A new online argument between USMNT players has stirred fans, continuing a long-running American soccer tradition of public and often pointless feuds. Retired striker Eddie Johnson recently called out national team legend Landon Donovan on social media after Donovan discussed the growing excitement around up-and-coming star Cavan Sullivan. Donovan had pointed to former prodigy Freddy Adu and Johnson as examples of players whose early careers failed to live up to expectations. Johnson fired back, questioning Donovan's own five years in Germany and his return to MLS, and arguing that Donovan was now criticizing young players who had achieved more in Europe than either of them.
Such spats are nothing new for the USMNT. Donovan has been at the center of several, including a clash with Christian Pulisic. After Pulisic asked to skip the 2025 Gold Cup, Donovan criticized players who missed the tournament, saying it was "pissing me off." Pulisic's father responded by posting an AI-generated explanation of Donovan's own 2012-13 sabbatical, and Pulisic reacted by liking the post.
Other memorable incidents include Jermaine Jones's criticism of Jordan Morris, who reportedly turned down a chance to play in Germany to stay near home. Morris later said the dog his family had bought was not a factor. Alejandro Bedoya and Jozy Altidore also traded jabs after an MLS match in 2017, with Bedoya dismissing Altidore's penalty claim.
Whether these disputes are petty or passionate, they keep the USMNT's rivalries firmly in the spotlight, with fans eager to see who will be next.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing