When the Champions League play kicks off on Tuesday across Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network, fans of the United States men's national team may be searching for players like Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic. For America's biggest stars you need to look to the Europa League (kicking off on Wednesday, September 16, across CBS Sports and Paramount+), but that doesn't mean there is a shortage of Americans in Europe's premier competition. Led by Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi with PSV, there will be eight Americans taking part in Champions League soccer, though only four of them have senior national team caps.
Only a few years ago, this would have seemed inconceivable, as any American in Europe's premier competition would've almost certainly been in the national team mix at minimum, but that has changed. More American players than ever are playing their club soccer at Europe's highest levels. Thanks to that, this edition of the Champions League will see Americans who are USMNT regulars, young players looking to make a name, and even journeymen who are seizing the moment.
So let's meet the Americans in the Champions League this campaign. An unfortunate injury kept the Atletico Madrid midfielder from making a true run at the World Cup squad, but Johnny Cardoso is back in the Champions League as Atleti look to get back to their best. The defensive midfielder has had to settle for coming off the bench so far this season, but as he regains fitness, he'll push to retake his place in the starting lineup as he strives for more minutes and looks to stay in Mauricio Pochettino's plans with the national team.
Only 17, Mathis Albert is someone with a bright future. Leaving the LA Galaxy academy in 2024 for Germany, Albert has been pushing for more time after starring for Dortmund's youth sides. He hasn't made a Bundesliga appearance yet this season, but he did start and play 90 minutes in the Black and Yellows' first-round game of the DFB-Pokal.
One to watch, Albert is someone who will be able to earn more minutes as Dortmund goes deeper in this competition, and squad rotation is needed. A USMNT regular, Ricardo Pepi is the man who PSV looks for when they need a goal. Only 23, Pepi has made more than 100 appearances for the club and also appeared in all five matches for the USMNT at the World Cup, but wasn't able to score a goal.
Pepi has become a regular for both club and country, and he's no stranger to the Champions League either. Pepi has six goals and four assists in 20 appearances for PSV in the competition, and he'll be looking to add to that. Able to play on either side of the defense or as a winger; you know what you'll get when Sergino Dest is in the XI.
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