Brenden Aaronson Explained

Brenden Aaronson
Fullname:Brenden Russell Aaronson[1]
Birth Date:22 October 2000[2]
Birth Place:Medford, New Jersey, United States
Height:1.77m (05.81feet)[3]
Position:Attacking midfielder, winger
Currentclub:Leeds United
Clubnumber:11
Youthyears1:2015–2018
Youthclubs1:Philadelphia Union
Years1:2017–2018
Clubs1:Bethlehem Steel FC
Caps1:21
Goals1:1
Years2:2019–2020
Clubs2:Philadelphia Union
Caps2:51
Goals2:7
Years3:2021–2022
Clubs3:Red Bull Salzburg
Caps3:46
Goals3:9
Years4:2022–
Clubs4:Leeds United
Caps4:37
Goals4:2
Years5:2023–2024
Clubs5:Union Berlin (loan)
Caps5:30
Goals5:2
Nationalyears1:2015
Nationalteam1:United States U15
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2019
Nationalteam2:United States U23
Nationalcaps2:3
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2020–
Nationalteam3:United States
Nationalcaps3:42
Nationalgoals3:8
Club-Update:22:20, August 10, 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:June 23, 2024

Brenden Russell Aaronson (born October 22, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for 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.[4] 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.[5] [6]

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.[7] [8] On September 30, 2017, Aaronson made his first start for Steel FC in an away draw versus Tampa Bay Rowdies.[9] Aaronson made 21 appearances for Steel FC and scored his first goal for the professional side against Atlanta United 2.[10]

Philadelphia Union

On September 17, 2018, it was announced that Aaronson would join the Philadelphia Union at the beginning of their 2019 season.[11] 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.[12]

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.[13]

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.[14] [15] The Union finished the season with the best league record earning the team's first trophy, the 2020 Supporters' Shield.[16]

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.[17] While the transfer fee was undisclosed, Philadelphia announced that it would be the highest transfer fee paid for an American homegrown player from MLS.[18] Early news reports indicated the fee is US$6 million up front, with US$3 million in possible incentives.[19] [20] Aaronson made his debut for Salzburg on January 25, as a substitute during a 2–0 victory over Rheindorf Altach.[21] 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.[22] 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. Aaronson scored the second goal of the match, and his fifth in all competitions since his move from Philadelphia in January.

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]

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.[29] Aaronson earned his second call-up to the senior team for the 2020 January camp.[30] 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.[31]

Aaronson was included in the 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing in all three group games.[32] [33] [34] [35]

Personal life

His brother Paxten Aaronson is also a professional soccer player and plays for SBV Vitesse, on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.[36]

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.[37] He is a fan of the San Francisco 49ers, as his father is from Sacramento.

Career statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bethlehem Steel FC2017USL Championship501060
2018USL Championship16120181
Total21130241
Philadelphia Union2019MLS28320303
2020MLS23[38] 41030274
Total5173030577
Red Bull Salzburg2020–21Austrian Bundesliga2053220257
2021–22Austrian Bundesliga26450102416
Total469821226613
Leeds United2022–23Premier League3614000401
2024–25Championship11001021
Total3724010422
Union Berlin (loan)2023–24Bundesliga3022060382
Career total18521172401823022725

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
United States202021
2021134
2022131
2023102
202440
Total428

United States score listed first, score column indicates score after each Aaronson goal.[39]

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
scope=colNo.scope=colDatescope=colVenuescope=colCapscope=colOpponentscope=colScorescope=colResultscope=colCompetition
scope=row1December 9, 2020Inter Miami CF Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, United States26–06–0Friendly
scope=row2March 25, 2021Stadion Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria32–04–1 Friendly
scope=row3June 9, 2021Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, United States71–04–0 Friendly
scope=row4September 5, 2021Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States91–01–12022 FIFA World Cup qualification
scope=row5September 8, 2021Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula, Honduras103–14–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
scope=row6June 1, 2022TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, United States191–03–0 Friendly
scope=row7March 24, 2023Kirani James Athletic Stadium, St. George's, Grenada 292–07–12022–23 CONCACAF Nations League A
scope=row8September 12, 2023Allianz Field, Saint Paul, United States342–04–0Friendly

Honors

Philadelphia Union

2020[16]

Red Bull Salzburg

2020–21,[40] 2021–22

2020–21,[41] 2021–22

United States

2019–20,[42] 2022–23,[43] 2023–24[44]

