Mark Pulisic, father of soccer star Christian Pulisic, has defended his son against perceived criticism from former USMNT player Landon Donovan regarding Christian’s decision not to participate in the upcoming Gold Cup. Donovan’s comments during Fox Sports’ coverage of the Uefa Nations League final seemed to allude to Pulisic’s absence from the national team without explicitly naming him. In response, Mark Pulisic took to Instagram, referencing Donovan’s own sabbatical from soccer in 2013 and challenging him to be more direct in his criticisms.

Donovan, who had previously taken a break from the sport, had questioned the commitment of players opting out of the Gold Cup without providing public reasons for their decisions. However, Mark Pulisic’s strong reaction highlights the tension between players’ personal choices and external expectations in the world of professional soccer.

Christian Pulisic, coming off a stellar season with Milan in Serie A, has decided to skip the Gold Cup, a move that aligns with his past choices regarding international tournaments. The Pulisic family’s response to criticism echoes past instances in US soccer where players and their families have pushed back against perceived unfair treatment or remarks from coaches and pundits. Overall, this situation underscores the complexities of balancing personal well-being and professional obligations in the competitive world of elite soccer.