Christian Pulisic Appears in Right-Leg Brace 3 Days After World Cup Microfracture

Q: After a disappointing World Cup and backlash from legends, is Pulisic's reign as the face of U.S. soccer in jeopardy?

Not yet, but his hold on that role looks less secure than it did before the World Cup. Pulisic is still the biggest name in the U.S. men’s program, and his commercial standing remains strong. He is the team’s most recognizable player, AC Milan still views him as central to its plans, and his foundation appearance in Florida just days after suffering a bone bruise and microfracture reinforced the public image that has long made him the face of the sport in the United States. What has changed is the level of scrutiny. His World Cup was disrupted by two injuries, limiting him to 223 minutes and blunting his impact. He openly admitted disappointment, saying he wanted to deliver more. The U.S. exit to Belgium, combined with his post-elimination remark about looking forward to “getting some rest,” triggered criticism from figures such as Carli Lloyd and Landon Donovan and fed a broader fan backlash. That criticism matters, but it does not by itself dethrone him. Much of the anger was tied to perception, and the confirmed diagnosis of a microfracture and bone bruise undercuts claims that he lacked commitment. The larger threat to his status is not one bad tournament; it is whether injuries and uneven national-team output keep recurring while other U.S. players emerge as leaders. So his reign is under pressure, not over. If he returns well for Milan and produces consistently for the national team, he is still the most likely player to remain the face of U.S. soccer.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 10

Three days after the U.S. loss to Belgium, Christian Pulisic appeared at his foundation’s youth camp in Florida wearing a brace on his injured right leg.
U.S. Soccer said July 8 that MRI and X-ray exams found a bone bruise and microfracture in his right tibia/fibula after he exited Monday’s round-of-16 match in the 59th minute.
Pulisic said he twisted both his ankle and knee in a collision with Belgium’s Youri Tielemans, and U.S. Soccer and AC Milan will coordinate his recovery plan.
The setback was his second of the World Cup after he aggravated a left calf injury against Paraguay, missed Australia, and was limited before returning for the knockout rounds.

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With another tournament cut short by injury, what is the real reason for Pulisic’s repeated breakdowns on the world's biggest stage?

After a disappointing World Cup and backlash from legends, is Pulisic's reign as the face of U.S. soccer in jeopardy?

His new AC Milan coach calls him 'perfect,' but can Pulisic overcome his World Cup 'humiliation' to justify that faith?

Christian Pulisic Appears in Right-Leg Brace 3 Days After World Cup Microfracture

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