Pulisic named USMNT Player of the Year after memorable 2021 for Chelsea star
Christian Pulisic has been named the United States men's national team Player of the Year for 2021, the third time he has won the award.
The Chelsea star delivered two of the most memorable goals of the year for his nation, scoring the winner in the Nations League final against Mexico before netting in World Cup qualifying again against El Tri in November.
Pulisic's celebrations - a shush and a custom shirt - added to the legend of his 2021.
USMNT awards for Pulisic and Pepi
In addition to Pulisic, striker Ricardo Pepi won male Young Player of the Year.
Pepi broke onto the scene in MLS to earn his first call-up to the USMNT, and he scored three goals to go along with three assists in six World Cup qualifying appearances.
2017 🏆
— USMNT (@USMNT) December 19, 2021
2019 🏆
2021 🏆
@cpulisic_10 is your 2021 @BioSteelSports Male Player of the Year!
He’s the youngest 3x winner of the award » https://t.co/1CBYla1E9G pic.twitter.com/EQXHLcy8r8
El Tren kept a-rollin’. 🚂
— USMNT (@USMNT) December 19, 2021
🏆 @Ricardo_Pepi9 is the 2021 @ChipotleTweets Male Youth Player of the Year! » https://t.co/1CBYla1E9G pic.twitter.com/O28971h8wt
Highlights of Pulisic's season
The goals against Mexico from the Nations League and World Cup qualifying will be etched into the minds of USMNT fans for quite some time (videos available to watch for U.S. audiences).
CHRISTIAN PULISIC GIVES THE @USMNT THE LEAD 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WRDgXL6LXF
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 7, 2021
Christian Pulisic came on for the @USMNT in the 69th minute.
— GOAL (@goal) November 13, 2021
He put them ahead of Mexico in the 74th.
Too good.pic.twitter.com/Z0m3SyWObb
Other three-time Player of the Year winners
At 23 years old, Pulisic becomes the youngest three-time USMNT Player of the Year. He also took home the honors in 2017 and 2019.
The others to have won the award three times are Clint Dempsey (2007, 2011, 2012), Landon Donovan (2003, 2004, 2009, 2010) and Kasey Keller (1997, 1999, 2005).