Mathis Makes History

Teenage Winger Becomes the Youngest USMNT Goalscorer with Late Goal Against Chile

Mathis Albert needed less than four days to leave his mark on the U.S. Men’s National Team.

The Borussia Dortmund winger, just 17 years old, scored in stoppage time Tuesday night in St. Louis to seal a 4-2 win over Chile, becoming the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history at 17 years and 131 days. He broke Christian Pulisic's record.

The goal came after Chris Richards had restored the U.S. lead, with Albert crashing toward goal and tapping the ball home off the underside of the crossbar. By his own account, the significance didn’t register right away. “I didn’t even know until I went in the locker room, but it’s really good,” he said. “I’m happy to score, being the youngest ever.”

It capped a quick introduction to the senior team. Albert earned his first call-up from Mauricio Pochettino this month and debuted on Sept. 26 against Peru, coming off the bench and quickly drawing a penalty that Malik Tillman converted.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Albert has a French father and an American mother of German descent, which gives him citizenship in both countries. He came up through the LA Galaxy academy, drawing interest from Dutch and French clubs, before moving to Dortmund in 2024.

His rise has been rapid. At 16, he was the youngest player at the 2025 Club World Cup, though he didn't play. In April, he became the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga, coming on late in a win over Freiburg and surpassing the mark set by Gio Reyna.

Albert had also moved through the U.S. youth ranks, from the under-15s through the under-17s, and played at the U-17 World Cup in November 2025.

Now, with the Mexico match looming Saturday, he has a record and a growing case for more minutes.