Christian Pulisic and His Father Reflect on Perseverance, Humility, and Family
Christian Pulisic – this year’s recipient of the US Male Soccer Player of the Year award – is a thoughtful, determined player who discussed with SoccerToday what it takes and his soccer philosophy.
“Stay humble, train hard and understand many sacrifices must happen in order to succeed in soccer,” says Christian Pulisic.
Mark Pulisic – the father of the now famous soccer star – shared his thoughts on parenting and, no matter the success, the importance of humility.
Soccer News: In the wake of the US MNT’s disappointment, we look to the up and coming talent for inspiration and something to look forward to. Christian Pulisic – the 2017 US Male Soccer Player of the Year – is that future.
Related Article: The Youngest and the Best – Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic shared with SoccerToday his perspective on humility, hard work, and how to stay motivated. Given Pulisic’s youth – we were also curious what insight his father Mark Pulisic had to share on parenting a soccer star.
Christian Pulisic
Christina Scavuzzo: How did you celebrate your recent recognition, as the US Male Soccer Player of the Year?
Christian Pulisic: Difficult to celebrate after not qualifying for World Cup. But honored for being selected.
Christina Scavuzzo: What philosophy/message as a teammate do you want to share with youth soccer players in the US?
Christian Pulisic: Stay humble, train hard and understand many sacrifices must happen in order to succeed in soccer.
Christina Scavuzzo: What keeps you humble and what motivates you to persevere?
Christian Pulisic: Being humble in sport means you understand there is so much more to achieve.
I know I need to improve in many areas and strive to each day.
I have goals I set each year which helps me to persevere.
Mark Pulisic
Christina Scavuzzo: What is it like raising a famous teenager?
Mark Pulisic: We try to keep things very normal, and set aside much of his free time alone with family and close friends.
But yes at times it can become overwhelming when out in public, but he understands this is part of what he wants, also he enjoys and wants to be a role model for young soccer players.
Christina Scavuzzo: What makes you most proud of Christian and his accomplishments?
Mark Pulisic: My wife and I are proud of his character, and how he handles himself with many pressures thrust upon him.
He is a gifted athlete no doubt, but we enjoy how grounded and humble he stays, he is very driven to be the best and understands the difficulties anything other than humbleness can bring.
Did you know?
From Pennsylvania, Christian Pulisic is an American soccer hero at age 19 — a pro soccer player playing in Germany for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and on the U.S. Men’s National Team, he plays an attacking midfielder.
LONDON, UK – SEPTEMBER 13, 2017: Moussa Sissoko and Christian Pulisic pictured during the UEFA Champions League Group H game
