The United States may not have always been big in the soccer world – but day by day, week by week and year on year, it’s starting to become a bit of a soccer powerhouse. We’re producing all sorts of impressive young talents who are making their mark – not just in the US, but also in some of the top European leagues – where you’ll find names like Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah and Gabriel Slonina topping the Bundesliga, Serie A and EPL odds.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup being on the minds of many soccer fans, there are a number of rising stars who could well be key players in the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) – and help them reach new heights.
So, with that being said, here are some of the most promising US soccer players to watch in 2025.
Gio Reyna – Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga
Gio Reyna has been considered one of the brightest talents in American soccer for some time now. Despite having suffered a few injuries in recent years, this attacking midfielder is a popular player in the Borussia Dortmund squad. With his technical ability, vision, and creativity he’s an impressive playmaker for both his club and his country.
Not only does he have impressive dribbling and passing skills, but his experience playing in one of Europe’s top leagues means that he has the potential to be a leading figure in the USMNT attack.
Ricardo Pepi – PSV Eindhoven, Eredivisie
This young striker has been amazing since he made his move to the Netherlands, with serious goal-scoring instincts and a real physical presence. After struggling to get a lot of gameplay in the Bundesliga, his resurgence at PSV Eindhoven has definitely earned him a place as one of the best American forwards.
With clinical finishing ability, super strong aerial presence and positioning, he’s definitely a huge option for the squad’s attacking lineup.
Yunus Musah – AC Milan, Serie A
It hasn’t taken long for Musah to establish himself as an important and very skilled midfielder for both AC Milan and the USMNT. He has the ability to control the tempo of the game – and that, with his athleticism and defensive capabilities, makes him one of the most versatile midfielders in the country’s squad.
With a dynamic box-to-box presence and all-important experience in high-intensity European competition, he’s definitely going to be a key playmaker for the USMNT’s midfield.
Joe Scally – Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bundesliga
Scully is a versatile full-back who just keeps getting better and better in the Bundesliga, showing off his defensive solidity and attacking support. He can play on both flanks, he’s adaptable and he has endurance that makes him a hugely exciting prospect for the USMNT’s defence.
With a strong defensive awareness and tackling ability, his versatility to play as a right-back or left-back and the fact that he regularly competes at the highest levels in Germany, he’s definitely going to make an impact.
Paxten Aaronson – Eintracht Frankfurt, Bundesliga
Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Brenden Aaronson, Paxten is carving out a pretty solid career for himself in European soccer. As an attacking midfielder, his technical skills and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing have made him one of the US players to watch.
With quick decision-making skills, impressive agility and consistently strong performances in the Bundesliga, he definitely has the potential to become a real creative force for the USMNT.
Cade Cowell – Chivas, Liga MX
Having moved to Chivas in Liga MX, Cowell has a whole new platform to develop and improve his game. With seriously impressive speed and physicality, the young winger really has what it takes to become a serious attacking threat for the USMNT.
His explosive pace and dribbling ability as well as having experience in a competitive league that’s known for developing young talent means that he’s a versatile attacker who’s more than capable of playing in all different positions.
These are just a few of the players to watch – and with other players including Benjamin Cremaschi, Jalen Neal, Gabriel Slonina, Kevin Paredes and more, US soccer has never looked more promising!
