Christian Pulisic is an American international who plays football (or soccer, as they call it there) for one of the world's biggest clubs. Naturally, any player in his position is going to get a lot of media attention given his nationality.
On social media, Pulisic is often referred to as the 'LeBron James' of football. Where does this phrase come from? Tribuna.com has the answer.
Who is LeBron James?
James is the face of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is one of the two greatest players to ever play the game.
One of the most marketable athletes in the world, James is the most popular athlete in the USA and is widely considered to be the best player of this generation.
To be called the LeBron James of anything is a huge compliment as it means you're the best in that particular field.
Why is Pulisic called the LeBron James of football?
There are two main reasons. Number one, Pulisic is one of the most famous American football players of all time and naturally, there is a need for the American media to liken him to their country's biggest star.
For the Americans who don't follow football, comparing Pulisic to LeBron basically tells you that Pulisic is very big in this sport and this draws more attention to him.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this comparison became a meme online when this episode of the TV show 'Pawn Stars' aired. An American 'soccer fan' wants to sell a signed jersey by Pulisic and the host of the show refers to him as the LeBron James of soccer:
We all know that while Pulisic is good, he certainly isn't close to being the best player in the world and neither has anyone ever compared him to Messi and Ronaldo. But that's American media sensationalism for you!
Ever since this clip aired, Pulisic has been memed for being an American in a non-American sport:
Of course, as long as he performs well for Chelsea, fans could not care less what he is referred to!
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