The 10 greatest USMNT players of all-time

The USMNT has never won the World Cup, but has made its mark in the soccer universe. They got to the semi-finals of the inaugural World Cup back in 1930, and made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2003. They also have the remarkable record of being undefeated against England on three occasions at the World Cup. 

The Stars and Stripes are far more successful in their region of CONCACAF, having won the Gold Cup seven times and the Nations League on three occasions. 

When it comes to the greatest USMNT players of all-time, it could be debated. However, here are our top 10. 

This list is based on the USMNT players’ individual performances and records at major tournaments. Men’s soccer in the United States has never been as big as other, more traditional American sports, so we are taking into account how much these players have been able to help grow the game. Popularity amongst supporters as well as their club careers have also been taken into consideration.  

The 10 greatest USMNT players of all-time

1. Clint Dempsey

It is often debated in USMNT circles as to who is better between Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. It is difficult to separate the two as they are joint top goal scorers for the Stars and Stripes with 57.

Dempsey has to be regarded as the better player, as he had longevity in the most competitive division in the world, the Premier League. He made over 200 appearances for Fulham and helped them reach the Europa League final before having a brief spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

Dempsey was also a runner-up at the Confederations Cup with the USMNT. He scored in the semi-final win over Spain and in the final against Brazil, where they lost 3-2. The man from Texas also won three Gold Cups with the USMNT.

2. Landon Donovan

Many fans would consider Landon Donovan the greatest USMNT player of all time, but he spent the majority of his club career in MLS rather than in Europe. His contribution to the Stars and Stripes should not be understated, however.

USMNT fans will always remember his dramatic late winner against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup. He also performed admirably at the 2002 World Cup. One blemish on his national team career is that his sabbatical led to him missing out on a place in Jurgen Klinsmann's roster for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

3. Tim Howard

The USMNT has had many notable goalkeepers, such as Brad Friedel, Tony Meola, and Casey Keller. However, Tim Howard has got to be the best the Stars and Stripes have ever had. He made a remarkable 16 saves in one game as the USMNT lost to Belgium after extra time at the 2014 World Cup. The keeper also had longevity in the Premier League with Everton and Manchester United.

4. Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic's story with the USMNT is still being written, and he could play a key part at the World Cup this summer. However, he has already established himself as a great American player for his exploits at the club level.

Pulisic came through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund before winning the Champions League with Chelsea. Now, Pulisic is a star in Serie A with AC Milan.

5. Claudio Reyna

Claudio Reyna was captain of the USMNT at both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. His ability on the ball was instrumental for the Stars and Stripes. The midfielder also had a great career in Europe with the likes of Manchester City, Rangers, and Wolfsburg.

6. DaMarcus Beasley

DaMarcus Beasley was a long-term solution for the USMNT on the left flank. He earned a total of 126 caps for the Stars and Stripes and featured at four World Cups.

7. Brian McBride

The striker had a great record for the USMNT, scoring 30 goals in 95 games for the USMNT. Brian McBride featured at the 1994, 2002, and 2006 World Cups. He also had a notable career in the Premier League with Fulham.

8. Cobi Jones

The USMNT's most capped player has to be on this list. Cobi Jones represented the USMNT 164 times. He was one of the key players when the United States last hosted the World Cup back in 1994.

9. Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley was a key player for the USMNT at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. However, he was one of a number of players who were heavily criticized as the Stars and Stripes failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

10. Brad Friedel

As mentioned earlier, the USMNT has produced many top goalkeepers. Friedel has to be on this list alongside Howard. Friedel earned 82 caps for the USMNT and represented them at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. He also had a lengthy career in England with Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Spurs, and Liverpool.

Honorable mentions

Many former USMNT players were unlucky to miss out on a place on this list. These include Alexi Lalas, Tab Ramos, Tony Meola, Eddie Pope, and Carlos Bocanegra.

Conclusion

It is often going to be debated as to who is better between Dempsey and Donovan. However, that is why many people love soccer, because it is so subjective.

FAQs

Who is considered the greatest player for the USMNT? Clint Dempsey, but many will say Landon Donovan.

What criteria were used to rank these players? We have judged these players based on Individual records, iconic moments, popularity amongst supporters, and their club careers.

Are there any current players who could make this list in the future? Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie have the chance to make the list, whilst Christian Pulisic has the opportunity to rise the rankings.

How have these players impacted the success of the USMNT? These players have brought great success to the USMNT and have helped grow the game since hosting the World Cup in 1994. Whilst the Stars and Stripes have never won the World Cup, they have no doubt helped grow the game in America.

Who are some other notable players for the USMNT? Alexi Lalas, Tab Ramos, Tony Meola, Eddie Pope, and Carlos Bocanegra.