Ricardo Pepi, a 23-year-old striker for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, is set to make his World Cup debut on June 12 when the U.S. takes on Paraguay in Los Angeles. His journey to the World Cup was motivated by the sacrifices of his family, who supported him from a young age.

Early Life and Career

Pepi grew up in El Paso, Texas, where soccer is a highly competitive sport from a young age. His family made long drives for training sessions and games, and his father was his coach for 10 years. At the age of 13, Pepi left home to join FC Dallas’s development system, which meant moving over 600 miles away from his family.

Pepi’s family eventually joined him in Dallas, and it was during that time that his father watched him play in the rain, showing the family’s dedication to his soccer career. Pepi had a breakout year in Major League Soccer at the age of 18, scoring 13 goals in 31 games and being named MLS Young Player of the Year.

International Career

Pepi made his USMNT debut in 2021, scoring in his first international appearance and becoming the team’s eighth-youngest goalscorer. He then made the leap to Europe, joining FC Augsburg in Germany in 2022. Although he was not named to the 2022 World Cup roster, Pepi used the disappointment to mature and grow as a player.

Pepi has recorded 13 goals in 37 caps for the national team, making him one of the most prolific U.S. strikers of his generation. His presence on the sport’s grandest stage is a tribute to all those who made sacrifices to help get him there.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.