Expectation is riding high ahead of a home World Cup for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT). Whatever the tournament may hold, there has been a noticeable change in the team’s outlook: many of their star players have spoken publicly about their Christian beliefs.
“It’s Bible time”, declared Christian Pulisic in a documentary series following his life and career, as he sat down with a friend for a Bible study in his kitchen. USMNT’s captain, and arguably its most recognisable figure, has been open about how faith in Jesus gives him strength and keeps him grounded. He regularly posts pictures with Bible verses underlined on Instagram.
Asked about the ten items he could not live without for GQ magazine, Pulisic chose his necklace with a cross. “This is the most special one to me because my mom gave me this, and I pretty much have it on all the time,” he said. “And I love it a lot. It makes me feel like I have God with me all the time, and my mom is with me as well”, he said.
When goalkeeper Matt Freese joined the squad, he said he had already met Pulisic in a Bible study, according to The Guardian. “I say it out loud, I remind myself: God’s got me, God’s looking over me and watching me,” he told Sports Spectrum, “Faith has motivated me and guided my career. God’s given me so many opportunities within this game. I still have to do my part and take that opportunity … I can’t not work hard and use those lessons God has enabled my parents to tell me”.
Ahead of the World Cup, Mark McKenzie told Sports Spectrum about growing up in the Church; praying with his parents about big career decisions; and navigating the locker room in sharing the gospel with those from different religious backgrounds. He spoke about reading his Bible on the physio table to open conversations with staff, and his calling to put on the Armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) to be light in “dark spaces”.
Defender Chris Richards has spoken of the importance of the Bible and praying throughout his life and career, having been part of a ten-strong group at Crystal Palace who read scripture together.
Weston McKennie’s Instagram bio reads “All glory to God”, and has posted pictures of him wearing a cross and pointing to the sky.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has often worn a bracelet with a Catholic patron saint on the touchline.