U.S. Soccer’s Male and Young Male Player of the Year honors have been decided.
Christian Pulisic earned 2023 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year honors while Kevin Paredes earned Young Male Player of the Year honors, the federation announced Thursday. Pulisic earned the honor for a record-tying fourth time while Paredes earned his first major honor with U.S. Soccer.
Pulisic earned 53% of the overall total, followed by AC Milan teammate Yunus Musah (21.5%) and Ricardo Pepi (12.9%). Paredes earned 59% of the overall total, followed by Benjamin Cremaschi (12%) and Gianluca Busio (10.8%).
The 25-year-old Pulisic totaled six goals and three assists during the USMNT’s 2023 schedule. Two of those goals came during the 3-0 CONCACAF Nations League semifinal win over Mexico.
He earned CNL Best XI honors for the second-straight campaign.
At club level, Pulisic earned a transfer to Serie A side AC Milan and proceeded to tally seven goals and four assists during the first half of the season. Pulisic helped the Rossoneri stave off elimination from European competition by dropping into the Europa League later this winter.
“It’s an honor to win this award again for the fourth time,” Pulisic said. “It was an incredible season for me. I always enjoy playing with the National Team and winning more trophies with the National Team. Of course, coming here to AC Milan, it’s been just a really exciting year. I’ve enjoyed it so much, so I’m really grateful to win an award like this.
“Any of the nominees could have won it, and not even just those guys, names outside of that as well who have been putting in such strong performances on the club level and with the National Team. I’m really proud of how far this group has come and looking forward to some really big events coming up in the next years.”
Kevin Paredes named U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year
Paredes enjoyed a positive year for club and country, excelling for both Wolfsburg and the U.S. Under-20 men’s national team.
The former DC United homegrown totaled two goals and three assists for Wolfsburg in 28 combined appearances. Paredes, 20, has continued to earn more playing time this season as Wolfsburg aims to finish in a European place for 2024-25.
On the international level, Paredes made four appearances with the USMNT U-20’s, including two at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He scored one goal and added one assist over his time in Mikey Varas’ squad.
Paredes made his senior debut in September’s 4-0 win over Oman before also featuring against Germany in October and Trinidad & Tobago in November.
“It’s an honor to be named Young Male Player of the Year and I’m truly happy to be able to play for the country that gave me and my family so many opportunities,” Paredes said. “Looking at past winners, I know how privileged I am to be named amongst some of the greatest to ever play for our country. I enjoy every moment wearing the red, white and blue and I look forward to continuing to represent the United States at a high standard.”
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