Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson with Red Bull Salzburg in 2021
Personal information
Full name Brenden Russell Aaronson[1]
Date of birth (2000-10-22) October 22, 2000 (age 24)[2]
Place of birth Medford, New Jersey, United States
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.77 m)[1]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, winger
Team information
Current team
 Leeds United
Number 11
Youth career
2015–2018 Philadelphia Union
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 Bethlehem Steel 21 (1)
2019–2020 Philadelphia Union 51 (7)
2021–2022 Red Bull Salzburg 46 (9)
2022– Leeds United 58 (7)
2023–2024 → Union Berlin (loan) 30 (2)
International career‡
2015 United States U15 2 (0)
2019 United States U23 3 (0)
2020– United States 47 (8)
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's soccer
CONCACAF Nations League
Winner 2021 United States
Winner 2023 United States
Winner 2024 United States
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of December 21, 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of November 18, 2024

Brenden Russell Aaronson (born October 22, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for EFL Championship club Leeds United and the United States national team.

Early life

Raised in Medford, New Jersey, Aaronson attended Shawnee High School for a single year before being selected to the Philadelphia Union's YSC Academy, where he played soccer and completed his high school education.[3] During his time at YSC Academy, Aaronson had played for Union's youth teams before committing to Indiana University and signing an amateur contract with Bethlehem Steel FC.[4][5]

Club career

Bethlehem Steel

Aaronson appeared as an academy player playing for Bethlehem Steel FC during their 2017 season after coming through the Philadelphia Union academy.[6][7] On September 30, 2017, Aaronson made his first start for Steel FC in an away draw versus Tampa Bay Rowdies.[8] Aaronson made 21 appearances for Steel FC and scored his first goal for the professional side against Atlanta United 2.[9]

Philadelphia Union

On September 17, 2018, it was announced that Aaronson would join the Philadelphia Union at the beginning of their 2019 season.[10] On March 17, 2019, the homegrown player scored his first professional goal in his MLS debut, helping Philadelphia tie against Atlanta United. Considered to be a back-up playmaker for the Union, injuries and suspensions gave Aaronson the opportunity to start and excel in the first team as both playmaking number 10 and left-sided box-to-box midfielder.[11]

At the end of his rookie season, Aaronson finished second for 2019 MLS Rookie of the year, with three goals and two assists in over 1,640 minutes played. Aaronson was the youngest player out of the five finalists.[12]

The 2020 season became a breakout year for Aaronson who finished the season with 31 appearances across all competitions and scoring 4 goals. Aaronson's performance during the season earned him several accolades include being named to the 2020 MLS Best XI for the regular season and the MLS is Back Tournament.[13][14] The Union finished the season with the best league record earning the team's first trophy, the 2020 Supporters' Shield.[15]

Red Bull Salzburg

After persistent rumors, it was announced on October 16, 2020, that Aaronson would join Red Bull Salzburg effective January 2021 after the MLS season ended.[16] While the transfer fee was undisclosed, Philadelphia announced that it would be the highest transfer fee paid for an American homegrown player from MLS.[17] Early news reports indicated the fee is US$6 million up front, with US$3 million in possible incentives.[18][19] Aaronson made his debut for Salzburg on January 25, as a substitute during a 2–0 victory over Rheindorf Altach.[20]

Aaronson during a match with RB Salzburg in 2021

Aaronson scored his first goal for Salzburg on February 10, 2021, scoring the game-winning goal during an eventual 3–1 win over Austria Wien.[21] On May 1, he won his first piece of silverware with Salzburg as the club defeated LASK in the Austrian Cup final by 3–0.[22] Aaronson scored the second goal of the match, and his fifth in all competitions since his move from Philadelphia in January.[22]

Leeds United

On May 26, 2022, Leeds United announced the signing of Aaronson on a five-year contract, beginning on July 1.[23][24] Sky Sports reported the transfer fee to be £24.7 million.[25] He made his senior league debut for Leeds as part of the starting eleven in their season opener on August 6, with a 2–1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.[26] On August 21, Aaronson scored his first Premier League goal after forcing an error from Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy in a 3–0 home win over rivals Chelsea, helping Leeds secure their first victory over the Blues for 20 years.[27]

Loan to Union Berlin

On July 9, 2023, following Leeds' relegation from the Premier League, Aaronson joined Bundesliga side Union Berlin on loan for the 2023–24 season.[28]

Return to Leeds

Aaronson returned to Elland Road for the 2024–25 season, putting in powerful performances in his five games in August, which featured him scoring twice in two league ties, including the added-time equaliser in the 10 August 3-3 season home opener against Portsmouth.[29] His two goals plus his assists earned him the fans JD Sports Player of the Month Award for August 2024.[30]

