Just a few days away from the U.S. Men’s National Team kicking off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, NBC News shined light on Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan and his decision to pursue an international career with the United States over El Salvador and Guatemala — two countries where his parents were raised.
“It was a very hard decision, knowing you could represent El Salvador and Guatemala,” Cristian said. “But I wanted to give back to the United States for everything they gave our family.”
A Pico Rivera native, Roldan felt that the community in the small, Los Angeles County city shaped him to be the player he is today. “Everything from expenses, to rides to practice, to coaches dedicating their time. It created what the [Roldan] family described as a ‘neighborhood team,’” NBC Staff Writer Mike Gavin wrote.
His soccer development ultimately started in the competitive environment of his very own backyard with his two brothers. He eventually became Gatorade Player of the Year after scoring 54 goals and tallying 31 assists during his senior season at his local high school, El Rancho.
He grew up “putting in the work” in Pico Rivera, and now, he’s ready to represent the city on the world stage — all while tying back to his lineage in Guatemala and El Salvador.
“I play soccer, and I know there are kids out there who are also from three countries or two countries and share the same culture as me. I have Latino blood. And for me, to motivate a young player through that ... it’s a dream.”
Click HERE to read the full feature on Cristian’s journey to the USMNT.
