Christian Pulisic: Why Is the Chelsea Star Called LeBron James of Soccer?

Christian Pulisic: Why Is the Chelsea Star Called LeBron James of Soccer?

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
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  • Chelsea and US winger Christian Pulisic is fondly referred as the LeBron James of soccer by football fans
  • The American who is also referred to as Captain America scored the only goal against Iran to help USA qualify for the knockout stages
  • He faces a race against time to be fit for the round of 16 tie against Netherlands after he was injured while scoring his goal

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic scored the US's only goal against Iran to help them progress into the knockout stages of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Pulisic scored close to the end of the first half but also left the field injured. He will hope to be fit in time for Saturday's match against group A winners Netherlands.

Christian Pulisic, LeBron James, USMNT, NBA, World Cup
Christian Pulisic is nicknamed the LeBron James of Soccer. Photos by Tim Nwachukwu/Adam Pantozzi
Source: Getty Images

The tricky winger got social media buzzing after sending the US through with many calling him different nicknames such as Captain America and LeBron James of soccer.

Where is the nickname from?

Pulisic is no doubt the most popular American player in football right now. This is why his influence is likened to that of NBA star LeBron James.

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The nickname according to indy100 came from an episode of Pawn Stars from 2021 where a football fan tried to buy a Chelsea shirt signed by Pulisic. The seller called Pulisic the “LeBron James of soccer” and asked for $1500 for the shirt.

The name made it to social media and has stuck ever since then. It trends on social media each time Pulisic scores or has a big performance for both club and country.

LeBron James congratulates USMNT

Sports Brief earlier reported that NBA star LeBron James sent a congratulatory message to the USMNT after qualifying for the round of 16 of the ongoing World Cup.

Christian Pulisic, the man nicknamed after LeBron James scored the only goal that sent the American soccer team through to the knockout stages to face the Netherlands.

The USMNT will be hoping that Christian Pulisic is fit enough to be in action when they play the Netherlands. A win will send them to the quarter-finals for the first time in 20 years, since their last in Korea-Japan.

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Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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