11 Best U.S. Soccer Players of All Time

Teams: New Jersey Eagles, Miami Sharks, Figueres, Real Betis, Tigres UANL, MetroStars (New York Red Bulls)

Tab Ramos was a trailblazer for U.S. soccer, becoming one of the first American players to make a significant impact in international football. Known for his skillful dribbling, vision, and creativity in midfield, Ramos was a key figure in the rise of U.S. soccer during the 1990s. He was a vital member of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) in three World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998) and played a crucial role in the team’s success in the 1994 World Cup on home soil.

Ramos also had a successful club career, including a stint with Real Betis in Spain, where he became the first American to play in La Liga. Domestically, he was a cornerstone of Major League Soccer (MLS) in its early years, playing for the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) and helping to establish the league. Ramos’ contributions to U.S. soccer have been immense, both on and off the field, as he later transitioned into coaching and youth development, continuing to influence the game in America.

#10: Eric Wynalda (1989 – 2001)

• • Position: Forward
  • Height/Weight: 5’10”, 175 lbs
  • Teams: San Francisco Bay Blackhawks, Saarbrücken, VfL Bochum, New England Revolution, San Jose Clash, Miami Fusion, Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy

Eric Wynalda was one of the most prolific goal scorers in U.S. soccer history and a key figure in the early years of Major League Soccer (MLS). Known for his powerful shot and ability to find the back of the net, Wynalda was the all-time leading goal scorer for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) when he retired, with 34 goals in 106 appearances. He was a member of the U.S. team in three World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998) and played a crucial role in helping the U.S. advance to the knockout stages of the 1994 World Cup.

Wynalda also made history as the first American player to score in the Bundesliga, playing for Saarbrücken. Domestically, he was a trailblazer in MLS, scoring the league’s first-ever goal in 1996 for the San Jose Clash. Wynalda’s contributions to U.S. soccer were significant, and he remains one of the most influential figures in the sport’s development in the United States.

#9: Claudio Reyna (1994 – 2008)

• • Position: Midfielder
  • Height/Weight: 5’9″, 160 lbs
  • Teams: Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Rangers, Sunderland, Manchester City, New York Red Bulls

Claudio Reyna, known for his composure, vision, and passing ability, was one of the most technically gifted midfielders in U.S. soccer history. Reyna earned the nickname “Captain America” for his leadership on the field and was a mainstay for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) across four World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006). 

His standout performances in the 2002 World Cup, where he helped lead the U.S. to the quarterfinals, earned him a spot on the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. Reyna’s club career was equally impressive, as he became one of the first American players to have a successful career in Europe, particularly in Germany and Scotland. 

He won multiple domestic titles with Rangers and became a respected figure in the Premier League during his time with Sunderland and Manchester City. After returning to the U.S., Reyna was one of the first marquee signings in MLS, playing for the New York Red Bulls. His contributions to U.S. soccer have been immense, both on and off the field, as he has continued to be involved in the development of the sport in the U.S.

#8: Cobi Jones (1992 – 2007)

• • Position: Midfielder / Forward
  • Height/Weight: 5’7″, 145 lbs
  • Teams: Coventry City, Vasco da Gama, LA Galaxy

Cobi Jones is one of the most recognizable figures in U.S. soccer, known for his speed, tenacity, and consistency on the field. As the most capped player in U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) history, Jones earned 164 caps and scored 15 goals, representing the U.S. in three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002). 

His ability to play both as a midfielder and forward made him a versatile and valuable player for the national team. Jones also had a significant impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), spending the majority of his club career with the LA Galaxy, where he became a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team’s success. 

He won two MLS Cups with the Galaxy and was named to the MLS All-Star team multiple times. Jones’ contributions to U.S. soccer go beyond his playing career, as he has remained involved in the sport through coaching and media work, continuing to be an influential figure in American soccer.

#7: Michael Bradley (2004 – Present)

• • Position: Midfielder
  • Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs
  • Teams: MetroStars (New York Red Bulls), Heerenveen, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo, Roma, Toronto FC

Michael Bradley has been a mainstay in the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) midfield for over a decade, known for his work rate, leadership, and passing ability. Bradley has earned over 150 caps for the U.S., participating in two World Cups (2010, 2014) and multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups, where he played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. secure victories. 

He was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2015. Bradley’s club career has seen him succeed both in Europe and Major League Soccer (MLS). After starting his career with the MetroStars, Bradley moved to Europe, where he played in the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, and Serie A, earning respect for his consistent performances. 

Upon returning to MLS with Toronto FC, Bradley became the team’s captain and led them to their first MLS Cup title in 2017. His leadership and dedication to the game have made him one of the most respected players in U.S. soccer history.

#6: Brad Friedel (1994 – 2015)

• • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs
  • Teams: Columbus Crew, Galatasaray, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur

Brad Friedel is one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. soccer history, known for his shot-stopping ability, consistency, and longevity in the game. Friedel earned 82 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), representing the country in three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002). 

His standout performance in the 2002 World Cup, where he made several crucial saves to help the U.S. reach the quarterfinals, earned him the nickname “The Human Wall.” Friedel’s club career was equally impressive, particularly in the English Premier League, where he became a mainstay for clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. 

