Eric Joseph Lichaj (/ˈliːhaɪ/ LEE-hy; born November 17, 1988) is an American soccer player who plays for Hull City in the EFL Championship and for the United States national team. He started his youth career playing for Chicago Fire's youth side and participated in the national team residency program at IMG Academy. He later played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels. After playing one year at the University of North Carolina, Lichaj left the U.S. to sign with English Premier League club Aston Villa. After six years with the club, Lichaj would go on to sign for Nottingham Forest.
Eric Lichaj is the third son of Stan and Ann Lichaj, who were both from Nowy Targ, Poland. He has two older brothers, Andrew and Mark Lichaj. At the age of 14, Lichaj joined the soccer residency program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He began his youth career with the Downers Grove Roadrunners, later played with Chicago Fire's youth side, and then spent one year at the University of North Carolina. He also played four games for the Chicago Fire Premier of the USL Premier Development League. After his freshman season, Lichaj signed with English Premier League club Aston Villa. Lichaj holds a Polish passport, making a work permit unnecessary.