World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson
Norway and Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson played a big role as Erling Haaland & Co. ended a long wait to return to the FIFA World Cup, and the flying full-back is raring to help them burst onto the big stage in North America.
Name: Julian Ryerson
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Nation: Norway
International debut: 18 November 2020
Caps: 41
International goals: 1
Stats correct as of 7 May 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
When Michael Olise is the only man ahead of you in the Bundesliga assists table, and especially when you’re supposed to be a defender, then you know you’ve had a good season. Sorry, a GREAT season! The Norway international’s previous best in terms of teeing up goals was four in the 2024/25 campaign – this term, he racked up four assists in the 4-0 Matchday 23 win over Mainz!
Only the fourth player in Bundesliga history to achieve the feat, Ryerson has justifiably earned the moniker ‘Flankengott’ – Crossing God – from BVB fans, who have seen the former Union Berlin man step up a level or three in recent months. He showed he can adapt to his team’s needs too, playing centre-back in the Champions League league opener against Juventus in September.
What he brings to the national team
Other than an outrageous leopard-style haircut to celebrate Norway’s first World Cup qualification in 28 years, the answer is: a lot. Former Dortmund forward Haaland and Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard get a lot of attention, but Ryerson is another top talent in a squad bursting with weapons-grade quality.
Norway coach and former Cologne boss Ståle Solbakken certainly benefitted from Ryerson’s enhanced form. After three assists in his first 30 caps, the 28-year-old tallied four and a first senior international goal in eight qualifiers to make a massive contribution to qualification.
What his coaches say
"Julian has shown constant improvement over the past few years. Every coach is grateful to have a player like him who can deliver the ball where it needs to go." - Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač
“Ryerson just isn't normal. His skull will be studied after his death." - Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken
