Julian Ryerson: Who is the Borussia Dortmund's full-back?

Julian Ryerson has been Mr. Reliable for Borussia Dortmund since signing from Bundesliga rivals Union Berlin back in January 2023. bundesliga.com has the scoop on the Norway international full-back who is set to represent his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America...

Data correct as of 12 October 2025

Julian Ryerson

Age: 27 (17 November 1997) 
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Full-back (right or left)
Country: Norway (37 caps, one goal)

Born in Lyngdal, Norway, Ryerson is a product of the Viking Stavanger academy. He made his senior debut in 2015, and went on to have a hand in 10 goals in 68 first-team appearances in domestic competition, before moving to Union on a three-year deal in summer 2018.

The 6'0" defender turned out eight times as Union secured an historic promotion to the Bundesliga at the end of his first season in the German capital.

Now having recently surpassed the 150 career Bundesliga appearance mark since joining Dortmund on a three-and-half-year deal in January 2023, Ryerson has cemented himself as the Black & Yellows' utillity player at the back, capable of playing all across the backline. 

Ryerson (r.) was one of Union's top five players for distance covered prior to his Dortmund switch. - Lars Baron/Getty Images

Having caught Dortmund's eye by producing three goals and three assists in 109 competitive outings in Union colours, Ryerson made 17 Bundesliga appearances and scored one goal as Dortmund went within 90 minutes of winning the Bundesliga title during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Injuries hampered his 23/24 term, but he still managed four goals in 21 league outings, while he featured in 10 out of Dortmund's 13 UEFA Champions League fixtures during their run to the final, which they ultimately lost to Real Madrid. 

Such has been his consistent form, he put pen to paper on a new contract in October 2024 that will see him stay at the club until 2028. Internationally, Ryerson made his senior Norway debut in a 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw in 2020, and has since made a further 36 appearances, most recently in a 5-0 thrashing of Israel which all but secured Norway their place in the 2026 World Cup - their first qualification for a major tournament in 25 years.

About the players

26

Julian

Ryerson

Borussia Dortmund

Since coach Niko Kovač's assumption of the Dortmund reins back in February 2025, Ryerson's role has shifted somewhat to what it was when he first arrived, though he remains a crucial cog within the Black & Yellows' machine. In Kovač's 3-4-2-1 system, he is typically deployed as either a wing-back or a wide centre-back, though he's even capable of appearing in the midfield as well.

Plays a bit like: Achraf Hakimi

Ryerson is a right-back by trade, but is - like former Dortmund man Achraf Hakimi - equally adept on the opposite flank. Indeed, he has made almost as many appearances on the left as he has on the right for Die Schwarzgelben.

Did you know?

If you’re wondering why the Ryerson name sounds more Uncle Sam than Ragnar Lodbrok, it's because it is. Julian’s father was born in the USA, meaning the Union talent - whose cousins are also involved in the professional game - was once eligible to play for the Stars and Stripes at international level.

Ryerson has been Dortmund's utility player in defence, capable of playing in four of the five positions in the backline. - DFL/Getty Images/Daniel Kopatsch

What they're saying

"Julian Ryerson is an intelligent and aggressive defender, in a good way. He can play in a back four or a back three - his versatility is a real asset." - Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl

"It's really impressive how he's been playing, and he can play a variety of positions." - Union head coach Urs Fischer earlier in 2022/23

"I'm still proud and humbled to be part of this club. And now I'm very happy that I can continue to play for Borussia Dortmund. I feel at home here and enjoy every match day - especially when we play at home. That's why I'm at BVB, and I want to have this feeling for as long as possible." Ryerson upon his contract extension

About the clubs

Borussia Dortmund

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