Who Are The Best American Football Players Ever? (Top 10 Ranked)

Who Are The Best American Football Players Ever? (Top 10 Ranked)

Recent times have seen an increased American presence in football's elite competitions, as many a talent has been able to strut their stuff on the European scene after originating stateside. The rapid development of the football scene in the US is clear for all to see, and we are sure to witness more and more American academy products make inroads across world football.

We have also seen the USMNT on the cusp of making significant progress in a major tournament. With Mauricio Pochettino now at the helm, 2026 may be the year the US makes its next step in the development of football in the nation.

Here at Football Park we want to commemorate one of the three host nations of next year's World Cup by compiling a list of the top 10 American footballers to ever play the game. With legends, cult heroes and players currently lighting up world football all featuring, let's take a look at who makes our top 10.

10. Carlos Bocanegra

Moving from Chicago Fire in 2004, Bocanegra's transfer to Fulham saw him become an instant fan favourite. The centre half was one of a few American players for Fulham at the time, the others also on this list, who excelled at Craven Cottage. After over 100 Premier League appearances, Bocanegra enjoyed spells in French football before returning to the UK when signing for Rangers in 2011. Bocanegra was universally loved by fans, despite the club being in administration at the time. His ability to get a goal from centre half, as well as his consistent solid performances, sees him earn a spot on the list.

A leader and a legend.

Carlos Bocanegra made his mark on American Soccer. pic.twitter.com/mCKXXNMMr8

— National Soccer HOF (@soccerhof) October 2, 2021

9. Jozy Altidore

Now I'd be lying to you if I said Jozy Altidore set the Premier League alight in his time there. A prolific 1 goal in 42 games at Sunderland meant that he was not able to replicate his scoring form whilst at AZ Alkmaar, his previous club. Altidore enjoyed spells all over Europe with the likes of Bursaspor in Turkey and Villarreal in Spain. However, it is his goalscoring record for both the Dutch club AZ and the USMNT which is why he makes it into our top 10. Breaking the record for most goals by an American in a European season in the 2012/13 season, the striker also enjoyed great success at international level, scoring 42 goals in 115 games. Although Sunderland fans may disagree, Altidore comes in at ninth on our list.

Jozy Altidore (€7.27M) - New York Red Bulls to Villarreal (2008) pic.twitter.com/PlPOARQ5w1

— Transfersthathappened (@actualtransfers) March 29, 2025

8. Brian McBride

A teammate of Carlos Bocanegra, McBride ventured into English fooball playing for Preston and Everton on loan, before joining Fulham in 2004. His goalscoring exploits for the London club in his time there saw him win Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008, whilst also becoming captain with his leadership and endeavour. Adored by Fulham fans, McBride's return to the MLS in 2008 was very much an emotional farewell for the American at Craven Cottage. McBride was just as lethal for his country. One of only three Americans to score at two World Cups, the striker notched 30 times for his national team and left a lasting imprint on American football with his goals and performances.

Happy 52nd Birthday to the man who has scored the most winning goals for Fulham in the Premier League...

🇺🇸 Brian McBride!#FFC pic.twitter.com/cjx8BPoz3T

— Random Fulham Stuff (@FulhamRandom) June 19, 2024

7. Claudio Reyna

With Argentinian heritage, Reyna's elegance and flair on the football pitch were impossible to miss. Appearing at four World Cups, the American very much played the game in the right way with his creativity on the ball. Enjoying successful spells in Germany, where he became the first American to captain a European club, Reyna then moved to Rangers, where he won the domestic double.

Despite only being at the club for two years, the creative midfielder was held in high regard by Rangers fans before completing a transfer to Sunderland. An injury-ravaged time in the Northeast and then the blue side of Manchester culminated in his return to the MLS in 2007, where he joined the New York Red Bulls. An incredibly successful international career mirrored by an impactful time in Europe, Reyna comes in at seventh in our top 10.

Happy Birthday Claudio Reyna! 🎂

20 years old in the famous USA 94 away shirt and then nearly 25 years later in the 1994 jacket at our World Cup exhibition in New York in 2018! pic.twitter.com/9GpRIBwDCj

— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) July 20, 2021

6. DaMarcus Beasley

The Rangers connection continues with sixth on our list, the dynamic DaMarcus Beasley. Plying his trade at both left back and left midfield, Beasley enjoyed a fantastic career at both club and international levels. Also playing at four World Cups, he built a reputation for both pace and left-footed quality in a career that saw him play all over the world.

With a notable spell at PSV Eindhoven, where he won multiple domestic titles, Beasley became the first American to play in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Moving onto the likes of Man City, Rangers, Hannover 96 and Puebla, Beasley's fascinating career culminated in a move back to America with Houston Dynamo. An incredible talent on the left side of the pitch, Beasley's 20-year career was both incredibly unique and incredibly successful.

