburg and later coached the Harrisburg City Islanders, who played their home matches, yes, on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Pulisic himself would eventually train with the squad.
It’s not exactly a well-worn path to the pinnacle of the sport.
What a night. What this kid has gone through this past year and to persevere and fight i am speechless. @cpulisic_10 pic.twitter.com/Bew0d9QPLa
— Mark Pulisic (@MarkPulisic) May 29, 2021
Mark Pulisic, by the way, might have the greatest Dad Energy of all time here.
As Pulisic and his teammates celebrated, he slipped on a United States soccer sweatshirt with the intention of motivation future American players.
Nice hoodie, @cpulisic_10! 🇺🇸 🏆 https://t.co/U8s4d4boxC
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) May 29, 2021
Pulisic wore his USA sweater to try and inspire the next generation: "I hope there's some kids watching back home in America thinking that they can do the same. It's massive, this is the biggest thing you can win in club football." #CFC #UCLfinal
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 29, 2021
Jovan Kirovski was technically the first American to win a Champions League title, as he was on the Borussia Dortmund team that won in 1997, but he did not appear in the final.
Considering that the USMNT’s top goalkeeper, Zack Steffen was also involved in this game (as Manchester City’s backup), there’s certainly reason for optimism about American soccer moving forward.
Look at this touch and the resulting run.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC WITH A CHANCE TO DOUBLE CHELSEA'S LEAD 😱 pic.twitter.com/9RbDepUqXS
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) May 29, 2021
Just brilliant.
“I couldn’t imagine winning the Champions League ever in my life, and now I’m here. It’s just crazy.”@cpulisic_10 reacts to becoming the first male American to play in and win the Champions League. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rdwzjklarM
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) May 29, 2021
What a moment.
