Giovanni Reyna first appeared in the Bundesliga on January 18, 2020, entering as a substitute for Borussia Dortmund against FC Augsburg at age 17. That brief appearance established him as the youngest American to compete in the German top flight, surpassing the previous record held by Christian Pulisic during a period of rapid professional advancement.
Early Development and European Transition
Born in Sunderland in 2002 to professional soccer players Claudio and Danielle Reyna, he spent his early childhood in England before moving to Bedford, New York, in 2007. He attended Greenwich Country Day School while developing through the New York City FC academy. In 2019, he departed the United States to join the Borussia Dortmund academy, marking a significant transition to professional football in Germany.
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Reyna secured his place in German football history during the 2019–20 season, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the DFB-Pokal after scoring against Werder Bremen. He continued his progression the following year, becoming the youngest Bundesliga player to record a hat trick of assists in a single match against SC Freiburg. His contributions helped Dortmund secure the 2020–21 DFB-Pokal trophy.
Professional Evolution and International Play
His tenure at Dortmund involved periods of significant productivity interrupted by injury. During the 2022–23 season, he demonstrated clinical finishing as a substitute, netting seven goals in league play. Internationally, he earned 31 youth caps for the United States, scoring 16 goals, before joining the senior team in 2020. He has since been part of three CONCACAF Nations League victories, earning honors as the tournament's best overall player in 2024.
Recent Club Movements
In early 2024, he extended his contract with Dortmund through June 2026 and underwent a loan period with Premier League club Nottingham Forest. Following a limited run of appearances in England and a return to Germany, he transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach in August 2025.
Fast facts
- Born: 2002, Sunderland
- Citizenship: United States
- Professional Debut: January 18, 2020
- Primary Position: Attacking Midfielder
- 2020 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year
- CONCACAF Nations League titles: 2021, 2023, 2024
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Giovanni Reyna played for professionally?
He has played for Borussia Dortmund, Nottingham Forest, and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
What individual awards has he received?
He was named U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year in 2020 and was awarded best player at the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League.
Achievements
- Educated at Greenwich Country Day School
- Worked as association football player
