Is there a rift between Landon Donovan and USMNT star Christian Pulisic?

Martin Macdonald

• 2 Oct 2025 17:36 CDT
• 2 min read

News

USMNT legend Landon Donovan has shot down suggestions he has a problem with Christian Pulisic.

During the summer, the former Dortmund and Chelsea star made the controversial decision to withdraw from the United States squad for the 2025 Gold Cup, citing a preference to rest and recover following a long season with Milan.

Responding to criticism for the decision, Pulisic told CBS Sports: You can talk about my performances, whatever you want, but to question my commitment — especially towards the national team — in my opinion, that’s way out of line. My body started talking to me… Was [it right] to play eight more games and then get no rest at all? That’s not what I thought was best for my body.”

Donovan, without naming names took umbrage with Pulisic's comments and decision, saying on Fox Sports:

"This is what it means to represent your country… If you don’t want to take this seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in. I can’t help but think about some of our guys on vacation… It’s pissing me off.”

Pulisic is certainly benefitting from having the summer off as he has been excellent for Milan in the 2025/26 campaign.

In five league games so far, he has scored four goals and recorded two assists and also has a couple of goals in the Italian Cup.

Since joining Milan from Chelsea, he has 49 goal contributions in Serie A.

It is this kind of form that leads USMNT fans to believe that the forward will be crucial to their fortunes at the 2026 World Cup, which happens to be partly based in the United States.

Amid Pulisic's form, Donovan has looked to clarify his stance on the player.

“One of my friends texted me and they’re like ‘Landon, last week you were signing Christian’s praises and I thought you hated him and I thought you wanted him gone,'" the USMNT icon said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.

"And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I want this guy to succeed at the highest high, this is why I’m disappointed with some of the decisions he’s made.

“Because he has this possibility - and I want to see that with the national team. So, like, I’m not going to say I’m his biggest fan because his friends and family all are, but we all want him to succeed at that. And he is flying right now, so long may it continue.”

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store