Tanner Tessmann: The Relegation-Forged Mentality Powering a Champions League Push
The pressure is a familiar friend to Tanner Tessmann. It’s not a burden to be avoided, but a crucible where confidence is built. While his recent accolades – a standout role with Olympique Lyon, representation for the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team, and the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year award – shine brightly, the foundation of his unwavering composure was laid in the fires of a relegation battle. This isn’t just a story of athletic success; it’s a blueprint for thriving under adversity, a skill increasingly vital in the volatile world of modern soccer and beyond.
From Venezia’s Brink to Lyon’s Ascent: A Defining Chapter
Tessmann’s European journey began with Venezia, a club immediately thrust into a fight for survival. Demoted from Serie A to Serie B in his first season, the club faced another potential drop just a year later. But it was within this chaos, at just 19 years old, that Tessmann discovered a resilience he didn’t know he possessed. “I think that year, that confidence really boosted me into just believing that whatever situation we’re in or whatever team I’m in, I can always try to rise to the top and help the team the best I can,” Tessmann explained. This “never-quit mentality” isn’t innate; it’s forged in the face of genuine threat, a lesson that continues to shape his career.
That early experience translated seamlessly to Lyon. Despite a solid first season with 35 appearances and a goal, the shadow of relegation loomed again in 2024 due to financial difficulties. The club’s subsequent demotion was overturned thanks to the intervention of new president Michele Kang, a move Tessmann publicly praised. This off-field turbulence, however, didn’t derail his on-pitch performance. He’s started the current season strong, already netting two goals in nine games, demonstrating a remarkable ability to compartmentalize and focus on what he can control.
The Hunger of a Young Squad and the Champions League Dream
Lyon’s current squad, according to Tessmann, isn’t built on established superstars, but on a collective hunger for success. “We’re all younger kids trying to make our way and find our careers,” he says. This dynamic creates a unique environment – one where ambition isn’t tempered by ego, but fueled by a shared desire to prove themselves. Currently sitting fourth in Ligue 1, Lyon is firmly in contention for Champions League qualification. A potential route to the competition also exists through winning the UEFA Europa League, a stage where Tessmann has already made a significant impact, scoring the game-winning goal against FC Utrecht in their opening match.
Beyond Club Football: The USMNT and the 2026 World Cup
Tessmann’s resilience isn’t limited to club football. Despite appearing in five matches for the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino, he faced the uncertainty of continued call-ups. Rather than dwelling on setbacks, he maintained his unwavering belief in his abilities, earning another opportunity to impress ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His leadership extends to the international stage, having captained the U-23 MNT to their first Olympic knockout round appearance in 24 years. The upcoming matches against Ecuador and Australia represent a critical chance to solidify his position in Pochettino’s plans.
The Increasing Competition for USMNT Midfield Spots
The competition for a midfield spot in the USMNT is fierce. However, Tessmann’s experience navigating high-stakes situations – from relegation battles to Olympic pressure – gives him a distinct advantage. He understands that every training session, every match, is an audition. As he puts it, “Each time you’re in camp, you have to make the most of it and try to fight your way into the next one.” This mindset, honed through adversity, is precisely what national team coaches seek.
The Power of Pressure: A Model for Success
Tanner Tessmann’s story isn’t just about a talented soccer player; it’s about the transformative power of pressure. His early experiences with Venezia weren’t setbacks, but rather invaluable lessons in resilience, self-belief, and the importance of a “never-quit” mentality. This foundation has allowed him to thrive at Lyon, contribute to the USMNT, and position himself as a key player in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and rapid change, Tessmann’s ability to not only withstand pressure but to *excel* under it offers a powerful lesson for athletes, professionals, and anyone striving for success. The ability to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and maintain unwavering self-belief is no longer a desirable trait – it’s a necessity.
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