7 Fun Facts About Pennsylvania-Born Soccer Star Christian Pulisic 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on Sunday, and Pennsylvania will be well represented by Hershey native Christian Pulisic. The 24-year-old soccer star says he’s ready to handle the weight of being the United States men’s national team’s biggest star heading into the tournament. 

The USMNT is in Group B along with England, Iran, and Wales. Fans can watch Pulisic on the following days during group play: 

• Nov. 21, 2 p.m.: USA vs. Wales
• Nov. 25, 2 p.m.: USA vs. England
• Nov. 29, 2 p.m.: USA vs. Iran

Here are some fun facts about Pusilic ahead of his Monday start. 

That’s Right, Pulisic is From Hershey

Pulisic was born in Hershey on Sept. 18, 1998. He first played for the United States Soccer Development Academy club PA Classics growing up, and later for the minor league Harrisburg City Islanders as a teenager.

He’s in the Family Business

Pulisic is not the only soccer player in his family. Both of his parents played soccer at George Mason University. His father, Mark Pulisic, was the head coach of the Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League, as well. 

He Spent Time in England Growing Up

Pulisic spent a year abroad in England with his family when he was a kid. He lived in the small English village of Tackle, near Oxford, when his mother, an educator, did a teaching exchange. Pulisic’s father would take him to professional soccer games to see the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC. 

He Played Professionally in Germany as a Teen

Pulisic was discovered in Turkey by German scouts for the Borussia Dortmund team when he was 15. Pulisic made Dortmund’s squad at age 17, and in his first season with the team (2016-17), he recorded three goals and seven assists. 

Pulisic Plays for Chelsea in the Premier League

In 2019, Pulisic signed with the English Premier League to play for Chelsea, who paid $73 million to acquire him from Dortmund—a record for any American player. In his four seasons with Chelsea, Pulisic has recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 86 games.

He’s Written a Book About His Struggles With Depression

“Pulisic: My Journey So Far,” was published in October, and chronicles the soccer star’s struggles with his mental health. The book is also filled with pictures from Pulisic’s childhood all the way through today.

His Nickname is “Captain America”

He’s earned the nickname “Captain America” for being arguably one of the most important players to ever play for the USMNT. His other nicknames include “The Hershey Hammer,” “The Hershey Hare,” and “The Pennsylvania Pele.”