International career

After showing a strong rookie season, Aaronson received his first senior call-up to the United States men's national soccer team in October 2019 for CONCACAF Nations League matches with Cuba and Canada. He did not earn a cap in either match.[31] Aaronson earned his second call-up to the senior team for the 2020 January camp.[32] Aaronson earned his full debut in a 1–0 win over Costa Rica. Later that year, Aaronson scored his first senior international goal during a 6–0 victory over El Salvador in December 2020.[33]

Aaronson was included in the 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing in all three group games.[34][35][36][37]

Personal life

His younger brother Paxten Aaronson is also a professional soccer player and plays for FC Utrecht, on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.[38]

Aaronson's performances for the Philadelphia Union and Red Bull Salzburg earned him the nickname of the "Medford Messi", an alliteration that refers to his birthplace and makes a comparison with Argentine player Lionel Messi.[39] He is a fan of the San Francisco 49ers, as his father is from Sacramento.[40]

He became engaged to Milana D'Ambra in August 2024.[41]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played December 16, 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bethlehem Steel FC 2017 USL Championship 5 0 1 0 — — — 6 0
2018 USL Championship 16 1 2 0 — — — 18 1
Total 21 1 3 0 — — — 24 1
Philadelphia Union 2019[42] MLS 28 3 — 2 0 — — 30 3
2020[43] MLS 23[c] 4 — 1 0 — 3[d] 0 27 4
Total 51 7 — 3 0 — 3 0 57 7
Red Bull Salzburg 2020–21[43] Austrian Bundesliga 20 5 3 2 — 2[e] 0 — 25 7
2021–22[44] Austrian Bundesliga 26 4 5 0 — 10[f] 2 — 41 6
Total 46 9 8 2 — 12 2 — 66 13
Leeds United 2022–23[45] Premier League 36 1 4 0 0 0 — — 40 1
2024–25[46] Championship 21 5 0 0 1 0 — — 22 5
Total 57 6 4 0 1 0 — — 62 6
Union Berlin (loan) 2023–24[47] Bundesliga 30 2 2 0 — 6[f] 0 — 38 2
Career total 205 25 17 2 4 0 18 2 3 0 247 29
  1. ^ Includes U.S. Open Cup, Austrian Cup, FA Cup and DFB-Pokal
  2. ^ Includes MLS Cup playoffs
  3. ^ Includes three appearances in MLS is Back Tournament group stage
  4. ^ Appearances in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage
  5. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League

International

As of match played November 18, 2024[48]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
United States 2020 2 1
2021 13 4
2022 13 1
2023 10 2
2024 9 0
Total 47 8
United States score listed first, score column indicates score after each Aaronson goal.[49]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 December 9, 2020 Inter Miami CF Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, United States 2  El Salvador 6–0 6–0 Friendly
2 March 25, 2021 Stadion Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria 3  Jamaica 2–0 4–1 Friendly
3 June 9, 2021 Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, United States 7  Costa Rica 1–0 4–0 Friendly
4 September 5, 2021 Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States 9  Canada 1–0 1–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 September 8, 2021 Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula, Honduras 10  Honduras 3–1 4–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 June 1, 2022 TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, United States 19  Morocco 1–0 3–0 Friendly
7 March 24, 2023 Kirani James Athletic Stadium, St. George's, Grenada 29  Grenada 2–0 7–1 2022–23 CONCACAF Nations League A
8 September 12, 2023 Allianz Field, Saint Paul, United States 34  Oman 2–0 4–0 Friendly

