Footballers from the United States who play in Europe's Top 5 Leagues

From Landon Donovan to Clint Dempsey, Europe has been home to some of the greatest American footballers that we have seen.

We take a look at footballers from the United States who are currently playing in Europe's top five leagues.

Premier League

• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)

Tyler Adams has been at the heart of Bournemouth's midfield in their pursuit for a European finish in the 2024/25 campaign, signing from Leeds in 2023.

He ranks second for tackles made in the Cherries' squad, making a mockery of his £20m transfer fee in this current market.

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)

Chris Richards is arguably one of the Premier League's most underrated performers in the 2024/25 campaign, playing in a Crystal Palace defence who have conceded less goals than the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United.

• Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Antonee Robinson has made a name for himself as one of the best left-backs the Premier League has to offer, starring in a Fulham team with Europe firmly in their sights.

He is amongst the top assisters in England's top flight and could prove crucial to the United States in upcoming competitions.

• Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea)

Gabriel Slonina was one of numerous goalkeepers recruited by Chelsea in their mass spending spree, signing for an estimated $10m fee.

He is, however, yet to make a senior appearance for the club, currently on loan at League One side Barnsley.

• Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)

Despite playing for three separate Premier League sides, he has only featured in the competition for Nottingham Forest, unable to break into the starting XI at both Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

While the goalkeeper is still owned by Forest, he is on loan at the Eagles, featuring on the bench most weeks.

La Liga

• Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis)

Johnny Cardoso is a defensive minded midfield player, currently playing for La Liga side Real Betis. Despite being eligible to play for Brazil, he opted to represent the United States at an international level.

Serie A

• Gianluca Busio (Venezia)

Gianluca Busio made the move from Sporting Kansas City to Venezia in 2021 for a club-record transfer fee of $10.5m, offering his services as a versatile central midfield player.

• Weston McKennie (Juventus)

Weston McKennie was touted as one of the nation's most exciting prospects when breaking through Schalke's youth setup, and he has gone on to play over 50 times for the United States.

Barring a short loan stint at Leeds in 2023, McKennie has represented Juventus since signing in 2021.

• Yunus Musah (AC Milan)

Yunus Musah will undoubtedly be key to any success that USA have in the coming years, having established a key role in AC Milan's midfield.

A dynamic player who specialises in advancing play and dictating tempo, Musah is closing in on 50 appearances for the United States.

• Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

Christian Pulisic, once labelled the 'LeBron James of soccer' by American sports fans, remains one of the nation's favourites, playing his club football for AC Milan.

Capable of playing on either wing, the 26-year-old was held back by injuries during his time at Chelsea, but has excelled since his move to Italy.

• Timothy Weah (Juventus)

Timothy Weah, son of prolific centre forward George Weah, has a number of prestigious clubs under his belt at the age of 25, having already played for Paris Saint-Germain, Lille and Celtic.

He now plays as an attacking minded full-back for Juventus, a position that you wouldn't ordinarily associate with the player given his history as a forward player.

Bundesliga

• Timothy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Aged 34, Timothy Chandler is closing in on 200 games or Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, joining the club from fellow German side 1. FC Nurnberg in 2014.

Chandler primarily plays as a right-back, though is also competent in a more advanced right midfield role.

• Lennard Maloney (Mainz 05)

Lennard Maloney, born in Germany, made his United States debut on 18th October 2023, despite representing Germany at U18 and U19 level.

He has played most of his career minutes as a central defender, but is also comfortable in a defensive midfield role.

• Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg)

Kevin Paredes primarily plays as a left wing-back, though has occasionally played in a more advanced left wing role. He left D.C. United in 2021, joining Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for $7.35m.

• Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)

Like Pulisic, Gio Reyna is another player who appeared to be one of football's most compelling prospects, leaving New York City FC to join Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Five years and over 100 Dortmund appearances later, Reyna is yet to establish a regular starting spot in the XI.

• James Sands (St. Pauli)

While James Sands is still contracted to New York City FC, he currently offers his services as a defensive midfielder or central defender on loan at Bundesliga outfit St. Pauli.

• Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Aged just 22, Joe Scally has already made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach, swiftly becoming one of the league's most consistent full-backs.

• John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel)

A product of New York Red Bulls' academy, John Tolkin left the club to join Holstein Kiel in the 2025 January transfer window, where he plays as a left-back.

Ligue 1

• Folarin Balogun (Monaco)

Folarin Balogun was in high demand after a successful loan spell for French outfit Reims, but it was Monaco who secured the signature of the former Arsenal centre forward, signing for a reported €40m fee including add-ons.

• Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)

Standing at 6ft, Mark McKenzie plays as a central defender for French outfit Toulouse, joining from Genk in 2024.

It was at Philadelphia Union, however, where he impressed former United States manager Gregg Berhalter, handing McKenzie his debut on 1st February 2020.

• Jordan Pefok (Reims)

Committing to play for the United States on 10th March 2021, despite being eligible to play for France and Cameroon, Jordan Pefok is a product of the Stade de Reims academy, but currently plays as a striker for fellow French outfit Reims.

• Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)

Tanner Tessmann is a central midfield player, currently plying his trade at Lyon. The French outfit are the second European club that the American has represented, having spent three years in Italy playing for Venezia.