What next for Christian Pulisic, the U.S. soccer star who can never live up to the hype?

Key Points:

• Despite the USMNT's exit from the World Cup in the round of 16, marketing and media have continued to portray Christian Pulisic as a key figure destined for World Cup glory, creating unrealistic expectations around his performance.
• Pulisic has faced criticism for his perceived inconsistency and injury management, particularly after withdrawing from the Gold Cup to rest for the World Cup and sustaining a microfracture during the tournament, which ended his participation prematurely.
• Milan, Pulisic's club, has undergone significant changes including multiple coaching shifts and management restructuring, with new owner Gerry Cardinale aiming to implement an attacking style under coach Ruben Amorim that suits Pulisic's playing strengths.
• Pulisic's future at Milan remains uncertain as his contract nears its end, and while the club wants to retain him, he will need to prove his value to secure a new deal or attract interest from other top European clubs, with a move to MLS unlikely in the short term.
• The USMNT's World Cup narrative may ultimately be remembered more for other players like Folarin Balogun, highlighting the challenges Pulisic faces in living up to the high expectations set by marketing and pundits.