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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>AC Milan forward is a superstar in the States</li><li>Helping to raise the profile of U.S. soccer</li><li>Does not put himself in same category as LeBron</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

Serie A

AC Milan

Roma

<p>United States international Pulisic has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-like-lebron-james-usmnt-fans-ac-milan-american-superstar-nba-supporters-united-states/blt5ad57c6ecea36a42" target="_blank">seen his standing in soccer circles likened to that of NBA icon LeBron</a>, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/funny-name-christian-pulisic-reacts-captain-america-tag-usmnt-star-addresses-statement-ac-milan-legend-zlatan-ibrahimovic/blt54d0f7bb93b538f1" target="_blank">“Captain America” becoming a household name</a> in his homeland and throughout the world. The 26-year-old is currently <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/top-50-player-best-serie-a-is-christian-pulisic-world-class-former-usmnt-team-mate-explains-standing-ac-milan-forward-global-elite/blt2642638be7d62acb" target="_blank">starring in Italy for Serie A giants AC Milan</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Pulisic <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ac-milan-star-christian-pulisic-hailed-pushing-reset-button-chelsea-struggles-usmnt-legend-mohamed-salah-comparison/blt72d3f162acb59729" target="_blank">takes any lavish praise with a pinch of salt</a>, but the same cannot be said for those that allow themselves to get angry at a tongue-in-cheek comment. Pulisic has told <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/christian-pulisic-ac-milan " target="_blank"><em>GQ</em></a> 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.</p><p>“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.”</p>

WHAT PULISIC SAID

<p>While <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/nba-icon-lebron-james-explains-usmnt-christian-pulisic-new-employers-ac-milan-rejoin-global-elite/bltad25bf58f6c83a40" target="_blank">playing down his standing in global sport</a>, Pulisic is expected to help <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-introverted-usmnt-star-christian-pulisic-agreed-documentary-ac-milan-forward-reveals-present-future-goals/bltb294e5670d95492a" target="_blank">raise the profile of soccer in the United States</a>. 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. </p><p>“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.”</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Pulisic, who has 76 senior caps to his name, will be hoping to figure prominently when the eyes of a global audience <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/world-cup-history-makers-christian-pulisic-gio-reyna-usmnt-class-2026-record-setting-prediction-hero-1994-finals/blta342857a2348bac2" target="_blank">descend on the United States once again in 2026 for the World Cup finals</a> – an event that they will co-host alongside neighbours Canada and Mexico.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

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

USMNT star Christian Pulisic can see the “funny” side of his “LeBron James of soccer” tag that continues to annoy supporters that miss the “joke”.