Eight United States players compete in Champions League soccer tournament

Eight American players are participating in this season’s UEFA Champions League, highlighting the increasing presence of U.S. personnel in elite European club soccer. The group features USMNT regulars like Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest at PSV, alongside defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who is representing Atletico Madrid. Other American participants include Mathis Albert at Borussia Dortmund, Alex Freeman at Villarreal, and the LASK duo of Samuel Adeniran and George Bello. While only four of these players currently hold senior national team caps, the cohort reflects a broader trend of American athletes securing roles at the highest levels of club competition. These players will now look to secure consistent minutes for their respective teams as the tournament schedule commences.

• 2:41 PMCBS Sports — Americans in Champions League: Johnny Cardoso leads list of eight U.S. players in Europe's biggest competition