Americans in the UEFA Champions League 2026/27

Charlie Zschau Published: 6 hours ago

Seven American soccer players are currently on UEFA Champions League rosters, but some are far more likely to play consistently in the games, while others will likely be confined to the bench.

Star USMNT players such as Weston McKennie (Juventus), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), and Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco) have all made regular Champions League appearances in the past, but their teams did not qualify for the prestigious tournament on 2026/27.

Here's a look at the American players who could be see the field in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid)

Johnny Cardoso joined Atlético Madrid from Real Betis in the summer of 2026, having made his UEFA Champions League debut the previous season. Cardoso made 10 appearances in the competition during the 2025/26 campaign while at Real Betis, scoring his only goal against Club Brugge in the playoff round.

The central midfielder would likely have played a significant role in the 2026 World Cup, but he missed the tournament while recovering from an injury.

Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund)

Mathis Albert is one of many young American prospects expected to have a bright future. The 17-year-old left-winger is a member of Borussia Dortmund's Champions League squad, though he is not currently first choice in the pecking order.

George Bello (LASK)

George Bello is one of two Americans playing for the Austrian club LASK. The 24-year-old joined the side in 2023 and made his UEFA Champions League debut during their opening match against AEK Athens on September 8th, 2026, playing the full 90 minutes.

Samuel Adeniran (LASK)

Samuel Adeniran is the other LASK player from the United States. Born in Houston, Texas, Adeniran is a 27-year-old midfielder who joined the Austrian club from the Philadelphia Union on a free transfer in 2025.

Sergino Dest (PSV)

Sergiño Dest is one of the most notable American players in the Champions League this season. Dest has represented Ajax, Barcelona, AC Milan, and now PSV in the competition, having made his debut with Ajax in 2019. The 25-year-old has scored once in 34 Champions League appearances ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Dest is a consistent member of the USMNT and played a pivotal role at the 2026 World Cup this past summer.

Ricardo Pepi (PSV)

Ricardo Pepi plays for the Dutch side PSV and is a prominent member of the USMNT. The 23-year-old forward made his debut in the competition in 2023 and has scored six goals in 20 appearances.

Pepi will have a significant role to play in the Champions League this season, following PSV's sale of Ismael Saibari to Bayern Munich, which leaves the American as the team's first-choice striker.

Alex Freeman (Villareal)

Alex Freeman joined Villarreal from Orlando City in January 2026. At 22, the right back has significant potential for development, but he has already made his debut for Villarreal in the Champions League, appearing as a second-half substitute against Borussia Dortmund in the first match of the 2026 campaign.