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Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač has confirmed that 17-year-old U.S. men's national team prospect Mathis Albert will receive "a lot more minutes" with the German club going forward.
The Greenville, S.C. native has been with Dortmund since 2024, progressing through the academy before breaking into the first team. In April, he surpassed Gio Reyna's record to become the youngest American to appear in a Bundesliga match, making his debut at just 16 years old.
Albert is now a regular fixture in Kovač's plans and completed a full 90 minutes in his seasonal debut when Dortmund beat HEBC Hamburg in the first round of the DFB Pokal. As Dortmund resumed action after the international break, Kovač acknowledged that Albert is prepared for a bigger role.
From the academy to the big stage.
18-year-old Italian Samuele Inácio debuted as a starter, while US-born 16-year-old Mathis Albert made his senior debut.
Dortmund's next generation has arrived. pic.twitter.com/XoxMOql8jn
"There are no restrictions," Kovač said of Albert, via Bundesliga. "He is a very talented young man who is already showing really good signs in training, who has already played a cup game, and who sooner or later, probably sooner, will get a lot more minutes here at Borussia Dortmund than perhaps half a year ago."
Albert remained an unused substitute during Dortmund's draw with Wolfsburg on Saturday, though he could begin earning more consistent playing time before the year is out.
Mathis Albert's Dream USMNT Introduction
Despite the 90 minutes against HEBC Hamburg being his only club-level appearance this season, Mauricio Pochettino included Albert in the USMNT's first post-2026 World Cup squad.
Albert made his senior USMNT debut against Peru and featured in all four victories Pochettino's side secured during the September-October international window. Against Chile, in the second match of the window, the young forward scored, becoming the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history.
"It's like a dream come true for sure," Albert told Telemundo shortly after netting his first USMNT goal. "Ever since I was young I've been dreaming to score for the national team, and yeah, I was really happy. I didn't expect it to happen so fast, but I'm just very happy to be part of the team and make an impact from on the bench or if I start, whatever happens."
The former LA Galaxy academy product admitted he struggled to sleep the night he scored the record-breaking goal — a record that stood for just four days.
BAR DOWN AND IN FOR MATHIS ALBERT! 💥#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/gF5OvCaiqh
Fellow 2009-born American talent Cavan Sullivan eclipsed Albert's record when he scored against Mexico. The two teenagers represent some of the most exciting young prospects that Pochettino is eager to build into the national team setup.
Sullivan is already set to join Manchester City when he turns 18, while rumors have surfaced suggesting the Cityzens are also eyeing a move for Albert from Dortmund to bolster their collection of USMNT talent.
For now, Albert will be hoping Kovač's words translate into action and he begins carving out a more significant role with the German giants. Should he make the most of his opportunities and continue his upward trajectory, it may only be a matter of time before Europe's elite clubs come calling.