Christian Pulisic is USMNT Player of the Year; Pepi takes Young Player award

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Christian Pulisic is USMNT Player of the Year; Pepi takes Young Player award image

Christian Pulisic has been named the United States men's national team Player of the Year for 2021, marking the third time he's claimed the award.

The Chelsea star delivered two of the most memorable goals of the year for his nation, scoring the winner in the Nations League final against Mexico before netting in World Cup qualifying again against El Tri this past November.

Pulisic's celebrations in both instances — a shush and a custom t-shirt message — added to the legend of his 2021.

MORE: How the USA can qualify to the World Cup

U.S. Players of the Year: Pulisic & Pepi

In addition to Pulisic's honor, striker Ricardo Pepi won male Young Player of the Year.

Pepi broke onto the scene in MLS to earn his first call-up to the USMNT, and he scored three goals to go along with three assists in six World Cup qualifying appearances.

MORE: USMNT's World Cup qualifying schedule in 2022

USA Player of the Year three-time winners

At 23 years old, Pulisic becomes the youngest-ever three-time USMNT Player of the Year honoree. He also took home honors in 2017 and 2019.

The others to have won the award three times are Clint Dempsey (2007, 2011, 2012), Landon Donovan (2003, 2004, 2009, 2010) and Kasey Keller (1997, 1999, 2005).

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