PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Giovanni Alejandro Reyna |
| Date of Birth | 13/11/2002 (Age: 23) |
| Place of Birth | Durham, England |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 1.83–1.87 m / 6 ft 0 in–6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 71 kg / 157 lb |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #13 (Gladbach) |
| Current Club | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| Previous Clubs | Borussia Dortmund, Nottingham Forest (loan) |
| International Caps | 43 |
| International Goals | 10 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The Los Angeles stadium was electric. June 2026. The United States, co-hosts of the World Cup, had just dismantled Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match. For Giovanni Reyna, the 23-year-old playmaker who had endured a career defined by injury and frustration, the moment was one of personal and professional vindication.
Reyna entered the match as a substitute in the 82nd minute. With the game already secured, he had just minutes to make his mark. Deep into second-half stoppage time, he delivered a moment of pure brilliance—a stunning trivela finish with the outside of his right foot, curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach into the far corner.
The goal was his first-ever FIFA World Cup strike. It was also a moment of catharsis. As one journalist described it: “I can’t even put into words how astonishing that Reyna goal is, given literally everything that has happened over the past three years.” Mauricio Pochettino and Christian Pulisic swarmed him in celebration, surrounded by teammates who understood the weight of the moment.
For the boy who had arrived at Borussia Dortmund as a prodigy at 16, become the youngest goalscorer in DFB-Pokal history, and then spent years battling injuries, loan disappointments, and questions about his future, the goal was more than a highlight—it was a redemption.
Origins
Born on November 13, 2002, in Durham, England, while his father Claudio Reyna was playing for Sunderland, Giovanni Reyna grew up immersed in football. His father is a former USMNT captain and one of the most decorated American players of his generation, and his mother is Danielle Egan, a former USWNT player. His sister is also a professional player.
Reyna began his youth career with New York City FC’s academy, where his father was sporting director. At age 15, he moved to Europe to join Borussia Dortmund’s youth system, a decision that would launch his professional career.
He made his senior debut for the USMNT in 2020 and has accumulated 43 caps, scoring 10 goals. He was named U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year in 2020.
The European Forge
Borussia Dortmund (2020-2025):
Reyna joined Dortmund’s senior setup in January 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. In the 2020-21 season, he recorded 4 goals and 5 assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances, and became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to record a hat-trick of assists. He was part of the Dortmund squad that won the 2020-21 DFB-Pokal.
However, his time at Dortmund was defined by both promise and adversity. Over six seasons, he made 105 league appearances, scoring 15 goals. Injuries plagued his career—he missed 246 days across five injuries in the 2021/22 season alone.
Nottingham Forest Loan (2024):
In search of regular playing time, Reyna joined Nottingham Forest on loan in January 2024. The spell was widely considered a disappointment. He made just 9 Premier League appearances, all as a substitute, and failed to score. Reports described his time at Forest as a “nightmare” and a “flop,” with the USMNT star having “no future” at the club. He went against Dortmund’s wishes in making the move, according to some reports.
Borussia Mönchengladbach (2025-Present):
On August 23, 2025, Reyna transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach in a bid to revitalize his career. The 2025/26 season saw him make 19 Bundesliga appearances, but he started only four of them, accumulating 520 minutes and scoring one goal. He finished 12th in the Bundesliga with Gladbach. Injuries continued to limit his involvement, with a thigh injury and muscular problems keeping him out for significant periods.
The Anatomy of His Game
Giovanni Reyna is a technically gifted attacking midfielder known for his creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defences with his passing and dribbling. Despite his injury struggles, his natural talent remains undeniable.
In Possession:
Reyna is a creative force in the final third. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored a magnificent trivela goal that demonstrated his technical quality and composure. In the 2020-21 season, he became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to record a hat-trick of assists. However, his 2025/26 season with Gladbach was less productive, with only one goal in 19 appearances.
Out of Possession:
Reyna’s defensive contributions are less prominent. His role is primarily as an attacking playmaker.
