The biggest rivalry in CONCACAF reached its climax. Mexico and the United States squared off in the Gold Cup final. The team’s longtime captain and attacking engine is not only absent from the starting XI — he hasn’t featured in the tournament at all. Fans scanned the roster sheets desperately. Their superstar was nowhere to be found.
Christian Pulisic made a choice that split the American soccer world. He walked away from the tournament entirely. The AC Milan forward turned his back on the biggest stage in regional soccer. His decision sent shockwaves through the USMNT fanbase and ignited fierce debates about player priorities.
The Star Who Chose Rest Over Rivalry: Why Christian Pulisic Skipped the Gold Cup Final
Christian Pulisic isn’t with the U.S. after deciding to sit out of the Gold Cup following two grueling seasons in Europe with AC Milan. The AC Milan forward elected to skip the tournament to prioritize recovery, citing the need for a break after several grueling seasons. Pulisic approached the federation himself with this controversial request. He cited physical and mental exhaustion after back-to-back demanding campaigns in Serie A. The 26-year-old felt his body needed time to recover before another grueling club season began.
Lowkey I don’t even blame Christian Pulisic for not coming to the Gold Cup anymore… 🇺🇸
— Nabhuto (@Nabhuto) July 7, 2025
I wouldn’t show up too if I had to play with Patrick Agyemang up top 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/M5lyA9DSMk
U.S. Soccer’s leadership found themselves in an impossible position. They faced their biggest star making an unprecedented demand. Sporting director Matt Crocker eventually supported Pulisic’s decision after lengthy discussions. The federation prioritized the player’s long-term health over short-term tournament success. They gambled that a rested Pulisic would be more valuable for future competitions than a burned-out version in the Gold Cup.
The controversy deepened when tensions erupted between Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino. Alexi Lalas narrated the USMNT’s run to the 2025 Gold Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to Mexico. The team ultimately lost the final without their captain, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Pulisic’s absence became the defining storyline of a tournament that showcased both the depth of American soccer and the complex relationship between player welfare and national team duty.
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