Mathis Albert: Who is Borussia Dortmund’s record-breaking American teenager?
Borussia Dortmund winger Mathis Albert surpassed Giovanni Reyna to become the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga, but what else is there to know about BVB’s latest record-breaking teenager?
Data correct as of 27 April 2026
Age: 16 (born 21 May 2009)
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Winger
Country: United States
Key stats
Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, Albert was already playing senior football aged 14, featuring for LA Galaxy’s second string in a friendly against Norwegian outfit Nordsjaelland, prior to his move to Dortmund in 2024.
Upon his arrival in Germany, the young attacker quickly showed his ability to outperform his age group, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six games for Dortmund’s U17 side before being promoted to the U19s.
Scoring a further seven goals in 23 outings in 2024/25, Niko Kovač, clearly impressed by Albert’s ability, nominated the youngster for his FIFA Club World Cup squad. While the American didn’t feature on home soil, it turned out to be invaluable experience for the teenager, who would later make his breakthrough in 2025/26.
Representing his birth nation in November’s U17 FIFA World Cup, Albert scored against Czech Republic in the group stage prior to their elimination in the round of 32 against Morocco, but would go on to plunder nine goals in 17 appearances for Dortmund’s U19s in 2025/26.
His upward trajectory continued and a promotion to Borussia's second team ensued, striking against Leeds United and Sunderland in the Premier League International Cup while playing a substantial number of minutes in Germany’s fourth tier.
Impressing coaches, Albert was first named on Dortmund’s bench for their Matchday 21 victory over Wolfsburg and was later named among the substitutes for games against Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim in April 2026.
Biding his time, BVB’s latest gem was awarded his debut in the Black-Yellows’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Freiburg on Matchday 31, replacing Maximilian Beier in the 88th minute, as Kovač’s charges secured UEFA Champions League football for the 2026/27 campaign.
Watch: Borussia Dortmund 4-0 Freiburg - highlights
In doing so, at 16 years, 11 months and five days, Albert became the youngest American to play in Germany’s top flight, beating the record previously set by Reyna in January 2020, who surpassed Christian Pulisic – all of whom made their professional debuts at Dortmund.
After Italian duo Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inácio, Albert is just the latest graduate to feature for BVB’s first team as Die Schwarzgelben continue to create a pathway to the Bundesliga for the world’s most promising talent.
Plays a bit like: Karim Adeyemi
Predominately a left winger with outstanding speed, Albert likes to cut inside onto his favoured right foot. While lacking strength, the youngster exuberates confidence and a willingness to beat his opposing marker in a one-on-one duel while showcasing an ability to finish in the final third.
Did you know?
A FIFA ruling prevents players under 15 from undergoing a trial abroad but, although born in America, Albert was able to do so because of his eligibility to represent France or Germany through his parents. What’s more, the teenager’s father got a job in Germany, which opened up a move to Dortmund.
What they’re saying
“I started performing right away, but it felt so hard. Going to training and games was great, but after that, it’s like ‘I’m thousands of miles away from home’. In the beginning I struggled, but then my family visited and everything started clicking.” – Mathis Albert on moving to Germany.
“He was unpredictable. He played with freedom. He was creative. He played with instinct and had so much intention behind his actions. He had technical intention, yes, but it was all so unpredictable.” – LA Galaxy academy coach Sam Al-Basith
“I saw right away that this kid was fearless. He'd be that kid fighting with a first-team guy. That's what makes him unique.” – Jeevi Rai, Albert’s agent
