# Who is the best player in United States national football team history?

> Rank the greatest players in USMNT history, from Landon Donovan's 2010 World Cup heroics to Christian Pulisic's rise as America's modern star.

*By YPB Team · Published May 23, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-player-in-united-states-national-football-team-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Landon Donovan**
   The USMNT's all-time leading scorer for many years and the undisputed face of American soccer for over a decade, legendary for his 2010 World Cup stoppage-time winner against Algeria.
2. **Clint Dempsey**
   Tenacious and fearless attacking midfielder who became the USMNT's all-time top scorer, excelling at Fulham, Tottenham and Seattle while scoring at three World Cups.
3. **Tim Howard**
   Exceptional goalkeeper who became a national hero with his record-breaking 15-save performance against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, a stalwart at Everton for a decade.
4. **Christian Pulisic**
   America's most gifted modern player, a dynamic winger who made history at Chelsea and AC Milan and became USMNT captain and their brightest hope for future success.
5. **DaMarcus Beasley**
   Lightning-fast and versatile player who featured at four World Cups, becoming the first American man to achieve the feat, earning iconic status in US soccer history.
6. **Brad Friedel**
   Excellent goalkeeper who played 82 internationals and had an outstanding Premier League career at Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham spanning over a decade.
7. **Michael Bradley**
   Tireless and technically sound midfielder who was the engine of the USMNT for over a decade, earning 151 caps and competing at club level in Italy and England.
8. **Alexi Lalas**
   Iconic defender with a distinctive red beard who was part of the historic 1994 World Cup squad and became the first American to play in Serie A.
9. **Jozy Altidore**
   Physical and powerful striker who scored important goals for the USMNT over many years, including crucial World Cup qualifiers, despite a mixed club career in Europe.
10. **Cobi Jones**
   Former all-time record appearance holder with 164 caps, a speedy and entertaining winger who was one of the most recognisable faces of American soccer in the 1990s.
11. **Brian McBride**
   Brave and reliable centre-forward who epitomised American grit, scoring crucial World Cup goals in 2002 — including one against Mexico — and becoming a Fulham fans' favourite.
12. **Tyler Adams**
   Dynamic and press-resistant defensive midfielder who captained the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup and excelled in the Bundesliga and Premier League.

Tags: sports, soccer, football, players, world cup