Honors

Philadelphia Union

Red Bull Salzburg

United States

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – List of players: United States (USA)" (PDF). FIFA. November 15, 2022. p. 31. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  2. ^ "Brenden Aaronson". worldfootball.net. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  3. ^ Strauss, Robert. "Meet the Philadelphia Union’s Youngest Hometown Player; At just 18 years old, midfielder Brenden Aaronson's dream has come true.", New Jersey Monthly, May 2, 2019. Accessed June 24, 2019.
  4. ^ Matthew Ralph (November 20, 2017). "Brenden Aaronson verbally commits to Indiana University for 2019". Brotherly Game. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  5. ^ Jonathan Tannenwald (August 21, 2018). "Medford's Brenden Aaronson is the Union's top prospect, and a genuine U.S. soccer playmaker". The Philadelphia Inquire. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  6. ^ "Philadelphia Union". phil.ussoccerda.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  7. ^ "Brendan Aaronson". Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  8. ^ Matthew Ralph (October 5, 2017). "South Jersey teens impress in first starts for Bethlehem Steel". Brotherly Game. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  9. ^ Matthew Ralph (July 30, 2018). "Three Steel players score first pro goals in 4-1 win over Atlanta United 2". Brotherly Game. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  10. ^ "Union Sign Midfielder Brenden Aaronson As Club's Sixth Current Homegrown Player | Philadelphia Union". Archived from the original on September 17, 2018.
  11. ^ Tansey, Joe (July 30, 2019). "Dream season continues for Philadelphia Union's Brenden Aaronson at Homegrown Game". ProSoccerUSA. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  12. ^ Ralph, Matthew (October 15, 2019). "Brenden Aaronson finishes second in Rookie of the Year award voting". Brotherly Game.
  13. ^ a b "MLS is Back Tournament Best XI presented by BODYARMOR". MLSsoccer.com. August 13, 2020. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  14. ^ a b "2020 MLS Best XI presented by Home Depot". MLSsoccer.com. November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  15. ^ a b "Philadelphia Union win 2020 MLS Supporters' Shield on regular season's final day". Major League Soccer. November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  16. ^ "FC Red Bull Salzburg - Welcome to Salzburg, Brenden Aaronson!". redbulls. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  17. ^ "Philadelphia Union Agree To Record-Breaking Transfer Of Homegrown Midfielder Brenden Aaronson to UEFA Champions League Club FC Red Bull Salzburg". Philadelphia Union. October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  18. ^ "Aaronson joins FC Salzburg in record-breaking transfer". ESPN. October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  19. ^ "Union sell Brenden Aaronson to Red Bull Salzburg for $6 million". Phila Inquirer. October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  20. ^ "Former Philadelphia Union teammates Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie make European league debuts". MLSsoccer.com. January 24, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  21. ^ "WATCH: Brenden Aaronson scores superb first Red Bull Salzburg goal | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
  22. ^ a b c "U.S.'s Brenden Aaronson, Jesse Marsch lead Salzburg to Austrian Cup". ESPN. May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  23. ^ "Leeds United agree deal to sign Brenden Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg". BBC Sport. May 26, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  24. ^ "Brenden Aaronson to join Leeds United". Leeds United F.C. May 26, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  25. ^ "Leeds transfer news: Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson signs on a five-year deal". Sky Sports. May 26, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  26. ^ Unwin, Will (August 6, 2022). "Brenden Aaronson inspires Leeds to comeback victory over Wolves". The Guardian. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  27. ^ Magowan, Alistair (August 21, 2022). "Leeds United 3–0 Chelsea: Hosts dominate at Elland Road to continue unbeaten start". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  28. ^ "Brenden Aaronson joins Union Berlin on loan from Leeds United". bundesliga.com - the official Bundesliga website. July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  29. ^ "Leeds 3–3 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. August 10, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  30. ^ "Brenden Aaronson voted JD Sports Player of the Month for August". leedsunited.com. August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  31. ^ "Brenden Aaronson | USMNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site". ussoccer.com.
  32. ^ Jonathan Tannenwald (December 30, 2019). "Union's Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie on first USMNT roster of 2020". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  33. ^ "Brenden Aaronson scores first USMNT goal in 6-0 rout of El Salvador". The Philadelphia Inquirer. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  34. ^ Keh, Andrew (November 9, 2022). "U.S. Announces a World Cup Roster Shaped by a Wholesale Turnover". The New York Times. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  35. ^ Fisher, Ben (November 21, 2022). "Gareth Bale's penalty rescues point for Wales in World Cup opener with USA". The Guardian. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  36. ^ Hytner, David (November 25, 2022). "Edgy England on verge of World Cup last 16 after fortunate draw with USA". The Guardian. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  37. ^ Ames, Nick (November 29, 2022). "Christian Pulisic strike guides USA past Iran to set up Netherlands meeting". The Guardian. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  38. ^ Baldi, Ryan (November 2, 2023). "'It will be weird sharing the pitch': Paxten Aaronson on playing against his brother". The Guardian.
  39. ^ "Brenden Aaronson, aka "The Medford Messi" Scores Game Winner Against Barcelona". Crossing Broad. August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  40. ^ Brenden Aaronson Opens Up On Highs & Lows of Early Career, October 16, 2023, retrieved October 16, 2023
  41. ^ @baaronson7 (August 6, 2024). "Loved you every day since we were 16 and now we are getting married 💛 Can't wait for forever with you!" – via Instagram.
  42. ^ "Games played by Brenden Aaronson in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  43. ^ a b "Games played by Brenden Aaronson in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  44. ^ "Games played by Brenden Aaronson in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  45. ^ "Games played by Brenden Aaronson in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  46. ^ "Games played by Brenden Aaronson in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  47. ^ "Games played by Brenden Aaronson in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  48. ^ Brenden Aaronson at National-Football-Teams.com
  49. ^ "Brenden Aaronson – Soccerway". Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  50. ^ Creditor, Avi (May 12, 2021). "Jesse Marsch Accomplishes All He Can in Austria". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  51. ^ "Christian Pulisic, Ethan Horvath lead U.S. over Mexico in Nations League final". ESPN. June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  52. ^ "U.S. beats Canada to win Nations League as Balogun opens account". ESPN. June 18, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  53. ^ "Adams Reyna on target as United States complete three peat". CONCACAF. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.