Best USA players of all time - ranked

The best USA players of all time still hold almost every record for the USMNT years after they retired, and the next generation is failing to keep up.

With all eyes on the disappointing Group Stage exit of the USMNT at Copa America 2024, many fans are comparing the current generation of American soccer players to the all time greats. The former superstars might not have major international silverware, but they performed for both their clubs and country on some of the biggest stages in soccer. Conversations about the most impactful players for the Stars and Stripes always feature the same names.

Check out the five best USA soccer players in history.

Best USA players of all time - ranked

5. Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic is the leader of the current USMNT. At just 25 years old, Pulisic already has the sixth most goals scored for the Stars and Stripes (30), and is just 12 away from jumping all the way to the third most behind the two greatest players to ever represent the USA. He is easily the best playmaker on the USMNT, and is often carrying his country to victory.

Pulisic became the first America man to play in a Champions League final when Chelsea defeated Manchester City. He also has two CONCACAF Nations League trophies to his name. The current USMNT captain will be expected to help the USA make a statement at the 2026 World Cup.

Whether you rank Tim Howard or Brad Friedel as the best American goalkeeper, it goes without saying that both are two of the best to ever play for the USA at any position. In fact, Howard's efforts against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup is one of the most memorable performances of any American player in the tournament's history. Howard's 16 saves in the Round of 16 is still the most ever in a World Cup match.

The keeper also had an impressive career with Everton in the Premier League that culminated in over 300 matches and even one highlight reel-worthy goal.

Brad Friedel spent most of his career in Europe, playing for Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Liverpool, making 586 total appearances at the club level in England alone. The keeper found long-term success overseas, something not many American players have the luxury of saying, but it was his performances for his country that make him one of the USA's best.

Friedel cemented his legacy at the 2002 World Cup when he saved a penalty against South Korea and another against Portugal to send the USA to the Round of 16.

2. Clint Dempsey

Clint Dempsey's career speaks for itself. Along with Landon Donovan, Dempsey is the joint top goalscorer for the USA with 57 goals, a record no one seems to be breaking anytime soon. He also won three Gold Cups (2005, 2007, and 2017), and earned the top goalscorer at the 2015 Gold Cup. Dempsey even delivered on the biggest stage of them all, netting four World Cup goals in just ten appearances.

Dempsey also had an impressive run in Europe at Fulham, becoming the all-time leading Premier League goalscorer for the club with 50 goals.

1. Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan is not only the best MLS player in history, but also the best USA player of all time. At one point, he held just about every MLS record possible, and is still the USA's joint top goalscorer with 57 goals. Donovan also still has the most assists in USMNT history with 58 in his 157 appearances.

The former captain is a six-time MLS Cup Champion, including four with L.A. Galaxy, and also a four-time Gold Cup winner with the USA in 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2013.