Juventus

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

A fantastic Weston McKennie goal vs Man City in the Champions League on Wednesday gave Juventus breathing space in a big 2-0 victory at home.

McKennie came on as a substitute against City, making his first appearance for Juve since Nov. 23. The American midfielder was out due to muscle fatigue.

He marked his return to the field with a literal bang as he and fellow American Timothy Weah combined for a glorious goal in the 75th minute to double their team’s lead.

Weston McKennie goal vs Man City

Italian club Juventus and Paul Pogba announced on Friday that they have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder's contract on Nov. 30.

The 31-year-old had a deal with the Serie A club until June 2026 but is banned from playing until March next year after testing positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels, in September 2023.

Pogba Juventus split ways

Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah scored both of Juventus’ goals in a 2-2 draw vs. Parma in Serie A on Wednesday. The McKennie and Weah goals saw the latter assisting the first goal and scoring the next.

Americans are thriving in Serie A this season as Juventus’ duo proved key in their comeback draw against Parma. Juve conceded just three minutes into the contest to the shock of the home fans inside Allianz Stadium.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is eager to return to football after having his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months and said he dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup with France.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport cut the 31-year-old's ban earlier this month after he was provisionally suspended by Italy's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO Italia) in September 2023 following a positive test for DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels.

Paul Pogba MLS rumors are spreading after a report from Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport stated the Frenchman could terminate his contract with Juventus and eye up a move to the United States.

PARIS — French soccer player Paul Pogba’s doping suspension has been cut to 18 months from an initial four years, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Friday.

"The suspension is now 18 months, starting Sept. 11, 2023," CAS director general Matthieu Reeb told Reuters.

Paul Pogba ban reduced

Paul Pogba: “Finally, the nightmare is over”.

“I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again”.

Juventus pulled off a dramatic comeback vs. RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday to win 3-2 despite being a player down. The club’s winning goal came after a brilliant Weston McKennie tackle on Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

In the closing minutes of the game Leipzig looked to have a dangerous counterattack on their hands with Simons leading the charge. McKennie, who had played the entire game, tracked him down and put in a perfect tackle to stop the attack.

Juventus would the go on to score the game winning goal with the possession that McKennie won back.

U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie scored his first goal for Juventus in 693 days as he struck in their Champions League opener vs. PSV on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s game was a surprise start for the American as he had only featured in one of Juve’s previous four games, starting none of them.

In the 27th minute McKennie was poaching in front of the PSV goal and made no mistake when given the opportunity from close range.

McKennie goal vs PSV