Juventus star McKennie: ‘I never thought I’d make it, I wish more people saw me as humble’

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus FC reacts in the course of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Picture by Stefano Guidi/Getty Pictures)

Weston McKennie has mirrored on a outstanding private journey that has taken him from being forged apart at Juventus to turning into one in all Luciano Spalletti’s most trusted and indispensable midfielders, and with a house World Cup on the horizon with the USA, life might hardly look extra completely different from the darkest moments of his profession.

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The American, who just lately signed a contract renewal at Juventus after establishing himself as a key determine underneath Spalletti, spoke candidly to Aim about self-doubt, humility and the significance of staying grounded regardless of attaining issues he as soon as thought-about not possible.

His honesty in regards to the fragility of his early profession is hanging for a participant now working on the very highest stage.

“Once I was within the USA youth groups I by no means would have thought one thing like this might occur to me,” McKennie mentioned, with quotes through CalcioMercato.

“As a baby you get discouraged simply, and each time I used to be omitted of the squad I believed there was no approach I might ever make it. I might return to Dallas, to my household and to FC Dallas, and there they relaunched me, believing in me day after day. That pushed me to enhance an increasing number of, to push past what I believed was doable. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve taken to get right here, I by no means would have imagined reaching this stage.”

McKennie: ‘I’m a human being like everybody else’

That journey has not solely formed him as a footballer however as a public determine, one acutely aware of the duty that comes with being a task mannequin for younger American gamers attempting to comply with an identical path.

“It’s a rare feeling but in addition a duty,” he mentioned. “Again then social media was not so widespread and my position fashions have been folks I noticed on TV or in magazines. At present there may be far more duty.”

What McKennie is most looking forward to folks to take from his story, nonetheless, is one thing extra private than the targets and assists. “I’m footballer, however above all I’m a human being like everybody else,” he mentioned.

“I attempt to all the time be devoted to my values and my roots. I want folks noticed me as humble, it is advisable to stay humble and comply with your dream, discovering your individual path.”

Away from soccer, McKennie painted an image of a person who values simplicity above all else. Barbecues with household, a drink with associates, time along with his canines, the type of bizarre pleasures that preserve him anchored to who he was earlier than the celebrity.

“I wish to get pleasure from life to the fullest,” he mentioned. “The final six to eight months have been fairly optimistic, in household life, with associates, and with my canines.”

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