Yunus Musah
Musah with the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Personal information
Full name Yunus Dimoara Musah[1]
Date of birth (2002-11-29) November 29, 2002[2]
Place of birth New York City, United States
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 AC Milan
Number 80
Youth career
2008–2012 Giorgione
2012–2019 Arsenal
2019 Valencia
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2020 Valencia B 17 (1)
2020–2023 Valencia 94 (2)
2023– AC Milan 15 (0)
International career‡
2016–2017 England U15 7 (0)
2017–2018 England U16 8 (0)
2018–2019 England U17 9 (2)
2019 England U18 8 (2)
2020– United States 33 (0)
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's soccer
CONCACAF Nations League
Winner2021
Winner2023
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of January 14, 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of November 16, 2023

Yunus Dimoara Musah (born November 29, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club AC Milan and the United States national team. Considered as one of the best young players in the world, he is known for his technical ability, movement, and strength.[4][5][6][7]

An alumni of Arsenal's Hale End academy, Musah began his senior career with La Liga club Valencia in 2020 at age 17 after quickly rising through club's youth and reserve teams. With Valencia, he featured in 94 league appearances for the club, and was nominated for the 2022 Golden Boy award for his performances.[8] In June 2023 he signed with Serie A club AC Milan for €20 million ($21.9m).[9]

Born in the United States to Ghanaian parents, he grew up mostly in Italy and England. He was a youth international for England before committing to the United States in 2021. Musah represented the U.S. at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and won the CONCACAF Nations League in 2021 and 2023. He won a U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award in 2022.[10]

Club career

Early career

Musah was born in New York City while his Ghanaian mother was on vacation in the United States.[11] His father is also Ghanaian.[12] He moved to Italy after his birth, living in Castelfranco Veneto and later starting his career at Giorgione Calcio 2000.[13][14] In 2012, at age nine, he moved to London and joined Arsenal's Academy.[15][12] Arsenal U16 coach Trevor Bumstead stated Musah made an immediate impression; "As a player, he was ‘wow’. He’s got fantastic physical attributes and the drive and determination to go with that. He would play anywhere to get in the team but his favourite was as a central attacking midfield player."[16]

Valencia

In the summer of 2019, Musah joined Valencia, at the age of 16,[17] and was assigned to the reserves in Segunda División B.[18][19] He made his debut with the B-team at the age of 16 on September 15, 2019, starting in a 0–0 home draw against CF La Nucía.[20] He scored his first senior goal on March 1, 2020, netting his team's only goal in a 2–1 loss at Gimnàstic de Tarragona.[21]

After the arrival of new manager Javi Gracia in Valencia's first team, Musah spent the 2020 pre-season with the main squad.[22] At age 17 years and eight months, he made his first team—and La Liga—debut on September 13 of that year, starting in a 4–2 home win against Levante UD.[23] In doing so, he became the first Englishman and American to debut for the club.[24]

On November 1, 2020, aged 17 years and 338 days, Musah scored a goal in a 2–2 draw against Getafe CF, becoming the youngest non-Spanish player to score for Valencia, breaking the previous record held by Lee Kang-in, aged 18 years and 219 days.[25] The following month, he extended his contract with Valencia until 2026.[26] On December 16, in the first round of the Copa del Rey, he came on with four minutes remaining away to Tercera División club Terrassa FC and scored an equalizing goal as his team won 4–2 after extra time.[27]

In the 2021–22 Copa del Rey, Musah scored in wins at CD Utrillas and CD Arenteiro in the early rounds.[28][29] In the final on April 23, he replaced Dimitri Foulquier after 100 minutes of a 1–1 draw against Real Betis and was the only player to miss in the penalty shootout.[30]

AC Milan

On August 4, 2023, Musah joined Serie A club AC Milan for €18m ($19.8m) plus €2m ($2.2m) in bonuses, signing a contract until June 2028.[31][32] He chose the number 80, previously worn by Ronaldinho.[33] On September 19 at age 20, Musah made his UEFA Champions League debut against Newcastle United as a sub in the 72nd minute.[34] On October 7, he provided his first assist for Milan in a pass to Christian Pulisic in the 1-0 win over Genoa.[35]

International career

As a youth, Musah was eligible to play for the United States, Ghana, Italy, and England.[36][37]

England youth teams

Musah made his international debut with England's under-15s in 2016 and subsequently represented England up to the under-18 level. He was also called up to the under-19 squad in October 2020.[38] A Musah penalty earned England's under-18s a draw against Brazil's under-17s on September 8, 2019,[39] and he went on to score a crucial goal against Austria's under-18s on October 16, 2019, with England winning 3–2.[40] In total, Musah played more than 30 times for England at youth level.[41]

