Christian Pulisic stunned the soccer world with an 'Olimpico' goal from a corner in the UEFA Champions League
Ever since making the move from Chelsea to AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A, Christian Pulisic has enjoyed a much-needed career renaissance. And his unbelievable 2024-25 season has managed to get even better.
Pulisic — now with 10 goal contributions in 11 matches for Milan — had the start in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Belgian side Club Brugge. And though Milan struggled to put pressure on attack for much of the first half, Pulisic broke open the scoring in the most unexpected way.
Literally. He scored a goal straight from a corner kick with a 0.00 xG (expected goals). Even Pulisic was stunned that he pulled off the elusive “Olimpico” goal.
PULISIC OLIMPICO
(via @TUDNUSA)pic.twitter.com/Ep87hW9BQA
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 22, 2024
Just wow. You know things are going your way when that finds the back of the net.
Initially, it looked like that the ball may have nicked Matteo Gabbia, but Pulisic was given the goal (his seventh of the season) on the field. And Gabbia’s reaction — going straight to Pulisic — suggested that he didn’t touch the ball.
Understandably, the Olimpico had the soccer world in awe.
This was how Twitter/X reacted
Yea man, an American just scored an Olimpico in the Champions League.
No big deal…Christian Pulisic, the greatest USMNT player of all time.
pic.twitter.com/SuemwUv14P— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) October 22, 2024
CHRISTIAN PULISIC OLIMPICO GOAL FOR AC MILAN TO OPEN THE SCORING IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
UNREAL! pic.twitter.com/HkriaFsldT
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) October 22, 2024
HOLY CRAP CHRISTIAN PULISIC NOW SCORING STRAIGHT FROM CORNERS BECAUSE HE CAN pic.twitter.com/Q15dcQUQB0
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 22, 2024
unreal run of form from this guy. undoubtedly the greatest American of all time, and if he continues this form this season, he is world class. https://t.co/1x32Fayswc
— caleb smith (@Sm1ttayy) October 22, 2024
This man absolutely cannot be stopped and it’s wonderful to see. https://t.co/upBGDAnf6G
— Philip Galati IV (@philipgalati4) October 22, 2024
Is this the first Olimpico in the history of the Champions League? I have found no evidence that it has ever been done before. https://t.co/aMg8S4nfER
— Alex Calabrese (@amcalabrese12) October 22, 2024
Pulisic is on a generational tear man, wow. https://t.co/BtntFcVs4h
— Athens Steve (@rainy_steve) October 22, 2024
Our king https://t.co/7VkBKxbdUk
— chris, wrestling fan (@sportsbrain) October 22, 2024
Olimpicos
Messi: 0
Pulisic: 1 https://t.co/VIJjpBY11H— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) October 22, 2024
This just shows how special Christian really is. Will go down as the greatest of all time for the #USMNT No doubt about it. Enjoy him while we can, folks! https://t.co/2e3lUspLaR
— The Bolivian Yank (@TheBolivianYank) October 22, 2024