GOAL takes a look at the careers of some of the most highly-touted American prospects over the past decade
There is no shortage of American talent in the soccer sphere, with the United States now a well-established hub for top-tier footballers capable of playing at the highest levels worldwide. But ability is one thing. Having it all come together, in the right place, at the right time, with the right manager, at the right club, is another prospect entirely.
And in recent years, the United States has seen something of a mixed bag. Christian Pulisic, by some distance the most talent player of his generation, needed nearly five years and three clubs to find his best. Tim Weah and Gio Reyna – both fine footballers in their own right – have never quite enjoyed full seasons of success in accordance with what has been considered their potential.
Meanwhile, there have been some prospects that simply haven't panned out, such as the much-hyped but never-quite-reliable Konrad de la Fuente. And of course, there are some who are still far too young to tell – including Philadelphia Union gem Cavan Sullivan.
For 10 years, GOAL has produced NXGN lists to put a spotlight on the world's top teenage stars. Here's a look at the careers of some of the highly-touted American prospects over that span.
Getty Images SportChristian Pulisic
NXGN Year: 2017
NXGN Position: 3
Current club: ACMilan
Where is he now? The only real debate surrounding Christian Pulisic is whether he's world-class. Certainly, the former Dortmund man has gone from strength to strength, recovering from a poor spell at Chelsea to establish himsefl as the main man for Milan. He broke out in the 2023-24 season under Stefano Pioli, and has only improved since then. He leads Milan in goal contributions this campaign, and his performances against Real Madrid and Inter have helped carry the Serie A side to some significant wins. For the USMNT, he is even better. A reliable goalscorer who consistently delivers in big moments, Pulisic is right in the conversation among the best Americans to ever kick a ball.
AdvertisementImagnTimothy Weah
NXGN Year: 2019
NXGN position: 17
Current club: Juventus
Where is he now? TimothyWeah's career has been a bit mixed. Of course, he was always going to be unfairly compared to his father, who became the first African to win the Ballon d'Or when he claimed the award in 1995. Weah hasn't hit those highs – and likely never will. Instead, he had been a solid player in a number of high-pressure environments without ever truly finding top form. Stints at PSG, Celtic and Lille yielded varying degrees of success. Juventus doesn't quite seem the best fit, either. Weah is a winger through and through, but has too often been used out of position, either as a right back or No. 9. His showings for the USMNT – when he is allowed to play out wide – prove that there is still very much a player here. And at 25, there remains plenty of room to grow.
GettyJosh Sargent
NXGN Year: 2019
NXGN position: 34
Current club: Norwich
Where is he now? JoshSargent's quality is undeniable, but his level is yet to be determined. He impressed in spells as a teenager with Werder Bremen, but managed just 15 goals in 83 appearances for the club. He has fared better at Norwich, scoring in bunches in the English Championship, establishing himself as a top-tier striker in the second division. The Premier League was a level too high in 2021-22, with Sargent finding the net just twice in 26 appearances. There is talk of a transfer to a higher division – with a Premier League return rumored. It would seem to be the right time for the American to truly test himself, especially if he wants to be the USMNT's striker of the future.
GettyKonrad de la Fuente
NXGN Year: 2020
NXGN position: 39
Current club: Lausanne-Sport
Where is he now? From La Masia to the Swiss League, it's never quite worked out for Konrad De La Fuente. The hype was easy to understand, a technical and athletic winger from Miami electing to join the Barcelona Academy at 17. But it never came together for him in Catalonia, the U.S. youth national failing to make a La Liga appearance before leaving for Marseille in 2021. Since then, he's struggled for playing time, and has made just four starts for Lausanne-Sport this campaign.