U.S. men’s team

Musah accepted a call-up to the United States senior squad on November 2, 2020, to play in friendlies against Wales and Panama later that month.[42] He was part of a largely Europe-based squad which included 10 first-time selections and had an average age of 22.[43] Musah had been contacted by the United States Soccer Federation through Nico Estévez, a United States assistant manager who had connections with Valencia CF having previously managed their youth and reserve teams for eight years.[44] Musah made his senior international debut on November 11, starting in a 0–0 draw against Wales at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.[45] He then started the following 6–2 win over Panama on November 16.[46]

Despite Musah having played for the United States at senior level, England senior manager Gareth Southgate attempted to persuade Musah to play for England, stating: "We're monitoring him. He's been with us in the last couple of months and we'd very much like his future to be with us."[12] England under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd also stated: "I am hopeful we will see him in the U21s at some point. I don’t know [if he has made his decision]. I hope he hasn’t because I think if he came here and saw what we are all about that he would really enjoy it."[47] Meanwhile, United States management continued to connect with Musah after the November USMNT camp, with assistant manager Nico Estévez in day-to-day contact and also manager Gregg Berhalter holding conversations with Musah and his family.[48]

In late 2020, as he approached his 18th birthday, Musah was reportedly undecided on the question of which nation to represent permanently.[12][37] On March 15, 2021, however, he officially committed to represent the United States internationally.[49]

Musah played for the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was regarded as one of the tournament's best young players for his impressive performances against England and Iran in the team's group stage.[7][50] He won the U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award in 2022.[10]

Personal life

Musah is a devout Muslim, adhering to the five obligatory daily prayers in Islam. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar, he stated "I'm enjoying being able to practice my religion really well."[16]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played January 14, 2024[51]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[lower-alpha 1] Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Valencia B 2019–20 Segunda División B 171———171
Valencia 2020–21 La Liga 32131——352
2021–22 La Liga 29172——363
2022–23 La Liga 33030—1[lower-alpha 2]0370
Total 942133—101085
AC Milan 2023–24 Serie A 150105[lower-alpha 3]0—210
Career total 126314350101466

International

As of match played November 20, 2023[52]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
United States 202020
202190
2022120
2023100
Total330

