Christian Pulisic Breaks Silence: Gold Cup Absence, USMNT Loyalty & Donovan Drama

In a revealing interview on CBS Sports' Golazo America podcast, Christian Pulisic addressed the controversy surrounding his absence from the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. With critics—including USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard—questioning his commitment, the AC Milan star finally broke his silence.

Pulisic explained that after a demanding season of 50+ matches across club and country, he needed time to mentally and physically recover. Although he wanted to participate in friendlies leading into the Gold Cup, the coaching staff chose to proceed with the tournament roster only. “I didn’t understand it, but I respected the decision,” he said.

The tension escalated when Donovan and Howard publicly criticized his decision. Pulisic didn’t mince words, calling the comments “way out of line,” particularly disappointed by Donovan, who had shown private support before changing tone publicly. “That hurt,” Pulisic admitted, revealing a sense of betrayal.

Despite the noise, Pulisic reiterated his full dedication to the national team and their 2026 World Cup campaign. “One good performance and people forget,” he noted with confidence, signaling his readiness to lead the squad moving forward.

This situation raises larger questions: how much public pressure should current players face from retired stars? Are modern players expected to sacrifice rest at all costs, or does athlete wellness take precedence in today’s game?

With key matches on the horizon and the 2026 World Cup looming, the focus now turns to performance, chemistry, and leadership. Pulisic made one thing clear—he's not going anywhere.

It's no longer just about showing up — it's about showing strength in the face of doubt.