Christian Pulisic may be “Captain America,” but he won’t be wearing the captain’s armband for the U.S. men’s national team in Qatar.
That distinction goes to Tyler Adams. The 23-year-old is the youngest captain at the 2022 World Cup and the youngest for the USMNT at the tournament since 1950.
Like many on the USMNT, Adams is making his first World Cup appearance this year. While the captain tag adds pressure to his debut on soccer’s biggest stage, he is accustomed to shattering expectations at a young age.
Before Adams leads the Americans into their first World Cup contest against Wales, here are five things to know about the captain.
Adams has deep connections with New York Red Bulls
Before Adams played professional soccer, he was watching it from the stands.
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Adams was a big New York Red Bulls fan growing up and would beg his mom to take him to games when he was a kid. He then started his career at the Red Bulls Academy in 2011 before joining the club’s senior reserve team in 2015.
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Adams made history with his professional contract
Adams became the first player to graduate from the Red Bulls Regional Development school and earn a professional deal.
He made 33 appearances with New York Red Bulls II and made his MLS debut with New York Red Bulls in 2016. After four years with the club, he joined German team RB Leipzig.
Adams joined Leeds United of the Premier League in 2022 and has 13 appearances with the team so far this year.
Adams was first player born in 1999 to earn USMNT cap
Adams got to represent his country on the international stage in 2017 when he debuted with the USMNT. He started in a friendly against Portugal and earned a cap, becoming the first player born in 1999 to do so with the team.
Adams’ first international goal was a game-winner vs. Mexico
As a midfielder, goalscoring isn’t one of Adams’ primary roles. Still, he found the back of the net in a major way for his lone international tally.
Adams scored a game-winning goal in a friendly against rival Mexico in Nashville. He dashed into the box and ripped a shot in the 71st minute of a 1-0 USMNT victory.
Adams became fourth USMNT player to win the German Cup
Adams is hoping to add to his trophy case in Qatar.
The midfielder earned a German Cup with RB Leipzig in May 2022. The Bundesliga club emerged with a title in the 64-team tournament by beating SC Freiburg on penalties in the final.
