Mathis Albert: The 17-Year-Old American Breaking Records at Dortmund and With the USMNT
Mathis Albert is a 17-year-old American winger whose rapid ascent at Borussia Dortmund and with the USMNT has made him the latest young talent tipped to follow in the footsteps of Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna. After joining Dortmund from LA Galaxy in 2024, Albert has already broken records at both club and international level, though his first-team minutes in Germany remain limited.
From LA Galaxy to Dortmund
Albert’s move to Dortmund in 2024 placed him at a club with a strong track record of developing young American players. Pulisic and Reyna are the previous examples, and Albert is now seen as potentially the next American star at the Bundesliga side. His progress through the youth ranks culminated in a Bundesliga debut in April 2026, when he came on at 16 years and 340 days old — breaking Reyna’s record as the youngest American to appear in the German top flight.
Record-Breaking USMNT Camp
Albert’s international breakthrough came when Mauricio Pochettino called him up to the USMNT camp following the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 exit. It was Albert’s first senior call-up, and he appeared in all four friendlies during the window. In a 4-2 win over Chile, he scored at 17 years and 131 days, breaking Pulisic’s record as the youngest USMNT scorer. The record lasted only four days, however, as Cavan Sullivan scored in a 3-0 win over Mexico at 17 years and 5 days old.
Kovač’s Expectations at Dortmund
Back in Germany, Albert has yet to appear in the Bundesliga or Champions League this season. He was an unused substitute in Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with Werder Bremen, a result that left the club second in the table, level on 13 points with SC Freiburg. He has been named to the matchday squad for four of five league games and the sole Champions League fixture. His only senior minutes came in the DFB-Pokal, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 5-0 win over HEBC Hamburg.
Coach Niko Kovač has offered a clear assessment of the teenager. Kovač said there are no restrictions on Albert’s development, describing him as very talented and showing good signs in training. He also noted that Albert has already played a cup game and will get more minutes sooner or later.
A Comfortable Step Up
Albert’s transition to the senior USMNT was eased by familiar faces. He said he has been with the national team since he was 13 or 14 years old, progressing through the U15, U08s, and U07s before reaching the senior squad. Playing for his country, he said, means everything. He wanted to feel comfortable and not pressure himself, and the presence of teammates he already knew brought him confidence.
What’s Next
The USMNT will reconvene in mid-November for a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti. For Albert, the immediate focus remains on breaking into Dortmund’s first team in the Bundesliga and Champions League, with Kovač indicating that opportunity is not far away.
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