18-year-old American forward Cole Campbell made his professional debut with Borussia Dortmund as a late substitute during a challenging 2-1 defeat against Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Entering the match in the 88th minute, Campbell replaced Donyell Malen as Dortmund pushed for an equalizer, showcasing his readiness to contribute to the team’s efforts.
Having joined Dortmund in 2022, Campbell had previously played exclusively for the club’s youth and reserve teams, which compete in Germany’s third division.
Earlier this year, FIFA granted Campbell permission to switch his national affiliation from Iceland to the United States. Shortly after this decision, he made a significant impact by scoring two goals in his debut for the U.S. Under-19 team, leading them to a 3-2 victory over England.
Campbell’s athletic lineage is noteworthy; he is the son of Rakel Karvelsson, a former forward for the Icelandic women’s national team, who was born in Los Angeles and played collegiate soccer at the University of North Carolina. His father is American, adding to the diverse background that shapes his identity as a player.
As the latest American talent to emerge from Dortmund’s famed development system, Campbell follows in the footsteps of notable players like Christian Pulisic, now with AC Milan, and Gio Reyna, further solidifying the club’s reputation for nurturing young soccer stars.