Individual

2020[15]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2022/23 Premier League squad lists . Premier League . September 14, 2022 . September 14, 2022.
  2. Web site: Brenden Aaronson. January 3, 2021. worldfootball.net. en.
  3. Web site: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: List of players: United States . . 31 . November 15, 2022 . November 24, 2022.
  4. 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.
  5. Web site: Brenden Aaronson verbally commits to Indiana University for 2019. Matthew Ralph . Brotherly Game. November 20, 2017. January 1, 2020.
  6. Web site: Medford's Brenden Aaronson is the Union's top prospect, and a genuine U.S. soccer playmaker. Jonathan Tannenwald . The Philadelphia Inquire. August 21, 2018. January 1, 2020.
  7. Web site: Philadelphia Union. phil.ussoccerda.com. July 21, 2017. November 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165303/http://phil.ussoccerda.com/sam/teams/index.php?team=1400696&player=28259855. dead.
  8. Web site: Brendan Aaronson . July 21, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170725004309/http://www.uslsoccer.com/brendan-aaronson . July 25, 2017 . dead .
  9. Web site: South Jersey teens impress in first starts for Bethlehem Steel. Matthew Ralph. Brotherly Game. October 5, 2017. January 1, 2020.
  10. Web site: Three Steel players score first pro goals in 4-1 win over Atlanta United 2 . Matthew Ralph . Brotherly Game . July 30, 2018 . January 1, 2020 .
  11. Web site: Union Sign Midfielder Brenden Aaronson As Club's Sixth Current Homegrown Player | Philadelphia Union. https://web.archive.org/web/20180917215243/https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/post/2018/09/17/union-sign-midfielder-brenden-aaronson-club-s-sixth-current-homegrown-player. September 17, 2018.
  12. Web site: Dream season continues for Philadelphia Union's Brenden Aaronson at Homegrown Game . Joe . Tansey . ProSoccerUSA . July 30, 2019 . January 1, 2020 . January 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200101161955/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/dream-season-continues-for-philadelphia-unions-brenden-aaronson-at-homegrown-game/ . dead .
  13. Web site: Brenden Aaronson finishes second in Rookie of the Year award voting. Matthew. Ralph. October 15, 2019. Brotherly Game.
  14. Web site: MLS is Back Tournament Best XI presented by BODYARMOR . MLSsoccer.com . August 13, 2020 . August 19, 2020 . February 17, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210217100922/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/best-xi-presented-bodyarmor . dead .
  15. Web site: 2020 MLS Best XI presented by Home Depot . MLSsoccer.com . November 20, 2020 . November 20, 2020.
  16. News: Philadelphia Union win 2020 MLS Supporters' Shield on regular season's final day. Major League Soccer. November 8, 2020. November 9, 2020.
  17. Web site: FC Red Bull Salzburg - Welcome to Salzburg, Brenden Aaronson!. October 16, 2020. redbulls. en.
  18. Web site: October 16, 2020. Philadelphia Union Agree To Record-Breaking Transfer Of Homegrown Midfielder Brenden Aaronson to UEFA Champions League Club FC Red Bull Salzburg. October 16, 2020. Philadelphia Union.
  19. Web site: October 16, 2020. Aaronson joins FC Salzburg in record-breaking transfer. October 16, 2020. ESPN.
  20. Web site: October 16, 2020. Union sell Brenden Aaronson to Red Bull Salzburg for $6 million. October 16, 2020. Phila Inquirer.
  21. Web site: Former Philadelphia Union teammates Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie make European league debuts. MLSsoccer.com. January 24, 2021. January 25, 2021.
  22. Web site: WATCH: Brenden Aaronson scores superb first Red Bull Salzburg goal | MLSSoccer.com. mlssoccer.
  23. News: Leeds United agree deal to sign Brenden Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg . BBC Sport . May 26, 2022 . May 26, 2022.
  24. Web site: Brenden Aaronson to join Leeds United . May 26, 2022 . May 26, 2022 . Leeds United F.C..
  25. Web site: Leeds transfer news: Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson signs on a five-year deal . May 26, 2022 . May 26, 2022 . Sky Sports.
  26. Web site: Brenden Aaronson inspires Leeds to comeback victory over Wolves. Unwin. Will. August 6, 2022. August 7, 2022. The Guardian.
  27. Web site: Magowan . Alistair . Leeds United 3–0 Chelsea: Hosts dominate at Elland Road to continue unbeaten start . BBC Sport . August 21, 2022 . August 21, 2022.
  28. Web site: 9 July 2023 . Brenden Aaronson joins Union Berlin on loan from Leeds United . 9 July 2023 . bundesliga.com - the official Bundesliga website . en.
  29. Web site: Brenden Aaronson | USMNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site. ussoccer.com.
  30. Web site: Union's Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie on first USMNT roster of 2020 . Jonathan Tannenwald . The Philadelphia Inquirer . December 30, 2019 . January 1, 2020.
  31. Web site: Brenden Aaronson scores first USMNT goal in 6-0 rout of El Salvador . The Philadelphia Inquirer . December 9, 2020 . December 11, 2020.
  32. Web site: U.S. Announces a World Cup Roster Shaped by a Wholesale Turnover. Keh. Andrew. The New York Times. 9 November 2022. 29 November 2022.
  33. Web site: Gareth Bale's penalty rescues point for Wales in World Cup opener with USA. Fisher. Ben. The Guardian. 21 November 2022. 29 November 2022.
  34. Web site: Edgy England on verge of World Cup last 16 after fortunate draw with USA. Hytner. David. The Guardian. 25 November 2022. 29 November 2022.
  35. Web site: Christian Pulisic strike guides USA past Iran to set up Netherlands meeting. Ames. Nick. The Guardian. 29 November 2022. 29 November 2022.
  36. Web site: ‘It will be weird sharing the pitch’: Paxten Aaronson on playing against his brother. Ryan. Baldi. November 2, 2023. The Guardian.
  37. Web site: August 4, 2021. Brenden Aaronson, aka "The Medford Messi" Scores Game Winner Against Barcelona. August 5, 2021. Crossing Broad. en-US.
  38. Includes three appearances in MLS is Back Tournament group stage
  39. Web site: Brenden Aaronson – Soccerway . December 10, 2020.
  40. Jesse Marsch Accomplishes All He Can in Austria. Sports Illustrated. May 12, 2021. May 12, 2021.
  41. Web site: U.S.'s Brenden Aaronson, Jesse Marsch lead Salzburg to Austrian Cup. ESPN. May 2, 2021. May 2, 2021.
  42. Web site: Christian Pulisic, Ethan Horvath lead U.S. over Mexico in Nations League final . . June 6, 2021 . June 6, 2021.
  43. Web site: 18 June 2023 . U.S. beats Canada to win Nations League as Balogun opens account . 19 June 2023 . ESPN.
  44. News: Adams Reyna on target as United States complete three peat. CONCACAF. 25 March 2024. 25 March 2024.