Mathis Albert and Alex Freeman made auspicious debuts in their European club careers, marking a significant milestone. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun faced challenges as their respective streaks continued.
Key points
Mathis Albert and Alex Freeman made their debuts.
Both players have promising career trajectories.
Christian Pulisic continued a negative streak.
Folarin Balogun's positive streak ended.
The European club season is entering its home stretch.
It was a weekend of debuts and streaks for Americans Abroad, as the European club season enters its home stretch.
This was a weekend to remember for Mathis Albert and Alex Freeman, each of which reached a milestone in careers that are on a highly promising trajectory.
For Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, it wasn't the weekend they hoped for as one negative streak rolled on and another positive one ended.
Let's look back on the five biggest stories from the weekend in Europe.
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Q&A
What were the debuts of Mathis Albert and Alex Freeman like?
Mathis Albert and Alex Freeman both had auspicious debuts in their European club careers, indicating promising trajectories.
How did Christian Pulisic perform this weekend?
Christian Pulisic did not have the weekend he hoped for, as he continued a negative streak.
What happened to Folarin Balogun during the weekend?
Folarin Balogun faced challenges as he experienced the end of a positive streak.
What are the biggest stories from Americans Abroad this weekend?
The weekend featured significant debuts and streaks for several American players in Europe.
Related Articles
Sports·Feature
'I've genuinely worked my entire life for this': Inside Ethan Page's rise to 'WWE Raw'
Ethan Page finally debuts on WWE Raw after 20 years of hard work!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NHL·Recap
Why Nikita Zadorov wasn't suspended for post-play cross check of Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin
Nikita Zadorov will play against the Sabres after a controversial cross check on Rasmus Dahlin.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Superagent set for crunch talks with Barcelona; two things on agenda
Pini Zahavi set for crucial talks with Barcelona about Lewandowski's future next week.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Beau Greaves makes history by becoming first woman to win PDC ranking title
Beau Greaves makes history as the first woman to win a PDC ranking title!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
World Cup will be ‘bonanza of sportswashing’ under Trump, say human rights groups
Human rights groups warn World Cup will be a sportswashing event under Trump.
The Guardian Sport··1 min read
Sports
LaLiga 2 goalkeeper releases statement after punching opponent following red card
Esteban Andrada punches Jorge Pulido after receiving a red card, sparking a brawl.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
2 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
3 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
4 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
5 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
6 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
7 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
8 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
9 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
10 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
11 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
12 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
13 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
14 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
15 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
16 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
17 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
18 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
19 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
20 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
21 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
22 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
23 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
24 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
25 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
26 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
We don't know how good Mathis Albert will turn out to be. He is, after all, still only 16.
But Albert has now ticked off the first accomplishment of his pro career, and it was an historic one.
The winger made his Bundesliga debut on Sunday, April 26, for Borussia Dortmund, coming on late in a 4-0 win over Freiburg at age 16 years, 11 months and 12 days. He is now the youngest American to play in the German top flight.
Albert, depending on which scouts you listen to, is either as good of a prospect as fellow former Dortmund teenagers Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, or possibly even better.
Where Albert's career goes from here is anyone's guess, but the U.S. youth international is off to an auspicious start.
Alex Freeman makes the most of debut
Alex Freeman had waited a long time for his full Villarreal debut. On Sunday it finally arrived – and he made the most of it.
Freeman has been biding his time since joining the La Liga club from Orlando City in January, the latest step in a stunningly fast rise for the 21-year-old right back.
After playing less than 90 minutes total through six substitute appearances, Freeman was handed his first start on Sunday against Celta Vigo. Playing on the right side of a back three, Freeman more than held his own.
Freeman won all five of his duels, had a game-high 11 defensive actions, went two-for-two on dribbles and had a 50-for-52 passing afternoon. It was the kind of performance that should earn him more chances in the future.
In the biggest games against the biggest teams (we admittedly may be giving Chelsea a bit too much credit here), you have to take your chances.
Brenden Aaronson had an opportunity to give Leeds an early lead over Chelsea in Sunday's FA Cup semifinal. The midfielder didn't exactly fluff his lines, but his shot wasn't perfect. And to beat Robert Sánchez, it had to be perfect.
The Chelsea goalkeeper denied Aaronson's breakaway and minutes later, Enzo Fernández scored the game's only goal in a 1-0 win that sent the Blues to the final at Leeds' expense.
After the game, Aaronson admitted that he was ruing what could have been his big moment at Wembley.
Christian Pulisic ties career-worst streak
Christian Pulisic has now matched the worst goalless streak of his career.
The AC Milan forward reached 16 straight games without a goal in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Juventus, as he still searches for his first goal of 2026.
AC Milan boss Max Allegri tried to explain the American's drought by blaming it on the lack of a focal point in Milan's attack, but also said the streak was wearing on the USMNT star.
"Christian is a very sensitive man and this drought is hitting him harder," Allegri told DAZN after the match. "He is also someone who struggles more with the physicality of duels and the lack of a center forward, but I must try to give a balance to this team, as we have an objective to achieve."I realize he is not entirely suited to this, I had asked him to play center right tonight and (Rafael) Leão center left, so we were without a center forward. Rest assured, by the end of the season Pulisic will have given his contribution."
Folarin Balogun's streak finally ends
While Pulisic has struggled to score, Folarin Balogun hasn't been able to stop scoring of late.
But the Monaco striker finally saw his streak end in Saturday's 2-2 draw against fellow USMNT member Mark McKenzie and Toulouse.
Balogun scored in eight straight Ligue 1 matches before drawing a blank on April 25, ending his run one game shy of the French league record.
The result was damaging for Monaco's hopes of European soccer next season, as the principality club dropped to seventh place, one place and two points outside of a Conference League spot with three games left.
