Justin Lerma: Who is Borussia Dortmund's latest exciting youngster?
Justin Lerma has joined Borussia Dortmund this summer from Independiente del Valle. Find out all you need to know about the Ecuadorian youngster who has already begun impressing at his new club...
Data correct as of 19 July
Justin Lerma
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Age: 18 (born 5 May 2008)
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country: Ecuador
Key stats
The arrival of Lerma at Dortmund is a long time coming, as the teenager agreed to join the club back in 2024. However, due to FIFA regulations, the transfer could only be finalised once he turned 18.
In the elapsed two years, Lerma managed to break into the Independiente del Valle first team, playing 11 times for the club in the Ecuadorian Serie A. Earlier this year, the creative No.10 scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win against Manta FC, further enhancing his growing reputation. His displays at club level earned him call-ups to Ecuador's various youth sides.
At the 2025 Under-17 South American Championships, Lerma was a star performer, notably scoring twice and grabbing an assist in a 4-0 rout versus Uruguay.
His arrival at Dortmund in July of 2026 was no less impactful either, as the teenager scored on his debut for the club in a 3-1 friendly win against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen.
Plays a bit like: Mario Götze
Lerma is a technically gifted attacking midfielder who excels at finding pockets of space between the lines and linking play in the final third.
Much like the Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker in his by-gone Dortmund and Bayern Munich years, he combines close control, quick decision-making and intelligent movement, preferring to create through clever combinations rather than relying solely on pace or physicality.
Did you know?
In April 2024, at the age of just 15, he was promoted to Independiente del Valle's first team. Later that month, he made his debut for the side in a 2-2 draw with Serie A side Universidad Católica.
What they're saying
“We have followed Justin’s development closely for a long time… He is one of the best South American talents of his generation.” - Former Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastián Kehl
"I think this is the best day of my life. I'm really happy to be here."
- Justin Lerma after his arrival in Germany
