The U.S. national soccer team is going through a moment of high internal tension after a public dispute between Christian Pulisic and the historic Landon Donovan. The conflict began after Pulisic decided not to participate in the 2025 Gold Cup to prioritize his rest, which was interpreted as a lack of commitment by Donovan. During the broadcast of the Nations League final, Donovan launched a criticism that, although unnamed, was clearly directed at Pulisic:
“Representing your country is a responsibility. If you don’t take it seriously, don’t come.” The words generated a stir in the media and social networks, especially because Donovan compared Pulisic’s attitude to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still competing at the age of 40: “Cristiano has played all season, worked hard and even got injured. Meanwhile, some of our guys are on vacation and don’t want to come to the Gold Cup. It bothers me.
Humor and context
The reaction was not long in coming.
Mark Pulisic, father of the team captain, resorted to sarcasm by writing a response on networks simulating a ChatGPT query about Donovan’s own temporary retirement in 2013:
“Landon Donovan took a year off due to mental and physical exhaustion…he recovered and came back with a fresh mentality.”
This comment alluded directly to Donovan’s absence in 2013, which resulted in his exclusion from the 2014 World Cup by coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
The dressing room, divided
What started out as an isolated criticism quickly escalated within the national team environment.
Figures such as Clint Dempsey and Weston McKennie came out to give their opinions.
Dempsey, close to Donovan, defended the harshness of his words:
Many of the younger players don't know what it means to fight from the bottom
For his part, McKennie defended his generation:
“None of us take being in the national team for granted. We all want to be, but we are also human.”
Future of the team
Buzzy
The dispute between Pulisic and Donovan reveals not only generational tensions, but also differing views on commitment to the national team.
In a year where the U.S. is seeking to establish itself as a regional power, this conflict raises uncomfortable questions about leadership, preparation and soccer culture.
For U.S. Hispanic fans, many of whom follow both Pulisic and Donovan closely, this episode reflects a broader debate:
Should rest and careers in European clubs be prioritized, or constant commitment to the national team?
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