Captain America to become captain of AC Milan? USMNT star Christian Pulisic reacts to skipper talk in Italy & reveals Champions League target

Pulisic is no stranger to filling an armband, having embraced that responsibility at international level on a regular basis. The 27-year-old will be a serious contender to captain the United States on home soil at the 2026 World Cup. If impressive standards can be maintained with his club in Italy, then a similar standing could be enjoyed there.

French goalkeeper Mike Maignan is club captain at San Siro for now, with home-grown defender Matteo Gabbia among his deputies. With Pulisic fully adjusted to life in Milan and able to communicate with his team-mates in Italian, it would come as no surprise if he were to be asked to lead Massimiliano Allegri’s side out at some stage.

Asked about his superhero moniker back home and potentially becoming a leader in Europe, Pulisic told DAZN: "It’s a cool nickname. Captain of AC Milan? For now, Captain America will do. We will see what happens."

Pulisic continues to thrive in Italy after taking the decision to sever ties with Premier League giants Chelsea in 2023. He won the Champions League while in west London, but has taken his game to new heights since embracing another fresh start. He added on that process: "I think I have always trusted myself, even when I had some doubts. There were some difficult times in London, and there you have to believe in yourself. I knew these opportunities, these moments, would come.

"Fortunately, I also arrived at a club that gave me the opportunity and believed in me so much. Starting with the coaches, the fans, and my team-mates. I think when you’re given the opportunity to play a little more freely, you gain that confidence. That means a lot."

Pulisic has posted personal bests across his two full seasons with Milan. He found the target on 15 occasions in his debut campaign, before raising that bar to 17 efforts last term. He already has six goals to his name in 2025-26 through seven appearances in all competitions.

Supercoppa Italiana success has been savoured, with his trophy account with the Rossoneri being opened last season, with the plan being to collect many more winners’ medals. If he is able to do so, then a place in Milan folklore will be secured.

Asked about making history with one of the most recognisable clubs on the planet, Pulisic said: "I don’t think about it. I think about the ones who were here before me, unreachable players. They are a source of inspiration. I will give everything for this team, I want to win and become part of AC Milan’s history."

Milan are without European action in 2025-26, but the plan is to right that wrong as quickly as possible. Pulisic added on the targets being drawn up by Allegri and Co: "Our goal is definitely to return to the Champions League. It’s strange to see a club like Milan not participating in this competition. We have a strong team and we will do everything we can to achieve that goal."

Uncertainty regarding the direction in which Milan are heading, on the back of an eighth-place finish last term, is said to have contributed to Pulisic delaying the penning of a new contract at San Siro. That offer remains on the table, though, and could be signed at any stage.

For now, Pulisic is focused on making more decisive contributions in the final third of the field. Milan, who sit top of the Serie A table through five rounds of fixtures, will be back in action on Sunday when taking in a trip to old adversaries Juventus.