As the Champions League kicks off this week, American soccer fans will have plenty to watch for with eight U.S. players set to compete in Europe’s premier club competition. While top USMNT stars like Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic feature in the Europa League, there is no shortage of Americans making their mark in the Champions League. Led by Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi at PSV, only four of the eight Americans have senior national team caps.
Just a few years ago, this level of American representation would have seemed impossible, as any American playing in Europe’s top competition would have almost certainly been a regular for the national team. However, that has changed dramatically. More American players than ever are competing at the highest European levels, leading to a diverse group in this Champions League campaign—from established USMNT regulars to young prospects and experienced professionals seizing their opportunity. Here is a look at the Americans in this season’s Champions League.
Johnny Cardoso, Atletico Madrid
Despite an injury that prevented him from pushing for a World Cup roster spot, Johnny Cardoso is back and ready for Champions League action as Atletico Madrid aims to return to its best form. The defensive midfielder has begun the season coming off the bench, but as he builds up his fitness, he will work to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven while staying in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the national team.
Mathis Albert, Borussia Dortmund
At just 17 years old, Mathis Albert represents a promising future for American soccer. After leaving the LA Galaxy academy for Germany in 2024, Albert has been pushing for more playing time after excelling for Dortmund’s youth teams. While he has yet to make a Bundesliga appearance this season, he did start and play the full 90 minutes in Dortmund’s DFB-Pokal opening match. Albert is one to watch as the competition progresses and squad rotation becomes necessary.
Ricardo Pepi, PSV
As a USMNT regular, Ricardo Pepi is PSV’s go-to striker for goals. At only 23, Pepi has made over 100 appearances for the club and featured in all five of the USMNT’s World Cup matches, though he was unable to find the net. He has become a consistent performer for both club and country and is no stranger to Champions League competition, with six goals and four assists in 20 appearances for PSV in the tournament.
Sergino Dest, PSV
Capable of playing on either side of defense or as a winger, Sergino Dest brings reliability and versatility to the lineup. A dual-national who has fit seamlessly into the national team under Pochettino, Dest was a key part of the World Cup squad and remains vital to PSV. Expect Dest to push forward and create opportunities—he has already contributed two goals and two assists in four matches for PSV this season.
Alex Freeman, Villarreal
Last season was a breakthrough year for Alex Freeman, as the 22-year-old right back made his USMNT debut, transferred from Orlando City SC to Villarreal, and became a starter in the World Cup squad. With the Yellow Submarine now fully healthy, Freeman has spent more time on the bench this season. However, he remains an important squad member, and as Villarreal balances Champions League and La Liga fixtures, Freeman will have opportunities to secure playing time.
Samuel Adeniran, LASK
After finding his footing in Austria, Samuel Adeniran has traveled an unconventional path. The striker emerged with San Antonio FC in the USL but could not break into Major League Soccer before joining LASK in 2025. In just 60 matches for the Austrian club, Adeniran has scored 27 goals, and now he gets the chance to showcase his talents on the Champions League stage. Though he lacks USMNT caps, his performances will be worth monitoring.
George Bello, LASK
Adding to the American presence in the Champions League, George Bello will feature at left back for LASK after also moving through multiple clubs—from Atlanta to Armenia Bielefeld in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga. He has become a consistent presence with the Austrian side and will be crucial to their defensive efforts in this Champions League campaign. At 24, Bello has not featured for the USMNT since the 2022 Concacaf Nations League, but this could mark the beginning of a return to the national team picture.
Giorgio De Marzi, Roma
While Giorgio De Marzi currently sits third on Roma’s goalkeeper depth chart, the 19-year-old has caught attention after representing the United States U-19s in March 2026. Similar to Diego Kochen’s role with Barcelona in the previous campaign, De Marzi may not see playing time during this Champions League season, but the experience serves as an important stepping stone for his future career.