Christian Pulisic’s decision not to participate in the 2025 Gold Cup did not sit well with many former players or fans of the United States national team, but he was particularly harshly criticized by one of the USA’s greatest soccer players, Landon Donovan.
Donovan and Pulisic have been instrumental in the growth of the sport in the United States. So important are both, that Donovan is the USMNT’s all-time leading scorer with 52 goals (tied with Clint Dempsey) and Pulisic is fourth with 32 goals (also tied with Eric Wynalda)
Both stars should have a good relationship thanks to being the past and present of the USMNT, but this is not the case. It all started when Donovan did a program, after Portugal won the UEFA Nations League and seeing Cristiano Ronaldo winning the tournament at 40 years old, he sent a clear message to the American soccer players who will miss the Gold Cup.
Total break
After Landon’s message, Pulisic’s father, Mark, was quick to give his opinion and call Donovan practically a hypocrite. “This guy is… talking about commitment… look in the mirror, be brave and name names or are you afraid that the next time you want an interview you will be turned down again,” Mark said in an Instagram post.
Mark’s comments refer to when Donovan decided not to play in the 2013 Gold Cup to take a physical and mental break.
Although Christian did not comment on his father’s post, he showed his support with a ‘like’. At the moment there have been no further comments from either side, but it is clear that the relationship between the Pulisic family and Landon Donovan is totally broken.
“An unnecessary own goal”
USMNT’s legendary defender Alexi Lalas did not remain silent about the problems that Donovan’s statements have brought and on social networks commented: “I have no problem with Pulisic’s father defending him from criticism for his decision not to play this summer. It’s what family does.”
Later, he added: “But it’s still an unnecessary and absurd own goal, and a bad look for the player, agent, coach, team and sport, given the current negativity and apathy towards the US national team after its recent failures. CP is a leader, our best player, and we are a year away from a historic World Cup at home.”
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