Christian Pulisic's dad uses ChatGPT to mock Landon Donovan as USMNT feud intensifies
Christian Pulisic's dad, Mark, hit back at Landon Donovan on Monday with a ChatGPT summary of Donovan's sabbatical after the U.S. soccer great appeared to criticize the midfielder for his decision to sit out the upcoming Gold Cup to rest after wrapping up his season with AC Milan.
Donovan was a pundit Sunday for Fox Sports during the UEFA Nations League final, in which Portugal beat Spain on penalties, and made it clear he was unhappy with Pulisic's decision to ask U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino to leave him out of the Gold Cup squad.
'This is what it means to represent your country,' Donovan said on the broadcast while watching Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
4 Christian Pulisic (c.) with dad Mark (l.) and mom Kelley (r.)
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
4 Landon Donovan had some critical words.
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'This is what it means. And if you don't want to take this as a professional soccer player, as someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey and take it seriously and responsibly, then don't come in. This is what it means.
'He's (Ronaldo) 40-years-old. He's played a long ass season. He's tired. He's out there grinding. Hurt himself in the process, and I can't help but think about some of our guys on vacation, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It's pissing me off.'
While Donovan did not mention Pulisic by name, it was clear he was referring to him as well as Yunus Musah and Antonee Robinson, who are also skipping the tournament for rest despite not being injured, according to USA Today.
By way of response, Mark Pulisic asked ChatGPT to explain Donovan's sabbatical from soccer in 2012-13, which ultimately led to him being left out of the 2014 World Cup squad.
'Landon Donovan took his sabbatical because he was feeling both physically and mentally exhausted after years of intense competition and the pressure that comes with being a top athlete,' the AI program said in a response to the prompt.
'He'd been playing professionally from a young age and had participated in multiple World Cups, so he felt the need to step back and take some time for himself. This break allowed him to rest, travel, and ultimately return to the game with a refreshed mindset.'
4 Landon Donovan during a USMNT practice in May 2014.
AFP via Getty Images
4 Christian Pulisic playing for the USMNT on March 23, 2025.
Getty Images
Mark Pulisic posted a screenshot of the ChatGPT reply on Instagram and Christian liked it.
Donovan is not alone in being critical of Pulisic's decision, with former U.S. great Alexi Lalas levelling similar criticisms, saying the team needs as much playing time together as they can get with the World Cup coming to the U.S., Mexico and Canada next year.
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