​There’s no sugarcoating it: Christian Pulisic had a disappointing World Cup given his status as the “Face of U.S. soccer.” In the wake of the United States men’s national team’s lopsided Round of 16 loss to Belgium, a chorus of former USMNT and USWNT players quickly voiced their criticisms and jabs at the AC Milan forward. Yet one former American star stepped forward to defend Pulisic with vigor.
Former USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones—remembered for scoring one of the team’s most iconic World Cup goals against Portugal in 2014—took to social media to argue that Pulisic deserved more respect from his peers. He noted that prominent names like Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, Sydney Leroux, and Carli Lloyd publicly called out Pulisic, and he urged those critics to tread carefully, suggesting it’s unwise to throw stones in glass houses. In his broader point, Jones acknowledged that other players also had subpar showings against Belgium—Matt Freese, Sergiño Dest, and Tim Ream among them—but he argued that Pulisic faced a level of scrutiny not shared by the rest.
While Jones makes a valid case that much of the criticism for Pulisic can feel overly personal, there’s also a reality that Pulisic himself contributed to the backlash by skipping the 2025 Gold Cup. His reasoning—resting to be in peak shape for his club season and to be prepared for this World Cup—backfired in that it left fans and analysts wondering about his commitment and endurance in a crucial stretch. In hindsight, the decision to sit out the Gold Cup drew attention and sparked debate about whether it was a missed opportunity for national-team momentum or a calculated move for club-level readiness.
Jones is not denying the high expectations placed on Pulisic or the fact that this World Cup marks a stumble in a prominent career. Instead, he is emphasizing that the player’s legacy should be viewed in the broader context of his achievements and impact. Pulisic’s career to date includes standout performances, important goals, and leadership that helped raise the profile of U.S. soccer on the global stage. The hope among supporters and pundits alike is that he can use this setback as fuel to rebound in the years ahead, delivering the kind of performance that reaffirmed his status as a key figure for the national team and a respected competitor in world football.
This discussion taps into a broader conversation about sports criticism, accountability, and the pressures that come with being a country’s leading football figure. Fans want to see their star shine; coaches and former players want to protect the team’s integrity and life-long credibility. In that tension lies the challenge of giving constructive feedback while avoiding personal attacks or disproportionate shaming. Pulisic, by his own standards, will be judged not only by how he handles this moment but by how he responds in the next opportunities to help the U.S. national team compete at the highest level.
The larger takeaway is that Pulisic’s legacy isn’t defined solely by this World Cup setback. He has already carved out a remarkable career with moments of brilliance that helped elevate American soccer. As he faces the future, he will have chances to prove that he remains a central figure for the U.S. team and a competitor capable of delivering decisive contributions on the world stage. Whether through renewed club form, renewed national-team leadership, or a combination of both, the path to redemption is there, and the door remains open for him to reclaim his standing among the sport’s elite.
This piece originated on For The Win and discusses how a former USMNT star addressed the criticism of Christian Pulisic, arguing that some responses from ex-teammates veer into unfair territory while recognizing the player’s broader accomplishments and the potential for a strong comeback.