For a country that’s never won a FIFA World Cup, soccer remains on the fringes compared to other sports like basketball or American football. However, the arrival of Lionel Messi has changed that slightly. Moreover, the breakthrough of some talented players at major European clubs has raised the ceiling of the USMNT. Over the past few years, American players have been flying across the Atlantic to play ‘better soccer’ in Europe. And Weston McKennie, who followed such a pattern, believes that there’s a bias towards America because it’s not a major soccer nation.

Weston McKennie began his career as a youth player at FC Dallas before transitioning to Bundesliga club Schalke 04. He later joined Juventus as he looked to make a mark. In Christian Pulisic’s documentary, McKennie, now 26, shared that becoming a regular in European football is challenging because of the stigma surrounding American players.

“There’s definitely a bias and it’s just something that you get used to. I go through it most of the time whenever I’m at Juventus, every year somehow I’m on the out and I’m ready to be discarded and then you know it’s like every summer, I am a new player coming in, having to make a name for myself,” said McKennie.

During the 2023 season, the American star joined Leeds United on loan. Despite making 20 appearances, he failed to score, and Leeds suffered relegation on the final game week. At Juventus, he has managed just 15 goals in over 90 appearances. These statistics suggest McKennie has struggled to make a significant impact in Italy.

But the picture is not fully grim, as suggested by the Juventus midfielder. While many Americans struggle in Europe, Christian Pulisic has excelled this season with eight goals and six assists for AC Milan. Despite his recent calf injury, the ‘Lebron James of Soccer’ gives hope that the US could produce a Ballon d’Or winner. But both camps are now worried as the USMNT Captain recently picked up a calf injury. Nevertheless, Weston McKennie aims to improve his fortunes by following a simple mantra.

‘Put my head down, work, and prove people wrong” – says Weston McKennie 

When CBS Sports Golazo’s Serie A crew asked if he needed to prove his worth, Weston McKennie admitted he uses it as motivation. “It allows me to go back to what I do best: put my head down, work, and prove people wrong. That’s what I enjoy doing,” the midfielder said. Juventus confirmed McKennie’s availability for their upcoming Champions League game. 

Croatia achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, thanks to players who regularly competed in their domestic league. In contrast, many homegrown MLS talents leave the league to pursue professional careers in Europe’s top five leagues.

The United States is struggling to advance past the World Cup round of 16, not having done so for over 20 years, However, as more young talents move to Europe, the nation could eventually produce a Ballon d’Or winner, capturing global attention and elevating its status in the soccer world.