Christian Pulisic, the forward for both the United States and AC Milan, secured the title of U.S. Soccer’s male player of the year for 2023, marking his fourth win and tying with Landon Donovan for the most victories by a USMNT player.
The 25-year-old winger from Hershey, Pennsylvania, had previously claimed the honour in 2017, 2019, and 2021, while Donovan achieved the feat for the fourth time in 2010 at the age of 28.
Pulisic dominated the voting with 53%, leaving Yunus Musah in second place with 21.5% and Ricardo Pepi at 12.9%.
The accolade is a testament to Pulisic’s consistent excellence and impact on the national team, placing him alongside the legendary Donovan in the history of U.S. Soccer.
“It’s an honor to win this award again for the fourth time,” Pulisic said. “It was an incredible season for me. I always enjoy playing with the national team and winning more trophies with the national team. Of course, coming here to AC Milan, it’s been just a really exciting year. I’ve enjoyed it so much, so I’m really grateful to win an award like this.”
The U.S. star helped his team to the Concacaf Nations League title in June with a 2-0 win over Canada and also helped guide them to qualification for the 2024 Copa America, which will take place this summer in the United States.
Pulisic moved from Chelsea to Milan last summer and has enjoyed a stellar first season in Serie A thus far, scoring six goals in the league and adding five assists for Stefano Pioli’s third-place side.
“If you’re joining Landon on anything regarding the national team, you’re doing something right,” Pulisic said. “He’s a legend. I looked up to him, so I’m grateful to be in that conversation. I’m hoping to continue to push, and hopefully it will not be the last.”
Kevin Paredes, a 20-year-old winger hailing from South Riding, Virginia, and playing for Wolfsburg, clinched the title of Young Male Player of the Year.
In the 2022–23 cycle, he made eight appearances for the under-20 team, marked his national team debut against Oman in September, and emerged as a regular substitute and occasional starter in the Bundesliga.
Securing 59% of the vote, Paredes outshone competitors Benjamin Cremaschi (12%) and Gianluca Busio (10.8%).
The votes were cast by a diverse group, including U.S. coaches and players with a 2023 appearance, the USSF board of directors and athletes council, professional league head coaches and sporting directors, media members, and former players and administrators.
While there isn’t a strict definition of eligibility for the youth award, it generally encompasses players under the age of 23 who participated in a youth national team camp during the year.