It was a weekend of debuts and streaks for Americans Abroad, as the European club season enters its home stretch.
This was a weekend to remember for Mathis Albert and Alex Freeman, each of which reached a milestone in careers that are on a highly promising trajectory.
For Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, it wasn't the weekend they hoped for as one negative streak rolled on and another positive one ended.
Let's look back on the five biggest stories from the weekend in Europe.
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendliesWeston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
We don't know how good Mathis Albert will turn out to be. He is, after all, still only 16.
But Albert has now ticked off the first accomplishment of his pro career, and it was an historic one.
The winger made his Bundesliga debut on Sunday, April 26, for Borussia Dortmund, coming on late in a 4-0 win over Freiburg at age 16 years, 11 months and 12 days. He is now the youngest American to play in the German top flight.
Albert, depending on which scouts you listen to, is either as good of a prospect as fellow former Dortmund teenagers Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, or possibly even better.
Where Albert's career goes from here is anyone's guess, but the U.S. youth international is off to an auspicious start.
Welcome to the Bundesliga and senior football, Mathis Albert 👏16-year-old American out of Greenville, South Carolina 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xsPJPKnSLA
Alex Freeman had waited a long time for his full Villarreal debut. On Sunday it finally arrived – and he made the most of it.
Freeman has been biding his time since joining the La Liga club from Orlando City in January, the latest step in a stunningly fast rise for the 21-year-old right back.
After playing less than 90 minutes total through six substitute appearances, Freeman was handed his first start on Sunday against Celta Vigo. Playing on the right side of a back three, Freeman more than held his own.
Freeman won all five of his duels, had a game-high 11 defensive actions, went two-for-two on dribbles and had a 50-for-52 passing afternoon. It was the kind of performance that should earn him more chances in the future.
🛡️ ¡Providencial Alex Freeman!#VillarrealCelta | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/nxYxWgyfsY
In the biggest games against the biggest teams (we admittedly may be giving Chelsea a bit too much credit here), you have to take your chances.
Brenden Aaronson had an opportunity to give Leeds an early lead over Chelsea in Sunday's FA Cup semifinal. The midfielder didn't exactly fluff his lines, but his shot wasn't perfect. And to beat Robert Sánchez, it had to be perfect.