Champions League play kicks off Tuesday, and get this: eight Americans are competing in Europe’s top club tournament. Yeah, you heard right, *eight*. Forget the biggest American stars like Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, who are kicking off in the Europa League next Wednesday, September 16. This is about Europe’s premier competition, and it’s stacked with American talent, from established national team contributors to rising prospects and journeymen all trying to make their mark.
The US Talent Wave Is Here, Caps Or Not
Seriously, only a few years ago, seeing this many Americans in the Champions League would’ve blown our minds, and every single one would’ve been a national team lock. That’s not the case anymore. Out of the eight guys jumping into this campaign, only four even have senior national team caps. Think about that for a second. It just proves that more American players than ever before are crushing it at the highest levels of European club soccer. It’s a mix of USMNT regulars, young studs trying to make a name, and even journeymen seizing their moment.
Cardoso’s Comeback and Albert’s Arrival
First up, we’ve got Johnny Cardoso at Atletico Madrid. This dude got totally robbed of a true World Cup squad run because of an unfortunate injury, but he’s back in the Champions League, and Atleti is pushing to get back to their best form. Cardoso, a defensive midfielder, has been coming off the bench so far this season. But you know he’s fighting hard to regain his fitness and reclaim a starting spot, pushing for more minutes and trying to stay front and center for Mauricio Pochettino’s national team plans.
Then there’s Mathis Albert, a name you need to know, straight up. This kid is only 17 years old and has a seriously bright future. He left the LA Galaxy academy in 2024 to head to Germany and has been absolutely tearing it up for Borussia Dortmund’s youth sides. He hasn’t made a Bundesliga appearance yet this season, but he did start and play a full 90 minutes in Dortmund’s DFB-Pokal first-round game. Keep your eyes on Albert. He’s exactly the kind of player who will rack up more minutes as Dortmund goes deeper into this competition and squad rotation becomes a necessity.
Pepi Is Delivering For PSV
And of course, there’s Ricardo Pepi, a legit USMNT regular, leading the charge for PSV. This guy is only 23 and already has over 100 appearances for his club. When PSV needs a goal, Pepi is their go-to guy, no question. He played in all five matches for the USMNT at the World Cup, even though he didn’t net a goal there. But for PSV, he’s a regular fixture for both club and country, and he’s already got six goals this season. He’s no stranger to the Champions League stage, and you know he’s ready to make noise. Sergiño Dest is also with Pepi at PSV, another USMNT regular leading the way.
This Champions League campaign is just kicking off, and it’s already clear there’s a serious wave of American talent making moves. With games rolling out on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network, Tuesday is going to be electric. You’ve gotta tune in and watch these guys fight for every minute, because the stakes are high, and they’re all playing for something bigger.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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