Giovanni Alejandro Reyna

New York City FC Academy (2015-2019) - Developed his elite technical foundation within the NYCFC youth system, consistently dominating older age groups.

High School (Attended) - Completed his high school education via specialized academic programs designed to accommodate his grueling international travel and training schedule.

Giovanni Reyna's professional career began with a high-profile move from the New York City FC academy to Borussia Dortmund in 2019. Much like his compatriot Christian Pulisic, Reyna rapidly ascended the German club's youth ranks. He made his Bundesliga debut in January 2020 at just 17 years old, immediately breaking the record for the youngest American to appear in the league. His early performances, marked by stunning long-range goals and precise assists, signaled the arrival of a global superstar.

During his first few seasons at Dortmund, Reyna won the DFB-Pokal and became a vital part of their dynamic attacking core. However, his rapid ascent was abruptly halted by a devastating string of recurring muscular injuries between 2021 and 2023. These relentless setbacks severely limited his playing time, testing his mental fortitude and forcing him to undergo extensive rehabilitation to rebuild his physical resilience.

Seeking regular minutes to reignite his career, Reyna completed a short-term loan move to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest in early 2024. While the physical nature of English football presented a steep learning curve, the experience hardened him tactically. He returned to Europe's elite competitions revitalized, dedicating the 2025 and 2026 seasons to proving his fitness and reclaiming his status as a top-tier creative midfielder.

Internationally, Reyna's journey has been equally dramatic. After making his senior USMNT debut in 2020, he famously scored a stunning free-kick in the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League final. However, his experience at the 2022 FIFA World Cup was marred by a highly publicized internal dispute regarding his playing time and attitude. Demonstrating incredible maturity, he successfully reconciled with the federation and moved past the controversy.

Under new USMNT leadership, Reyna became the undisputed creative hub of the national team. He dominated the 2023 and 2024 Nations League tournaments, consistently winning Player of the Match honors. Fully fit and mentally hardened, his inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad represents a story of ultimate redemption, as he looks to dictate the tempo for the United States on the world stage.

Giovanni Reyna was born in Sunderland, England, while his father, Claudio Reyna, was playing in the Premier League. He hails from one of the most prominent families in American soccer history. His father is a former USMNT captain and legend, while his mother, Danielle Egan, was a standout player for the United States Women's National Team. This elite lineage instilled a profound understanding of the game but also placed enormous expectations on his young shoulders.

Reyna's early life was marked by immense tragedy, as his older brother, Jack, tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2012 at the age of 13. Giovanni frequently honors his brother's memory on and off the pitch, citing Jack as his ultimate motivation for pursuing greatness in the sport. The shared grief and resilience profoundly shaped his quiet, intense, and deeply competitive personality.

Off the pitch, Reyna maintains a low profile, preferring to stay out of the tabloid spotlight. He is known to be in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Chloe Tolman. He shares extremely close bonds with his USMNT teammates, particularly Joe Scally, whom he grew up playing alongside in the NYCFC academy. As he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Reyna's primary focus remains on his health, his family, and cementing his own unique legacy in American soccer.