Christian Pulisic finishes 2nd in Kopa Trophy race

United States Men’s National team midfielder Christian Pulisic added another honor to his growing list of accolades, as he do nished second in the inaugural Kopa Trophy voting behind winner France and Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe was considered the overwhelming favorite for the award, as he helped PSG secure the 2017-2018 Ligue 1 title and France win the 2018 World Cup. Mbappe also finished fourth in Ballon d’Or voting.

The Kopa Trophy is awarded by magazine France Football (which also organizes the Ballon d’Or), to the world’s best male player under 21. The voters for the Trophy are former Ballon d’Or winners.

Mbappe won the award with 110 points (holding every first place vote), Pulisic earned 31, and AS Roma and Netherlands winger Justin Kluivert garnered 18.

Pulisic has had a solid year in 2018 with 4 goals and 10 assists in 33 appearances for Borussia Dortmund (per Transfermarkt). He failed to record a goal or assist in his 3 appearances with the USMNT this year.

While Pulisic is undoubtedly talented, he has struggled for playing time this year at Dortmund and has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Are you impressed at Pulisic’s runner-up finish in the Kopa Trophy race?