Christian Pulisic Scores Slick Backheel from Girlfriend’s Pass

Christian Pulisic lit up a casual five-a-side match in Southern California this week, converting an audacious back-heel after being set up by his girlfriend, rising pro golfer Alexa Melton. The viral clip has delighted AC Milan and USMNT supporters alike, while also offering a rare glimpse of the winger’s downtime as the national team chase Gold Cup glory without their marquee name.

Christian Pulisic Takes Center Stage in Off-Season Kickabout

The footage, shared on Melton’s Instagram Stories, opens with Christian Pulisic drifting into the penalty area before receiving a low cross from the 24-year-old golfer. With a defender on his back, the AC Milan star improvised brilliantly, flicking the ball through his own legs and beyond the goalkeeper. Melton’s elated reaction—arms aloft and beaming smile—underscored the novelty of notching what she jokingly called her “first career assist.”

For Pulisic, the moment was a fun reminder of his creative instincts. After a successful first season in Serie A that yielded double-digit goals and a Champions League return for Milan, the 25-year-old has been given a well-earned break by U.S. Soccer. Head coach Gregg Berhalter opted to rest several European regulars for the Gold Cup, trusting an MLS-heavy group to carry the load. That decision has allowed Pulisic to recharge physically while keeping his touch sharp in informal games like this one.

Why the USMNT Is Missing Its Talisman

Berhalter’s rotation strategy is partly designed to expand the player pool ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams were therefore left out of the regional tournament, giving minutes to emerging talents such as Paxten Aaronson and Cade Cowell. So far, the gamble has paid off; the United States cruised into the semi-finals, buoyed by strong goalkeeping and a sturdy back line.

Even so, fans inevitably wonder what the team might look like with Christian Pulisic marauding down the flank. His combination of creativity, acceleration and end-product is unmatched in the current squad. The winger contributed 15 goals and 10 assists for Milan across all competitions last season, silencing doubters who questioned his durability after an injury-plagued final year at Chelsea.

Alexa Melton: From the Fairway to the Futsal Court

Melton, meanwhile, is carving her own path on the Epson Tour, the developmental circuit for the LPGA. The California native enjoyed a standout collegiate career at USC before turning professional in 2023. Although golf is an individual sport, Melton has relished the chance to team up with Christian Pulisic on the pitch. She quipped online that her assist percentage is now “better than Lionel Messi’s,” a playful nod to the GOAT debate that regularly fills her partner’s comment sections.

The cross-sport relationship has fascinated fans because it showcases how elite athletes from different disciplines can share training philosophies. Pulisic has attended several of Melton’s tournaments, praising her mental toughness, while Melton credits the winger’s explosiveness drills for improving her swing speed. Their mutual support was on full display after the back-heel goal, with friends on the sidelines cheering loudly for the couple.

The Importance of Rest for Christian Pulisic Ahead of 2024-25

While Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip the Gold Cup disappointed some supporters, sports scientists argue that managing workload is essential. The former Borussia Dortmund prodigy logged more than 3,600 minutes last season, his highest total since crossing the Atlantic. Milan boss Stefano Pioli will lean heavily on the American again as the Rossoneri aim to dethrone Inter in Serie A and make a deeper run in Europe.

Pulisic is expected back at Milanello in late July for pre-season. Sources close to the club say the winger has been given an individualized conditioning plan that combines agility sessions, yoga, and limited minutes in recreational games—exactly the type of environment seen in the viral clip with Melton. By blending fun with focused drills, Pulisic can maintain match sharpness without risking fatigue-related injuries.

Social Media Buzz and Brand Value

The video’s rapid spread across X, Instagram and TikTok underscores Christian Pulisic’s growing commercial appeal. Within 24 hours, the clip amassed over 2 million views and prompted mainstream outlets to run stories about the “assist from a pro golfer.” Marketing analysts note that such moments humanize star athletes, making them more relatable and attractive to sponsors. Pulisic already partners with Puma, Panini and Hershey’s; scenes of him goofing around with his girlfriend could open doors to cross-sport campaigns.

From a U.S. Soccer standpoint, the buzz also maintains fan engagement during a tournament lacking marquee names. Every mention of Christian Pulisic keeps the federation’s most marketable player in the conversation, even while he’s physically absent from the roster.

How the Back-Heel Fits Pulisic’s Highlight Reel

Athletic, improvisational finishes are nothing new for Christian Pulisic. Milan supporters recall his scorpion-kick attempt against Lazio, while USMNT fans cherish his diving header versus Mexico in the Nations League final. The back-heel against rec-league opposition obviously carries less competitive weight, yet it reinforces the attacker’s flair for the spectacular. Coaches often encourage players to try bold moves in low-pressure settings, believing that muscle memory will translate to official matches.

Could Christian Pulisic Rejoin the USMNT Before the Final?

Technically, tournament rules allow roster changes in case of injury, so a surprise call-up is possible but highly unlikely. Berhalter confirmed in his most recent press conference that he plans to ride with the current squad. Christian Pulisic will therefore continue monitoring games from afar, occasionally live-tweeting key moments and sending private messages of encouragement to younger teammates.

The winger’s absence has paved the way for other leaders to emerge. Veteran defender Miles Robinson has donned the captain’s armband, while attacking midfielder Gianluca Busio has embraced set-piece duties. This experience could prove invaluable when Christian Pulisic rejoins the group for September’s Nations League qualifiers, creating a deeper, more versatile roster.

Next Steps for the Power Couple

Both athletes have busy calendars ahead. Melton resumes her Epson Tour schedule next month in Idaho, where a top-10 finish would significantly boost her LPGA promotion hopes. Christian Pulisic, on the other hand, will reunite with new Milan arrival Joshua Zirkzee and veteran Olivier Giroud to form a potent front line. The couple’s ability to find pockets of time for joint training sessions speaks to disciplined planning and mutual understanding of elite performance demands.

Short Opinion

Christian Pulisic’s choice to prioritize rest—and a little fun—over a midsummer tournament is smart sports science, not selfishness. The USMNT will benefit far more from a fully fit captain this fall than from a fatigued star chasing regional silverware in July. As for that back-heel? It’s a delightful reminder that football, at its heart, is still a game meant to be enjoyed.