Giovanni Reyna is a special talent who plays for Borussia Dortmund, and here are a few facts you need to know about him.
Giovanni Reyna is considered one of the USMNT's most talented players alongside Captain America, Christian Pulisic. The 20-year-old is still making headways on the global scene while also making the USMNT squad regularly.
Having already made his World Cup debut for his nation in 2022, the midfielder will be hoping to play a greater role in the future for his national team as well.
GOAL takes you through 13 fun facts about the USMNT forward.
Jo Caird / Getty Images SportFootball runs in his blood
Reyna comes from a family that has football coursing through its veins. Both of his parents are former soccer players who played for the United States men's and women's national teams. His father played almost exclusively in Germany and the UK.
AdvertisementHis younger brother plays with Austin II
He has a younger brother, Josh, who is following in his elder brother's footsteps. Josh plays for Austin FC's youth team in MLS Next Pro. His father is also involved with Austin FC as their Technical Director.
Reyna was born in England
The midfielder was born in Sunderland in England. His family had settled in the Tyne and Wear port city as his father, Claudio, played for Sunderland.
Personal tragedy growing up
Gio's older brother Jack, tragically died when he was just 13 after a two-year battle with glioblastoma. This aggressive and extremely rare brain tumour usually affects men in their 60s and 70s. Gio was just nine years old when Jack passed away, and on the evening following his death, the now 20-year-old thought his dreams of being a soccer player were over after losing his brother and mentor.
"I'm never going to be a good soccer player now because my big brother taught me everything," Gio told his mother after Jack's untimely death, according to an interview with Sports Illustrated.