The never-ending comparisons between players in soccer can sometimes be a bit much, right? It’s like, we get it, but labeling players with these grand titles can be pretty silly. Take Christian Pulisic, for example. Recently, he’s been called the “LeBron James of Soccer,“ and, well, Captain America wasn’t having any of it. He fired back at critics, saying it’s just not fair.

Let’s talk about AC Milan for a second. Yeah, they’ve been struggling this season, but when Pulisic’s on the pitch, he’s been doing his thing. Five goals and four assists in Serie A? That’s not too shabby right? Sadly, though, the USMNT star has been sidelined lately because of an injury. The niggling injury has kept him out of Milan’s last four games. It’s tough, especially when you’re performing like he has been.

You know how sports always seem to come with endless comparisons? It’s like no matter what, players are constantly being pitted against each other. Take Christian Pulisic, for example. In his recent interview with GQ, he was asked, how it felt being labeled the ‘LeBron James of soccer’. Imagine being compared to one of the greatest basketball players ever, in a completely different sport.

Pulisic definitely wasn’t too thrilled about it. In fact, he found it a little absurd. “It’s funny, I’ll be traveling 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 favorite 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.“ he added, calling it more of a joke than anything serious.

The 26-year-old also made it clear he’s not the LeBron James of soccer. “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,“ pointing out that whoever made the comparison probably doesn’t know much about the game.

AC Milan’s season so far has been a rollercoaster ride and Sunday night’s 1-1 draw against Roma, seemed to be the breaking point. Coach Paulo Fonseca was sacked by the club for the team’s poor displays on the pitch. Nevertheless, with Pulisic recovering from an injury, it’ll be interesting to see how he fits into the team once he’s back, especially with a new manager in place.

So, what do you think? Could Pulisic become the face of American soccer? Well, here’s what Pulisic had to say about it!

Will Christian Pulisic become the face of American sports?

It’s no secret that Christian Pulisic has the potential to be one of the best players in the game. But when it comes to reaching the global superstardom of LeBron James, he’s keeping it real. In the same interview with GQ, Pulisic acknowledged that he might not hit those same heights, but he’s determined to make an enormous impact on soccer in America. “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.”

He went on to share his vision of soccer’s future in America, “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.“ It’s clear that Pulisic is focused on growing the sport and creating a real culture around soccer in America.

However, with a new coach in place, it’ll be interesting to see how Pulisic’s journey unfolds. But one thing’s for sure, he’s already inspiring a new generation of soccer-loving kids, isn’t he?