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.”