Psychological Edge:
Reyna’s career has been defined by his resilience in the face of adversity. His World Cup goal was a moment of personal redemption after years of injury setbacks and a disappointing loan spell. He is seen as one of the USMNT’s most gifted playmakers, with the ability to be a difference-maker on the international stage.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 19 (4/15) | 520 | 1 | 0 | — |
| DFB-Pokal | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 5 (0/5) | 135 | 1 | 0 | — |
| Friendlies | 6 | — | 1 | — | — |
| TOTAL | 31 | — | 3 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Borussia Mönchengladbach | Bundesliga | 19 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga / UCL | 25 | 2 |
| 2023/24 | Nottingham Forest (loan) | Premier League | 9 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga / UCL | 14 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga | 22 | 7 |
| 2021/22 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga | 10 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga | 32 | 4 |
| 2019/20 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga | 15 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 175+ | 20 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 5 | 1 | Round of 16 |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 2 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| USMNT Senior Career | 43 | 10 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dortmund Debut | Joined senior squad |
| 2020 | Youngest Bundesliga player to create hat-trick of assists | |
| 2021 | DFB-Pokal Winner | Borussia Dortmund |
| 2021 | Kopa Trophy Nominee | |
| 2024 | Nottingham Forest Loan | Premier League spell |
| 2025 | Borussia Mönchengladbach Transfer | Permanent move |
| 2026 | First World Cup Goal | vs Paraguay |
What these figures reveal is a player whose immense natural talent has been hampered by injury and inconsistent playing time. Reyna has accumulated 175+ professional appearances and scored 20 goals. His 43 caps for the USMNT and his World Cup goal demonstrate his importance to the national team.
The Present Tense
Giovanni Reyna is 23 years old and at a crossroads in his career. He is a USMNT player and a Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder, but his club future is uncertain following a season of limited impact.
The Gladbach Story:
Reyna joined Gladbach in August 2025 but made just 19 Bundesliga appearances, starting only 4, and scored 1 goal. His contract expires in June 2026, leaving his future open. He is reportedly on wages of €48,077 per week.
The World Cup Campaign:
Reyna was named to Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup squad. He made five substitute appearances in the tournament, scoring once in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay. His goal was his first in a World Cup and a moment of personal redemption.
International Record:
Reyna has 43 caps and 10 goals for the USMNT. He has represented the United States at two World Cups (2022, 2026) and multiple Concacaf Nations League campaigns.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Giovanni Reyna is the product of a footballing family dynasty. His father Claudio is a USMNT legend, his mother Danielle is a former USWNT player, and his sister is also a professional. The pressure of expectation has been a constant throughout his career.
His career has been defined by a significant injury history, including a 90-day absence due to a fibula fissure in 2023 and a 77-day absence due to a groin strain in 2024. The cumulative impact of these injuries has prevented him from establishing consistent form.
His loan at Nottingham Forest was widely considered a failure, and his move to Gladbach has yet to produce the desired revival. His next career move will be critical.
The Verdict from the Camp
Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach:
Pochettino was at the centre of the celebration after Reyna’s goal, swarming him along with Christian Pulisic.
The Athletic / US Soccer:
“Gio Reyna has scored a World Cup goal. I repeat, Gio Reyna has scored a World Cup goal. Incredible.”
“I can’t even put into words how astonishing that Reyna goal is, given literally everything that has happened over the past three years.”
Statistic:
Reyna has 43 caps for the USMNT with 10 goals.
Statistic:
Reyna scored his first World Cup goal against Paraguay on June 25, 2026.
Statistic:
Reyna has made 105 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund and 19 for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Where Next?
Giovanni Reyna is 23 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. His contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach expires in June 2026, making him a free agent. The decision he makes this summer will shape the trajectory of his career.
For the USMNT, he remains one of the most naturally gifted players in the pool. His World Cup goal, even in a limited role, was a reminder of his quality. His next club will need to offer him the stability and playing time that has eluded him in recent years.
From Durham to Dortmund, from Nottingham to Gladbach, and from the World Cup stage to an uncertain future, Giovanni Reyna’s journey is one of prodigious talent, persistent injury, and the weight of a family legacy. The boy who became the youngest Bundesliga player to record a hat-trick of assists has proven he can deliver on the biggest stage—but his greatest challenge lies ahead.
