World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman
Having returned to Germany last summer, 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Malik Tillman has been showing he has what it takes to star in the Bundesliga and this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026 for co-hosts USA.
Name: Malik Tillman
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Nation: USA
International debut: 2 June 2022
Caps: 35
International goals: 5
Stats correct as of 7 July 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Although something of a transitional campaign at Leverkusen following the departure of Xabi Alonso and a host of star names, Tillman hit the ground running, notching six goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances. The former Bayern Munich youngster also scored twice in 10 UEFA Champions League outings.
Watch: Tillman featured in our Original Series 'Road to the Americas'
What he brings to the national team
Tillman, who played a key part in the Gold Cup squad that lost to Mexico in the final last summer, possesses an array of talents that could aid the US’s World Cup chances, including powerful ball-carrying abilities, an eye for a pass, set pieces and a goalscoring threat from midfield.
The 24-year-old has made nine appearances for the US in 2026, assisting Folarin Balogun for his nation's third against Paraguay in their opening game and dominating the midfield against Australia as the US qualified for the round of 32. In the knockout rounds, he then scored two superb free-kicks against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium. It made the Leverkusen man the first USMNT player to score in consecutive World Cup knockout fixtures and only the second player from any nation since 1966 to score two direct free-kicks at a World Cup, after France's Bernard Genghini in 1982.
What his coaches say
“He’s a very talented player, one of the most talented players we have.” - Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach
“We know Malik. He has quality. He works every day to reach the level he's capable of – and we know he has.” – Kasper Hjulmand, former Leverkusen head coach
