Cole Campbell: Borussia Dortmund's latest USA's talent ready to make Bundesliga bow
Amongst the many talented youngsters at Borussia Dortmund is 18-year-old Cole Campbell, who has been impressing at U17 and U19 level. Now with professional 3. Liga experience under his belt, the winger has made the step up to the senior squad and is ready to make his mark…
Several exciting Americans have turned out for Dortmund down the years. Christian Pulisic, now of AC Milan, is the standout star of the group, but Giovanni Reyna and Heidenheim’s Lennard Maloney have also adapted to the Bundesliga well and are well established among the German elite.
Next on the conveyor belt of US talent is Campbell, who has put himself in a fantastic position to impact Nuri Şahin’s team. His path to the Ruhr has not been straightforward, with him first needing to make a stop in Iceland before reaching one of Europe’s leading leagues, but the fact he became Icelandic football’s second-youngest player when he made his Hafnarfjarðar bow in 2021 suggests he is not fazed by the physicality of the men’s game.
Within weeks of his arrival in Dortmund, it was clear the club had a player with huge potential on their hands. A brace on his U17 debut was followed up by another four goals in 10 more games that season, and he amassed 10 strikes and 11 assists for the U19s the next campaign. Such was the level of his performances, he was one of several youth team players who joined the first team on their winter break trip to Marbella in January 2024.
Watch: Christian Pulisic: Made in the Bundesliga
That spell in Spain was Şahin’s first introduction to Dortmund as a coach, having become a part of Edin Terzić’s backroom staff at the end of December last year, allowing him to cast an early eye over Campbell. He clearly made an impact as, shortly after scoring his first professional goal in a 3-0 3. Liga win for Borussia Dortmund II against Alemannia Aachen in September, Campbell was named on the bench for first time as BVB faced Union Berlin. In between those two events, he put in a match-winning display by netting twice on his USA U19 debut against England.
The prodigy did not get on the pitch versus Union, instead watching on from the bench while Dortmund succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. Still, it was a statement from Şahin to include him in the matchday squad and hinted that the American is in his plans for the future. For what it’s worth, Campbell has been saying all the right things about his boss, showing his appreciation for his influence during his short time at the helm.
“Even though I haven't been working with him for long, I can already say that Şahin is one of the best coaches I've ever had,” he explained. “I can talk to him at any time, exchange ideas with him on a personal level. Of course you have to respect him, but you can talk very openly with him.”
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Before a competitive ball was kicked this term, Şahin already discussed Campbell’s path to the first team and was obviously impressed with his impact in pre-season. “He [Campbell] came here without any expectations, for the last three days he has shown us that, OK, the door could open,” the former Turkey international said.
After the October international break, the perfect moment to give him that chance to shine at the highest level may arise. Şahin has something of an attacking injury crisis on his hands, with Karim Adeyemi, Giovanni Reyna and Julien Duranville all expected to be unavailable until November at least.
Although that doesn’t guarantee a starting berth for Campbell – the likes of Jamie Gittens and Donyell Malen are clearly ahead of him in the pecking order – the need to rotate as games come thick and fast should give him the opportunity to come on from the bench and contribute.
If Şahin is worried about his up-and-coming ace’s ability to cope with the demands of the Bundesliga, he should know Campbell is not lacking in confidence. In the aftermath of his goal against Aachen, he boldly set out his hopes for the season. "This is an important season for me. I want to make the breakthrough into the pros,” he said. “I have to work hard for that and then we will see what is possible. I hope I get my chance soon.”
Cole has already departed his homeland at a tender age, with no guarantee of that leading to a career in European football. Having made it this far, the time has arrived for him to take his game to the next stage. Given the chance to really flourish, the USA may have another Bundesliga-bred star on their hands.
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