Honors

United States

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Acta del Partido celebrado el 12 de septiembre de 2021, en Pamplona" [Minutes of the Match held on 12 September 2021, in Pamplona] (in Spanish). Royal Spanish Football Federation. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Yunus Musah | USMNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site". US Soccer. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Yunus Musah LaLiga Santander". La Liga. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Musah on 2022 Golden Boy list". www.valenciacf.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Top 50 Players at 2022 World Cup, No. 49: Yunus Musah". FOX Sports. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Musah and Moriba included on FourFourTwo list of young talents". www.valenciacf.com. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  7. 1 2 "Gakpo, Musah, Fernandez among top young players". ESPN.com. December 1, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Valencia Club de Fútbol". www.valenciacf.com. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  9. ↑ "USMNT's Musah completes transfer to AC Milan". ESPN.com. August 4, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Yunus Musah Voted 2022 Chipotle U.S. Soccer Young Male Player Of The Year". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  11. ↑ Straus, Brian. "USMNT Makes Its Case to Another Rising Star With Options". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "The 'adaptability and hunger' driving Yunus Musah's journey to stardom with USMNT and Valencia". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Yunus, una Bella Favola che diviene Realtà: Dal Giorgione al Valencia, passando per Arsenal e Nazionale inglese!" [Yunus, a beautiful tale that becomes reality: from Giorgione to Valencia, passing through Arsenal and the English national team!] (in Italian). Stori di Eccellenza. August 24, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Player Analysis: Yunus Musah". Breaking The Lines. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  15. ↑ "El talento inglés que se enamoró del fútbol del sur" [The English talent who fell in love for the southern football] (in Spanish). Las Provincias. August 31, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  16. 1 2 "The inside story of Yunus Musah: Through the chaos". bbc.co.uk. 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Musah the blueprint for Valencia's future". BBC Sport.
  18. ↑ "El Valencia CF Mestalla ficha a dos talentos internacionales" [Valencia CF Mestalla sign two international talents] (in Spanish). Golsmedia. August 9, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Valencia sign Ghanaian teenager Yunus Musah from Arsenal". Ghana Web. September 6, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Al Mestalla se le escapa el triunfo con uno más (0–0)" [Mestalla let the win slip away with one more man (0–0)] (in Spanish). El Desmarque. September 14, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  21. ↑ "Derrota amarga del Valencia CF Mestalla en casa del Nàstic de Tarragona" [Bittersweet defeat of Valencia CF Mestalla at the home of Nàstic de Tarragona] (in Spanish). Golsmedia. March 1, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Yunus Musah enamora al valencianismo y a Europa" [Yunus Musah charms the valencianismo and Europe] (in Spanish). Golsmedia. August 23, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  23. ↑ "El Valencia supera el pánico" [Valencia overcome the panic] (in Spanish). Marca. September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  24. ↑ "Yunus Musah, la última perla de la cantera che" [Yunus Musah, the last pearl of the che youth setup] (in Spanish). Diario AS. September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Musah, gol y récord" [Musah, goal and record]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). November 1, 2020.
  26. ↑ "U.S.-Eligible Yunus Musah Signs Valencia Extension Through 2026". si.com. December 4, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Yunus Musah pokes home late equalizer as Valencia survive Terrassa scare in Copa del Rey". Ghana Soccer Net. December 16, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  28. ↑ Creditor, Avi (December 2, 2021). "USMNT's Yunus Musah Has Goal, Assist in Valencia's Copa Del Rey Win". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Valencia's Musah scores 2nd goal of season, in Copa del Rey". Associated Press. December 16, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Real Betis 1–1 Valencia". BBC Sport. April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Official statement: Yunus Musah". AC Milan. August 4, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Official: Musah joins Milan from Valencia". Football Italia. August 4, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Why does Yunus Musah wear No. 80? USMNT & AC Milan star's jersey number explained | Goal.com". www.goal.com. October 29, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  34. ↑ "USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah unable to save AC Milan off bench as Serie A giants settle for draw with Newcastle in Champions League opener | Goal.com US". www.goal.com. September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Made in the USA! USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah combine as AC Milan top Genoa in chaotic clash that sees both goalkeepes sent off | Goal.com US". www.goal.com. October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  36. ↑ Cannon, George (November 2, 2020). "Yunus Musah: Things to Know About the Midfielder". 90min. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  37. 1 2 Feehely, Alan (December 1, 2020). "Kieran Trippier advises Yunus Musah on England future". Football Espana. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  38. ↑ The Football Association (October 2, 2020). "YOUNG LIONS SQUAD NAMED FOR DOUBLE-HEADER WITH SCOTLAND AT ST. GEORGE'S PARK". The FA.
  39. ↑ Association, The Football. "England MU18s 1-1 Brazil". www.thefa.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  40. ↑ Association, The Football. "Young Lions end Euro trip with three wins from three after victory in Austria". www.thefa.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  41. ↑ Sousa, Justin (November 9, 2020). "Yunus Musah: Journey to the USMNT". Scouted Football. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  42. ↑ Tenorio, Paul. "Valencia's Yunus Musah to get USMNT call-up in roster for friendly vs. Wales". The Athletic. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  43. ↑ "England Under-18 Star Yunus Musah Called Up to USA Squad". 90min.com. November 3, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  44. ↑ Straus, Brian. "USMNT Makes Its Case to Another Rising Teen Star With Options". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  45. ↑ "England and the United States fighting to secure Yunus Musah's services". Marca. November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Goal-Scoring Outbursts Fuel Young USMNT Past Panama 6–2 in Austria". ussoccer.com. November 16, 2020.
  47. ↑ "'I hope Musah hasn't chosen the USMNT' - Boothroyd admits England still hope to win race for Valencia wonderkid | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  48. ↑ "GFIVE THINGS TO KNOW: USMNT MIDFIELDER YUNUS MUSAH". ussoccer.com. March 15, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Yunus Musah commits to U.S. Men's National Team". US Soccer. March 15, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  50. ↑ "Yunus Musah has his World Cup moment, outduels England star Jude Bellingham". FOX Sports. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  51. ↑ Yunus Musah at Soccerway
  52. ↑ Yunus Musah at National-Football-Teams.com
  53. ↑ "U.S. edge Mexico in thrilling style to win first CNLF". CONCACAF. June 6, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  54. ↑ "U.S. beats Canada to win Nations League as Balogun opens account". ESPN. June 18, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Yunus Musah Voted 2022 Chipotle U.S. Soccer Young Male Player Of The Year". US Soccer. January 17, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Turner, Reyna and David lead way in CNL Finals Best XI". CONCACAF. June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
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