Mathis Albert becomes youngest American ever to play in Bundesliga

TL;DR

Mathis Albert has become the youngest American to debut in the Bundesliga at 16 years, 11 months, and 12 days, surpassing Gio Reyna's previous record. He played for Borussia Dortmund in their 4-0 victory over Freiburg.

Key points

Mathis Albert is the youngest American to debut in Bundesliga
He debuted for Borussia Dortmund against Freiburg
Albert was born on May 21, 2009
He surpassed Gio Reyna's record
Albert played in the 2025 U-17 World Cup

Mathis AlbertGio ReynaChristian PulisicBorussia Dortmund

Mathis Albert became the youngest American to debut in the German Bundesliga — one of Europe's top leagues — coming into Borussia Dortmund's 4-0 win over Freiburg on Sunday, April 26.

Albert was born May 21, 2009, making him 16 years, 11 months and 12 days old, younger than previous record-holder Gio Reyna who was 17 years, 2 months and 5 days when he debuted for the same Borussia Dortmund team in 2020. Reyna's debut broke Christian Pulisic's record

Albert was born in South Carolina but moved to Southern California and drew the attention of European scouts as a player in the LA Galaxy academy.

He represented the United States at the 2025 U-17 World Cup, scoring once as the U.S. made it undefeated through the group stage and converting his penalty in a shootout loss to Morocco in the Round of 32.

The pro minutes come after a number of impressive showings at the youth levels and in the UEFA Youth League.

"I started performing right away, but it felt so hard," Albert told Goal last year. "Going to training and games was great but, after that, it's like, 'Oh, (expletive), I'm thousands of miles from home.' I still feel that, sometimes. It's hard being away from LA. In the beginning, I struggled, but then my family visited and everything started clicking."

While Albert's debut puts him ahead of Reyna and Pulisic, some might point to a Bundesliga rule that previously prevented players from being registered before they entered a season in which they would turn 17. The rule was modified in 2020 to allow 16-year-olds such as then-Dortmund prospect Youssoufa Moukoko to suit up.

Dortmund confirmed its UEFA Champions League place for next season with the win, and Albert will hope to earn time in the remaining three matches of the Bundesliga season.