Tanner Tessmann’s Unexpected Journey from Italy to the U.S. National Team

Tanner Tessmann, a 23-year-old midfielder, recently experienced an unexpected shift in his career trajectory due to injuries opening spots on the U.S. men’s national team roster. Tessmann received an invitation from new U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, disrupting his planned furniture shopping in Lyon, France. «Now we’ll just have to push those plans back a few weeks,» Tessmann remarked, reflecting on the opportunity as a «good problem to have.»

The past summer was particularly eventful for Tessmann. He decided it was time to move on from Italian club Venezia, where he had spent the previous three seasons, starting 39 games and contributing to their promotion from Serie B to Serie A. While a move to Inter Milan was nearly finalized, complications arose over a potential loan, leading Tessmann to temporarily pause transfer discussions while participating in the Olympics with the U.S. team.

During the Olympics in Paris, Tessmann captained the U.S. team as they advanced out of group play, an experience he described as «profound.» Speaking to The Athletic, he expressed how the group’s dedication created a «special» atmosphere, adding, «To be Team USA at the Olympics, there’s no better team to be a part of anywhere in the world.»

After the Olympics, Tessmann’s future led him back to France, with Ligue 1 club Lyon investing $6.7 million to secure his transfer. Tessmann recognized that joining Lyon represented a step up from Venezia’s probable relegation battle, presenting an opportunity to play in European competitions like the Europa League.

«It was a big step for me,» Tessmann stated, acknowledging the higher standards and competitive environment at Lyon, which includes players with World Cup and Champions League experience. Adjusting to France’s Ligue 1 style, Tessmann noted a significant emphasis on «individual, one-on-one» skills.

The transition paid dividends as Tessmann’s performance in a 2-1 victory over Toulouse contributed to his national team call-up for an October camp. Pochettino expressed confidence in Tessmann’s potential, saying, «He has enormous potential. We have to help him to continue growing.” Tessmann’s skills were further affirmed in a 1-0 win against Jamaica.

Despite positive developments on the field, Lyon faces financial woes that could threaten its Ligue 1 status. Reports indicate the club is dealing with substantial debt, with the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion warning of possible relegation unless financial conditions improve.

Nevertheless, Pochettino remains hopeful that such instability won’t detract from Tessmann’s progression. Left-back Antonee Robinson also praised Tessmann’s development, stating, «From when he first came into camp to where he is now, I’ve seen a big change in him, confidence-wise.» Tessmann himself aims to seize these opportunities, understanding their fleeting nature, as he vies for a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad.