LeBron James of soccer? USMNT star Christian Pulisic sees ‘funny’ side of NBA GOAT comparison that annoys fans missing the ‘joke’

United States international Pulisic has seen his standing in soccer circles likened to that of NBA icon LeBron, with “Captain America” becoming a household name in his homeland and throughout the world. The 26-year-old is currently starring in Italy for Serie A giants AC Milan.

Pulisic takes any lavish praise with a pinch of salt, but the same cannot be said for those that allow themselves to get angry at a tongue-in-cheek comment. Pulisic has told GQ of links to the basketball GOAT: “It’s funny, I’ll be travelling across the world and you’ll hear a random person shout that, and you’re just like, there’s no way that has become a thing. LeBron was one of my favourite athletes growing up, too.

“The people that get offended by it, saying, ‘Don’t even compare those two!’ It’s a joke. It’s a meme. People need to lighten up. I don’t think I’m the LeBron James of soccer. That’s why it’s funny, because the guy that said it I’m sure isn’t that knowledgeable about soccer.”

While playing down his standing in global sport, Pulisic is expected to help raise the profile of soccer in the United States. Asked about that role, the USMNT star said: “To LeBron James’s level, no. But do I think I can be a big part of helping the sport grow and helping our national team grow and creating a whole culture around the sport, and hopefully trying to be—yeah.

“It’s the biggest sport in so many other countries and in the whole world. So I hope we can climb and try to get there and make it as popular as some of the other American sports are. But as far as LeBron, maybe not.”

Pulisic, who has 76 senior caps to his name, will be hoping to figure prominently when the eyes of a global audience descend on the United States once again in 2026 for the World Cup finals – an event that they will co-host alongside neighbours Canada and Mexico.