He set a Premier League record for the most consecutive appearances by a player (310), showcasing his durability and reliability as a goalkeeper. Friedel’s influence extended beyond his playing career, as he has continued to be involved in soccer through coaching and media work.

#5: Christian Pulisic (2016 – Present)

• • Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder
  • Height/Weight: 5’10”, 154 lbs
  • Teams: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, AC Milan

Christian Pulisic, often dubbed “Captain America,” is one of the most talented and promising players in U.S. soccer history. Known for his speed, dribbling ability, and composure in front of goal, Pulisic burst onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, becoming the youngest non-German to score in the league. 

His performances in Germany caught the attention of top European clubs, leading to a high-profile move to Chelsea in the English Premier League, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2021. 

Pulisic has been a key figure for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), playing a crucial role in their 2021 CONCACAF Nations League victory and helping the U.S. qualify for the 2022 World Cup. With his skill set and accomplishments at such a young age, Pulisic is widely regarded as the future of U.S. soccer, with the potential to become the greatest American player of all time.

#4: Tim Howard (1997 – 2020)

• • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Height/Weight: 6’3″, 209 lbs
  • Teams: MetroStars (New York Red Bulls), Manchester United, Everton, Colorado Rapids

Tim Howard is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in U.S. soccer history, known for his incredible reflexes, leadership, and command of the penalty area. Howard earned 121 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), representing the country in two World Cups (2010, 2014) and setting a World Cup record for the most saves in a single match (16) against Belgium in 2014. 

His heroic performance in that match, despite the team’s loss, cemented his status as a U.S. soccer legend. Howard’s club career was equally illustrious, particularly during his time in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Everton. He became one of the most respected goalkeepers in the league, making over 350 appearances for Everton and winning the FA Cup with Manchester United. 

After returning to Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Colorado Rapids, Howard continued to excel before retiring in 2020. His impact on U.S. soccer is profound, both as a player and as a role model for future generations.

#3: Brian McBride (1994 – 2010)

• • Position: Forward
  • Height/Weight: 6’0″, 170 lbs
  • Teams: Milwaukee Rampage, Columbus Crew, Preston North End, Everton, Fulham, Chicago Fire

Brian McBride was one of the most consistent and reliable goal scorers in U.S. soccer history, known for his aerial ability, work ethic, and leadership on and off the field. McBride earned 96 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), scoring 30 goals and representing the U.S. in three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006). 

His pivotal role in the 2002 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals to help the U.S. reach the quarterfinals, remains a highlight of his international career. McBride also had a successful club career, both in Major League Soccer (MLS) and in the English Premier League. 

He became a fan favorite at Fulham, where his consistent performances earned him the captain’s armband and a statue outside the stadium. In MLS, McBride was a key player for the Columbus Crew and later the Chicago Fire, where he continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess. McBride’s contributions to U.S. soccer, particularly his ability to perform in big moments, have made him one of the most beloved players in the history of the sport.

#2: Clint Dempsey (2004 – 2018)

• • Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
  • Height/Weight: 6’1″, 170 lbs
  • Teams: New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Seattle Sounders

Clint Dempsey is one of the most talented and versatile players in U.S. soccer history, known for his creativity, toughness, and ability to score spectacular goals. Dempsey earned 141 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), scoring 57 goals, which ties him for the most goals in U.S. history. 

He played in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and scored in each tournament, becoming the first American to score in three consecutive World Cups. Dempsey’s fearless attitude and knack for scoring in crucial moments made him a fan favorite and a key player for the U.S. Dempsey’s club career was equally impressive, particularly during his time in the English Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. 

He became Fulham’s all-time leading goal scorer in the Premier League and helped the club reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2010. After returning to Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Seattle Sounders, Dempsey continued to excel, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and an MLS Cup victory in 2016. His impact on U.S. soccer, both as a player and a pioneer, is undeniable, making him one of the greatest American players of all time.

#1: Landon Donovan (1999 – 2014)

• • Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
  • Height/Weight: 5’8″, 158 lbs
  • Teams: Bayer Leverkusen, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, Bayern Munich, León

Landon Donovan is widely regarded as the greatest U.S. soccer player of all time, known for his incredible vision, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the field. Donovan earned 157 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), scoring 57 goals (tied with Clint Dempsey for the most in U.S. history) and providing 58 assists. 

He played in three World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010) and was a key player in the U.S. team’s success, particularly in the 2002 World Cup, where he helped the team reach the quarterfinals. His iconic last-minute goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup, which sent the U.S. to the knockout stage, is one of the most memorable moments in U.S. soccer history. 

Donovan also had a storied club career, particularly in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he became the league’s all-time leading goal scorer and assist provider (a record since broken). He won six MLS Cups, primarily with the LA Galaxy, and was named the league’s MVP in 2009. 

Donovan’s impact on the growth of soccer in the United States cannot be overstated, as he inspired a generation of players and fans. His legacy as the face of U.S. soccer and his contributions on and off the field have solidified his place as the best U.S. soccer player of all time.