Fabian Herbers Bio
Fabian Herbers (born 17 August 1993) is a German professional footballer who plays as a forward for CF Montréal in Major League Soccer. Standing at 184 centimeters tall, Herbers has built his career in the United States after progressing through several notable German and Dutch youth systems. He is recognized for a productive 2016 rookie campaign with Philadelphia Union and a long-running presence in MLS.
After moving through Major League Soccer with Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire, Herbers signed with the Canadian side CF Montréal as a free agent in January 2025. He is contracted with the club through 2027 and continues to compete as a versatile forward in the league.
Early Life and Background
Fabian Herbers was born on 17 August 1993 in Ahaus, Germany. He grew up in a country with a strong footballing tradition and was introduced to the sport at an early age through local clubs. His upbringing in the German football system helped shape his technical skills and tactical awareness as a young attacker.
He began his organized football journey in Germany with VfL Rhede, joining the club in 2012 and playing there until 2013. Herbers also spent time in the youth setups of SC Preußen Münster, one of the prominent development programs in the region, and FC Twente in the Netherlands, where he experienced a different footballing culture and style of play. These early stints allowed him to gain exposure to multiple coaching philosophies and competitive environments.
Path to Professional Soccer
Herbers’ progression to professional football included a significant step when he moved to the United States to play college soccer at Creighton University. Between 2013 and 2015, he spent three seasons with the Creighton Bluejays, competing at the NCAA level and developing his game against high-level collegiate competition. His time at Creighton helped him adapt to the physical and fast-paced style of North American soccer.
Following his college career, Herbers signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer, a pathway that allowed promising young players to enter the professional ranks. His performances in college and in pre-draft combines positioned him as a top prospect heading into the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.
Fabian Herbers Career
Early Career (2012-2015)
Herbers’ earliest senior-level experience came in Germany with VfL Rhede, where he played from 2012 to 2013. The club gave him a platform to gain competitive minutes and adjust to the demands of regular senior football. He balanced these club duties with continued training in the youth systems of SC Preußen Münster and FC Twente.
His transition to Creighton University in 2013 marked a turning point. Over three seasons with the Bluejays, he refined his attacking skills and earned recognition that ultimately led to his selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. The combination of European youth development and American college soccer gave him a well-rounded foundation for the professional game.
Philadelphia Union Era (2016-2018)
Herbers was selected sixth overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia Union, beginning his Major League Soccer career. He made his Union debut on 6 March 2016, entering as an 83rd-minute substitute during a 2-0 loss against FC Dallas. He also began his career playing between the Union and their developmental side, Bethlehem Steel FC, making six Steel appearances and scoring two goals in 2016, including the franchise’s first-ever goal in a 1-0 win on 25 March in their first match against FC Montreal.
He scored his first goal for the Union during a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew SC on 1 June 2016 in the 83rd minute after being substituted on eight minutes earlier. In his rookie season, he totaled 32 league appearances, scoring three goals and leading all league rookies with seven assists. He also contributed one goal and one assist in two U.S. Open Cup appearances that year.
His 2017 season was a frustrating one, as he totaled only 15 appearances. He scored his first goal of the season during a substitute appearance in a 4-0 win at D.C. United. Herbers suffered a groin injury against the Colorado Rapids on 20 May 2017 and missed a month before returning to practice and suffering a sports hernia, which ended his 2017 season. He remained with the organization into 2018 and made appearances for Bethlehem Steel FC on loan.
Chicago Fire Era (2019-2024)
On 9 December 2018, Herbers was traded to Chicago Fire in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The move gave him a fresh start in a new market and an opportunity to compete for a more consistent role. He featured for the Fire across multiple seasons as a versatile attacking option.
Herbers spent six seasons with Chicago Fire, contributing as a squad player and offering depth along the front line. He was released by the club following their 2024 season, opening the door for the next chapter of his career in Canada.
CF Montréal Era (2025-Present)
On 3 January 2025, Herbers signed as a free agent with Canadian MLS side CF Montréal on a two-year deal. The agreement ties him to the club through 2027, providing long-term stability for both player and team. He joined a squad aiming to compete in the Eastern Conference and contribute experienced MLS minutes.
His arrival in Montreal added a forward with significant league experience and a proven track record of contributing goals and assists. Herbers’ familiarity with MLS rules, travel, and playing styles positions him to integrate quickly into the CF Montréal setup.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Herbers’ career came in 2016 when he scored the first-ever goal in Bethlehem Steel FC history during the franchise’s first match against FC Montreal. He also led all MLS rookies with seven assists that season, a stat line that underscored his playmaking ability. In July 2017, Herbers earned his U.S. green card, cementing his domestic status within the league.
Fabian Herbers Career Wins
Herbers has accumulated notable performances across his time in Major League Soccer, contributing both goals and assists in multiple seasons. His most productive year came in 2016, when he scored three goals and added seven assists across 32 league appearances, leading all MLS rookies in helpers. He also scored the first goal in Bethlehem Steel FC history that same year.
MLS Highlights
Herbers’ MLS career includes a productive rookie season with Philadelphia Union in 2016, highlighted by three goals and a league-leading seven assists for rookies. His first Union goal came on 1 June 2016 in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew SC. He went on to play for Chicago Fire from 2019 through 2024 before joining CF Montréal in 2025.
Fabian Herbers Family
Personal Life
Herbers earned his U.S. green card in July 2017, an important personal milestone that allowed him to be classified as a domestic player within Major League Soccer. The move reflected his long-term commitment to building a career in the United States. Further publicly verified details about his immediate family are not available.
2025 Season Performance
Herbers began the 2025 season with CF Montréal after signing as a free agent in January. The two-year contract runs through 2027, giving the club a stable attacking piece and providing Herbers with a defined role in the squad. His prior MLS experience with Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire makes him a reliable contributor for the Canadian side.
Throughout 2025, Herbers is expected to compete for minutes as a forward, offering versatility across the front line and contributing both goals and assists. His familiarity with the league’s style of play should allow him to settle quickly into the team’s tactics. With a multi-year deal in place, both player and club are focused on building consistency.
Looking ahead, Herbers’ role at CF Montréal will likely evolve as the season progresses, and his veteran presence will be valuable in a competitive Eastern Conference. The 2025 campaign represents a new chapter for the German forward, with opportunities to add to his MLS totals and contribute to the club’s ambitions.