In his docuseries, Pulisic reaffirmed his commitment to the USMNT, says he wants to 'break down that barrier'

Pulisic discusses legacy in docuseriesAiming to change the American game for goodUSMNT back in action in SeptemberFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. men's national team star Christian Pulisic reflected on his desired legacy, revealing in the latest episodes of his PULISIC docuseries that his ambition has always been – and remains – to change American soccer.

The most recent releases touched on Pulisic's decision to skip this summer's Gold Cup. And while Pulisic maintains he made the right decision to withdraw from the 2025 Gold Cup, and clapped back at critics who “disrespected me in a lot of ways, and just completely forgotten about what I've done for this national team,” he reaffirmed his commitment to the USMNT.

"To talk about my commitment? The commitment that I've given to this game? That I've given to my national team, you know, for 10 years? I have paid the price," he said. "That's the only thing that starts to get on my nerves. But to be honest, it just fuels me to get back on the field and just shut everyone up and show everyone what I'm about, at the end of the day."

Pulisic discussed what he ultimately wants out of his career, saying that his ambition is bigger than just trophies, transfers and accolades – it's to change perceptions of American soccer.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT PULISIC SAID

"I don't think about legacy in the way of how other people will view me," he said in the last episode of the  season. "I think it's trying to live with no regrets for me, and I think there've been a lot of things against me. But I'm lucky to be doing what I'm doing. I also try to change the way that I think about things, especially in the last couple of years. I have to deal with all this media pressure, I have to deal with being American and playing in Europe. But instead of thinking of it like that, it's completely changed.

"And it's like, no, I get to do this. I get to do this because I'm good, I get to do this because I've shown over and over that I'm good enough that people criticize me often. I get to have that attention because I'm good, and I hope people can see that and hopefully just see the work that I put in as well.

"Obviously they can't see the work that I do every day behind the scenes and the reason I've got there, but that's kind of what this documentary is so special for, too. Because it's giving a little bit more of a look, and it's how I came to do all this and why I do it, and the people I do it for. And I just want to do everything possible to make sure that once I do hang up the boots, that I'm proud of what I've accomplished. Because I want to inspire, especially American kids who can watch me and think, 'If this guy can do it, then why can't I?' And I want them to have someone to look up to at the highest level, everything that this has to offer as an American.

"I want to break down that barrier. I want to create a legacy that people can look and say, 'Man, this guy changed American soccer.' I think times are changing, for sure. And I think if I can be a small part in that, then I'm proud of the work that I've done."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The idea of changing American soccer has been a specific target for the USMNT since last cycle, when then-coach Gregg Berhalter laid down that challenge to a young group bound for the 2022 World Cup. That group, led by stars such as Pulisic, looked set to stick around for the long-haul, including the 2026 World Cup on home soil, which is expected to be a sport-altering event in America.

Many of those key players from the 2022 cycle remain, but the USMNT has, by and large, struggled over the last year. After crashing out of the Copa America group stage last summer, the U.S. hired Mauricio Pochettino as manager and lost back-to-back games at the CONCACAF Nations League in March. Without Pulisic and a number of other key starters, the team reached the Gold Cup final, but then lost to Mexico.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

With no competitive matches left until the World Cup, the USMNT will be back for a pair of September friendlies against Korea and Japan as they look to build momentum ahead of next summer's World Cup.