CHICAGO (Dec. 18, 2020) – For his excellence at the highest level of the sport, U.S. Soccer announced midfielder Weston McKennie as the 2020 Male Player of the Year. Closing his fourth calendar year representing the U.S. Men’s National Team, the 22-year-old Juventus midfielder becomes the fourth youngest recipient of the award, behind teammate Christian Pulisic (19 in 2017 and 21 in 2019) Landon Donovan (21 in 2003) and Peter Vermes (22 in 1988).
A finalist for the award for a third-consecutive year, McKennie is one of 26 different players to claim the honor since it first started in 1984. In his first season with Juventus, McKennie is also the second Italian-based player to win since Alexi Lalas (1995), while the Little Elm, Texas product joins three-time winner Clint Dempsey (2007, 2011 and 2012) as the second player from the Lone Star State to earn the award.
“I want to thank everyone for this huge honor. It’s been a journey, especially through these difficult times during the pandemic,” McKennie said. “Our fans have stuck with us throughout and we really appreciate it. Hopefully in 2021 we can have many more memories together.”
One of six finalists for the Male Player of the Year award, McKennie garnered 44 percent of the tabulated votes, followed by Christian Pulisic (27 percent) and Sergiño Dest (14 percent).
