Weston McKennie has arguably been one of the best American players in Europe this season and it’s a testament to his clear-cut focus on and off the pitch.
McKennie has made 42 appearances for Juventus this season, scoring a career-high eight goals and contributing five assists. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder/attacker most recently signed a multi-year contact extension with the Bianconeri, committing his future to the club until June 2030.
His 13 goal contributions are already a career-best for McKennie in a single campaign while he is four appearances away from tying his previous single-season high (46) that he completed in 2020-21. McKennie also celebrated his 200th appearance for the Serie A side earlier this winter, becoming one of a few USMNT stars to reach that plateau with a single club.
In what’s been a career year for the veteran midfielder, McKennie praised each of the club stops, as well as manager Luciano Spalletti for helping him reach new heights.
“Reaching those milestones means a lot because every appearance represents work behind the scenes,” McKennie told SBI in an interview. “Each club has pushed me in a different way, from developing as a young player to competing for titles, and those experiences shaped me into a more complete professional.
“Working with Luciano Spalletti has been a strong experience for me,” he added. “He demands focus and discipline every day, and that trust and communication have helped me grow and play with more confidence.”
Off-the-field, McKennie expanded his partnership with Vita Coco earlier this year, becoming a Global Brand Ambassador for the company ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On-the-field, McKennie will be eager to be part of the USMNT’s set up with the tournament kicking off in 99 days. McKennie has earned 62 senior caps to date for his country, last featuring during the October window against Ecuador and Australia.
Although he wasn’t part of the November victories against Paraguay and Uruguay, it’s hard to not see McKennie playing a large role in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad against Belgium and Portugal this month, or in the final two matches (against Senegal and Germany) before World Cup play begins out west.
McKennie is not only excited for the USMNT’s opportunity to test themselves against two of the world’s top teams, but also to have the chance of playing in a World Cup on home turf this summer.
“Games against top teams like Belgium and Portugal are huge for us,” McKennie said about the March window. “They test our level, sharpen our chemistry, and give us a clear benchmark of where we stand heading into the World Cup.
“Playing on home soil brings a different kind of energy,” he added. “There’s excitement, pride, and extra motivation knowing our fans are right there with us. There’s pressure too, but I try to embrace it and channel it into my game.”
What’s on his face? lol. Anyway, great season. Keep it up my Texas bredren!!!
For me “hard work” may have accounted for the upturn…but also playing for a new contract has motivated many an athlete to play their best. Now we get to see how much that actually played into his form this season. (I heard Marcelo Balboa have this same thought too so it made me feel less cynical)
McKennie has been my favorite thing in the entirety of soccer this season. Absolute appointment viewing. I’m not sure I’ve had this much fun watching a US player ever. Dempsey at Fulham and when he was partnered with Martins maybe. May it continue for years to come!
Dude, is not JUST working hard, he’s playing and leading with Joy! You can the growing esteem his teammates have for him. Good on him. Feel like he’s growing up right before our eyes.
He has come a long way since he was sent home for violation of team rules during COVID. He has gotten serious and it has made a big difference. Getting the spokesperson role will also help with his bottom line if he continues to be comparatively underpaid by Juventus.
As Papi Grande pointed out to me his reported salary was his net salary, I was comparing it to others gross salary. He should be somewhere in Juve’s top 5 or 6 highest paid next year.
Gary,
” Getting the spokesperson role will also help with his bottom line if he continues to be comparatively underpaid by Juventus.”
Underpaid? Did someone force Weston to sign this?
Weston’s biggest flaw is his age, (28 in August). Unfair or not, it would have been better for his bottom line if he had been doing this earlier.
New Contract (March 2026)
• Salary: Allegedly €4 million to €4.2 million net per season (roughly $4.4M–$4.7M), plus performance-related bonuses.
• Duration: A long-term commitment through June 2030.
• Increase: He nearly doubles his previous earnings of approximately €2.5 million net. Underpaid is subjective, but the circumstances suggests he remains a high-value asset for the club:
• Internal Squad Ranking: It is a major raise and this figure positions him as an important starter but not a top earner (Vlahovic), despite McKennie often being indispensable to coach Luciano Spalletti. Which makes you wonder what happens if Spalletti leaves or is fired.
• Market Value vs. Salary: Before the renewal, McKennie was earning less than some MLS stars (Luciano Acosta’s ~$4.2M). He is now more in line with high-level European starters but he remains “affordable for future suitors”.
• Versatility value: McKennie’s ability to play almost any position—from wing-back to makeshift striker—adds more on-field value than his contract reflects.
• Club Financial Strategy: His salary allows Juve to retain him as a “value for money” player while keeping him affordable to future suitors.