Jozy Altidore Celebrates Christian Pulisic: A True Role Model in Soccer and Life

USMNT great Jozy Altidore praised Christian Pulisic as a “terrific human being” during a recent gathering of the U.S. men’s national team. One by one, players stepped away from their pre-training routines to embrace Altidore, showcasing the camaraderie that defines the team.

Stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Ream were eager to pay tribute to Altidore, who ranks as the third leading scorer in USMNT history, following legends Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. This heartfelt moment unfolded as Altidore visited to watch coach Mauricio Pochettino lead the team through their final practice ahead of the November 18 Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica in St. Louis.

Pochettino himself took a moment to greet Altidore, reminiscing about their past encounters. “Mauricio hasn’t changed one bit,” Altidore remarked in an exclusive interview with FOX Sports, recalling their competitive history in the Premier League when Pochettino managed Tottenham Hotspur and Altidore played for Sunderland.

“He’s an incredible guy, and it was really nice of him to come over and go down memory lane, discussing our battles and the national team,” Altidore added, reflecting on their shared experiences.

For Altidore, the bond with the current squad is evident. The following night, he received a warm welcome from fans at City Park, where he joined the American Outlaws supporters during the match.

Having been the starting striker for the U.S. at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, Altidore’s legacy is intertwined with that of Donovan and Dempsey. He also played a pivotal role in the 2009 Confederations Cup, where his goal against Spain was a standout moment. Altidore serves as a bridge between the previous USMNT era and the current one.

Altidore’s journey continued as he played alongside Pulisic, McKennie, Ream, and other current national team members before earning his 115th and final cap in 2019. A different scenario might have seen him joining them at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Finding reliable strikers is a challenge for the U.S., which has struggled to maintain a consistent No. 9. In early 2022, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter reached out to Altidore, expressing interest in monitoring his performance with the New England Revolution.

“I didn’t expect to be a starter, but I hoped to provide a different dynamic off the bench,” Altidore explained. However, injuries limited his effectiveness, and he managed just one goal in his first 19 appearances. A mid-season loan to Puebla in Mexico yielded two goals in six Liga MX matches but ultimately fell short of expectations. “We talked, but it turned out a different way,” he reflected. “It’s disappointing, but that’s life. I respect the decision.”

Nearly three years later, the U.S. still seeks a reliable striker. Folarin Balogun showed promise during the 2024 Copa América, but injuries have kept him sidelined. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi made an impact in October and November, scoring three goals in three games.

“I admire Pepi’s hunger,” Altidore stated. “His energy on the field is contagious. Balogun and Josh Sargent demonstrate that too. Haji Wright is performing well, and I’m a fan of Brandon Vazquez. I hope to see Daryl Dike healthy again; he brings a unique style to the game.”

At 35 years old, Altidore is nearly two years younger than Ream. Although he never formally announced his retirement, he recognized it was time to move on when the Revs bought out his contract last year. “I wasn’t going to move my family again for football,” he explained, noting his marriage to tennis star Sloane Stephens in 2022. The couple now divides their time between Los Angeles and Boca Raton, Altidore’s hometown.

Unlike many former teammates who have transitioned into media roles, Altidore has chosen a quieter path. His focus is on Sogility, a soccer training business that constructs indoor fields in colder regions. This commitment brought him to St. Louis, where Sogility’s latest facility is set to open in nearby Saint Charles, Missouri, later this month.

Altidore is optimistic about the future of the USMNT. “With a year and a half until the next World Cup, players are beginning to feel that intensity in a positive way,” he noted.

However, he disapproves of former national team players publicly criticizing current squad members. Recently, USMNT legend Tim Howard criticized Pulisic for celebrating a goal against Jamaica with a dance associated with president-elect Donald Trump. Pulisic clarified that his actions were not meant to be political.

“That explanation doesn’t resonate,” Howard wrote in the UK’s Daily Mail. “If you make a statement publicly, you should own it.”

“Christian Pulisic is a terrific human being,” Altidore defended. “He’s faced a lot of scrutiny, but I’ve known him since he was 17. I’ve never met a better representative of our national team. Anyone who has spoken with him will find that claim baseless and ridiculous. As a person, he’s among the best you’ll encounter, and I want that to be recognized.”

Pulisic is one of only two U.S. players with a better goals-to-games ratio than Altidore, alongside Dempsey. With 31 goals to Altidore’s 42, it seems likely that Pulisic will surpass him soon.

Altidore welcomes the prospect.

“When I see Weston and Christian today, I feel pride,” he said. “We’ve all experienced life in Europe, and we understand the challenges. Deep down, nobody truly wants to be away from home. They miss holidays and family while chasing their dreams.

“I remember how lonely it can be,” Altidore continued. “It may sound sentimental, but it’s crucial for these players to know they have support and love from those who have walked the same path.”

The scene before training in St. Louis clearly demonstrated that the affection for Altidore is mutual.

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