USMNT legend DaMarcus Beasley spent three years at PSV, where he won two league titles and helped the club reach the Champions League semifinals.

Last week, he visited his former stadium, and took a photo with Earnie Stewart, Sergiño Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and Malik Tillman. 🙌🏽🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/axBnOzbGfO

— Anthony (@AnthonyKyaw) December 18, 2023

5. Tim Howard

The first of two goalkeepers on our list, Tim Howard developed a reputation for safe hands and clean sheets during his time in English football with both Everton and Manchester United. Even scoring a goal in his 354 appearances for the blue side of Merseyside, Howard was very much a fan favourite with Evertonians.

With both longevity and reliability, he goes down as an Everton legend after being at the club for a decade and establishing himself as one of the best to ever do it in the Premier League. Likewise, his time for USMNT was equally brilliant. Breaking the record for the most-capped goalkeeper of all time for the men's national team, Howard was just as dependable for his national side. Breaking the record for most saves in a World Cup match when playing for Belgium, his brilliance and big-game performances were clear for all to see on the world stage.

Tim Howard celebrates his 44th birthday today.

Never forget his record 16 saves against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup 🧤 pic.twitter.com/voPXBvPVmN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 6, 2023

4. Brad Friedel

In an incredibly close call, Friedel makes it in above his goalkeeping companion at fourth in our rankings. Although not making as many international appearances as Howard, Friedel's time in the Premier League sees him usurp the former Everton and Manchester United keeper. The current record holder for most consecutive Premier League appearances, Friedel was indispensable for both Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa before joining Tottenham in 2011. Winning Player of the Year for Rovers in 2003 with 15 Premier League clean sheets, he established himself as one of the best around in his time in the English game and is fondly remembered for his stint in the top flight.

🇺🇸 Brad Friedel's run of 310 consecutive PL appearances came to an end on this day in 2012. ❌

Friedel had played in every possible game for Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham from the start of the 2004/05 season until Spurs benched him against Villa. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/T1gnYc08lW

— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) October 7, 2025

3. Christian Pulisic

Definitely with the ability to rise higher if we were to rewrite this list in 5 years time, Pulisic has established himself as the golden boy of football in America. With an already stellar career with Dortmund, Chelsea and AC Milan, Pulisic is a Champions League winner, and his stature in the game continues to grow. Now playing his football with AC Milan, the forward is the most expensive North American player of all time. With electric pace and a clinical edge, a home World Cup looks like the perfect stage for a potentially career-defining tournament for the 27-year-old. There is no doubt that American hopes rest largely on the brilliance of Pulisic, and next year's tournament will provide the perfect stage for 'Captain America' to show what he can do.

🔴⚫️ | AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri on Christian Pulisic:

“I think people call him the LeBron James of soccer?

He’s leveled up now. He’s Michael Jordan.” pic.twitter.com/BWbqQ7WFpQ

— MilanCentel (@MilanCentel) September 20, 2025

2. Clint Dempsey

Another example of an American export having both a long and successful time in England is Clint Dempsey. His six years in the Premier League for both Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur saw him attain a reputation as one of the most clinical strikers around. A key part in Fulham's European escapades which saw them reach the final of the Europa League, Dempsey's incredible finish against Juventus will live long in the memory.

His goals and performances whilst in England ensured his time will be fondly remembered by Premier League fans. However, it is his record internationally which sees him make second on our list. Dempsey is tied as USMNT's all-time leading goalscorer with 57 in 141 games. A versatile forward who is able to make an impact on the biggest of occasions, Dempsey is fully deserving of second in a list of America's best-ever football players.

Clint Dempsey, Fulham pic.twitter.com/MSMqE3Oguh

— The Extreme Football Enthusiast (@ExtremeFootbal4) August 18, 2025

1. Landon Donovan

Now, like everyone else on this list, Landon Donovan enjoyed a spell in Europe which saw him increase his popularity across world football. However, it is his time with LA Galaxy in the MLS and his international record which set him apart as America's best. Very much the face of American football (not the Temu rugby they play over there) throughout his career, Donovan was able to popularise his domestic league with his performances on the international stage.

Starring in the 2002 US team which reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, his standout performances saw him earn the Best Young Player Award at the tournament, an accolade won by the likes of Pelé, Beckenbauer and more recently Kylian Mbappé. Seven-time American Player of the Year, joint all-time leading goal scorer for the US, and their highest goal scorer at World Cups, Donovan has done it all for his country and is fully deserving to be at the top of our list.

Landon Donovan leaves MLS w/ record 6 championships, 169 goals, 150 assists (including playoffs).

Great run, Landon. pic.twitter.com/pkt0WrYt3h

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 7, 2014