Soccer Unplugged with Mark Pulisic

A lighthearted podcast discussing all things soccer — from youth development and parenting to professional leagues and player analysis. Explore episodes, player stats, and football trivia.

Podcast cover art collage featuring soccer imagery in teal and maroon tones, with a bright energetic feel

Our Mission

Bringing a fun, lighthearted approach to soccer conversation — making the beautiful game accessible to fans of all ages.

Our Vision

Building a community where soccer fans can explore player stories, stats, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of football.

Our Approach

Honest, casual discussions that cover everything from youth coaching to the biggest names in the professional game.

Explore the Site

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Podcast

All 20 episodes of Soccer Unplugged

Messi

Stats, legacy & GOAT debate

Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo & football legends

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Beckham

Career highlights & booking info

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Speaking

Workshops & coaching education

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Contact

Get in touch with the team

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Podcast Archive

Listen to every episode, including the Grand Finale from January 2020.

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Player Profiles

Deep dives into Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kane, and more.

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Hosts

Mark Pulisic and Dan Visser bring a lighthearted take on the game.

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Youth Soccer

Insights on parenting youth players and coaching development.

Featured Episodes

Soccer has a unique way of bringing people together, whether they are gathered around a television for a Champions League final or standing on the sidelines of a youth match on a chilly Saturday morning. The beauty of the sport lies in its simplicity and its universal appeal, transcending borders and languages in ways few other activities can match. For many, the love of the game begins in childhood, kicking a ball around the backyard or watching a parent coach from the touchline, and that passion often stays for life.

The modern game is filled with remarkable talents who shape the way soccer is played and perceived around the world. Players like Messi and Ronaldo have set extraordinary standards over the past two decades, redefining what it means to be great through their consistency, goal scoring, and sheer longevity at the top of the sport. Their rivalry has fueled endless debates among fans and pundits alike, but it has also inspired a new generation of footballers who dream of reaching similar heights on the biggest stages.

English football carries a rich history that continues to influence the global game. Icons such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Paul Scholes defined an era of midfield excellence, each bringing a distinct style and personality to their clubs and the national team. Their careers at Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United respectively produced countless memorable moments, from long-range strikes to last-minute winners, and their legacies remain deeply woven into the fabric of the Premier League.

The path from youth academy to professional soccer is one of the most challenging journeys in sports. Young players navigate a demanding landscape of trials, coaching changes, and intense competition, all while trying to maintain their love for the game. Development pathways through under-eighteen and under-nineteen squads require not only technical ability but also mental resilience, and the role of supportive parenting and thoughtful coaching cannot be overstated in helping prospects reach their potential.

International tournaments like the European Championship offer a different kind of drama compared to club football. Nations come together, rivalries intensify, and the pressure of representing an entire country adds a layer of emotion that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Reaching the semi-finals or going all the way to lift the trophy becomes a defining moment in a player's career, and the images of celebration and heartbreak from these competitions stay etched in the collective memory of supporters for decades.

The transfer market remains one of the most fascinating aspects of professional soccer, generating endless speculation and excitement during every window. Clubs spend months scouting and negotiating, while fans eagerly track rumours about who might arrive or depart. A single transfer can reshape a team's fortunes, and the sums involved have grown to staggering levels, reflecting just how much the business side of the sport has evolved alongside its cultural significance.

Coaching is an art form that requires equal parts tactical knowledge and emotional intelligence. Managing a squad of diverse personalities, handling the pressures of results, and developing a clear playing philosophy are challenges that test even the most experienced leaders. Some managers spend years learning the ropes at smaller clubs before stepping onto bigger stages, and the transition from playing to managing has proven difficult for many former stars who attempt the switch.

The Scottish game has its own proud traditions and has produced some remarkable football stories over the years. Clubs like Rangers and Celtic carry enormous histories, while the Scottish Premiership continues to develop talent that moves on to larger leagues across Europe. The passion of the supporters, the intensity of the derbies, and the unique character of the football culture in Scotland make it a compelling part of the broader soccer landscape.

French football has given the world some truly unforgettable players and moments. From the rise of talents at clubs like Marseille, Bordeaux, and Auxerre to the emergence of iconic figures such as Eric Cantona, the French league system has long been a breeding ground for flair and creativity. Cantona's journey from France to Leeds and then Manchester United is the stuff of legend, and his impact on English football during the early Premier League era remains a benchmark for charismatic, game-changing personalities.

At its core, soccer is about joy, connection, and the stories that unfold on and off the pitch. Whether it is a stunning goal scored in a local park or a career-defining moment in a UEFA final, the sport provides an endless supply of memories worth sharing. Podcasts and conversations that explore these themes help keep the spirit of the game alive, giving fans a place to laugh, learn, and celebrate the beautiful game together.

Episode 20 cover art with bold teal and maroon accents, bright studio-lit feel

Episode 20: The Grand Finale

January 22, 2020

Episode 19 cover art with warm orange and teal tones, clean podcast aesthetic

Episode 19: Participation Trophies

October 22, 2019

Episode 16 cover art with deep maroon and teal palette, sports podcast vibe

Episode 16 feat. Jason Webb

August 2, 2019

Episode 14 cover art with bright teal highlights and football imagery

Episode 18 feat. Gary Vaynerchuk

September 8, 2019

Warm family-oriented soccer scene with bright natural light and green field tones

Speaking & Workshops

Mark Pulisic is available for speaking engagements and workshops focused on soccer education and youth development. Learn more about booking opportunities.

Learn More