Julian Gressel Bio
Julian Emil Kurt Gressel (born December 16, 1993) is a professional soccer player who plays as a full-back for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United. Born in Germany, he represents the United States national team and holds dual citizenship. He began his career in Germany before moving to the United States in 2011, where he played college soccer for the Providence Friars for four seasons.
In 2017, Gressel signed a contract with Major League Soccer and was selected in the MLS SuperDraft in the first round with the eighth overall pick by expansion side Atlanta United FC. Over the course of his professional career, he has become known for his crossing ability, his tactical versatility, and his knack for delivering assists from wide positions.
Early Life and Background
Julian Gressel was born in Neustadt, Germany, and grew up immersed in the country’s rich football culture. He began his footballing career by playing in the youth academy systems of 2. Bundesliga side SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2002, where he developed the technical foundation that would later define his playing style. In 2009, Gressel left Greuther Fürth and began playing for the academy set-up of Quelle Fürth.
Gressel also played senior-level football in the German regional fifth-tier, the Bayernliga. During the 2011–12 Bayernliga season, Gressel recorded one goal and ten assists, showcasing the playmaking instincts that would later flourish in Major League Soccer. The following season, he played for TSV Neustadt/Aisch in the sixth-tier Landesliga Bayern-Nordwest, where he notched three goals and 12 assists during the 2012–13 campaign.
Path to Soccer
Gressel’s path to professional soccer ran through the German youth system before taking a transatlantic turn. After his time with Quelle Fürth and stints in the Bayernliga and Landesliga, he moved to the United States in 2011, seeking new opportunities and a college pathway. He signed a National Letter of Intent before the 2013 NCAA Division I men’s soccer season to play for Providence College’s men’s soccer program.
During his freshman year at Providence, Gressel was an immediate starter, playing in all 22 fixtures the Friars played in. He scored on his collegiate debut on August 30, 2013, in a 3–2 victory over Quinnipiac. The Friars reached the championship match of the 2013 Big East Men’s Soccer Tournament before losing 3–2 against Marquette, and ultimately earned an at-large bid into the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, where they reached the second round before losing to fifth-seeded Maryland. Gressel finished his freshman year with five goals and four assists, earning a spot on the 2013 All-Big East Conference Second Team and the All-Rookie Team.
Gressel’s college career peaked during his senior year at Providence. He led the Friars in total points with 36, accumulating 15 goals and six assists, and was rewarded with the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals during the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship. He was listed as an NSCAA First Team All-American and a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy. Gressel also earned All-Great Lakes First Team honors, All-Big East Conference First Team honors, and a spot on the 2016 Big East Men’s Soccer Tournament’s first team.
Julian Gressel Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Before turning professional, Gressel built his reputation across four seasons with the Providence Friars, evolving from a rookie contributor into one of the most dangerous attackers in the Big East Conference. He earned honors on the Big East Conference All-Tournament teams for both the 2014 and 2015 editions of the tournaments. During his junior season, he earned spots on the NSCAA Third Team All-Great Lakes Region and the Second Team All-Big East Conference.
His senior breakout campaign established him as a top professional prospect. His 15 goals led the Friars on a quarterfinal run through the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship that included victories over CAA Champions Delaware, top-seeded Big Ten Champions Maryland, and Big East rivals Creighton. Gressel’s combination of goalscoring and creativity earned him national recognition, paving the way for his selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Atlanta United Era (2017–2019)
Ahead of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Gressel signed a senior college contract with Major League Soccer, and on January 13, 2017, he was selected by expansion side Atlanta United FC with the eighth overall pick. Gressel made his professional debut for Atlanta United on March 5, 2017, in a 1–2 loss against the New York Red Bulls. Playing mostly as a central midfielder for manager Tata Martino, Gressel won the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year honors.
In 2018, Gressel was a key player for the MLS Cup Champions, playing mostly as a right midfielder and right wingback. He started 33 matches and assisted 14 times in league play, forming a key partnership with striker Josef Martinez and becoming one of the best crossers in the league. He contributed to another successful Atlanta campaign in 2019 under new manager Frank de Boer, assisting 12 times. During this period, Gressel helped Atlanta United win MLS Cup in 2018, the U.S. Open Cup in 2018, and the Campeones Cup in 2019.
D.C. United Era (2020–2022)
On January 21, 2020, D.C. United acquired Gressel from Atlanta United for $750,000 in Targeted Allocation Money. Gressel made his debut for D.C. on February 29, 2020, in the season opener against the Colorado Rapids, and scored his first goal for the club on August 29 in a 1–4 loss against the Philadelphia Union. He finished the 2021 season with 13 assists, the third most in the league.
His time at D.C. United established him as a consistent chance-creator in Major League Soccer. On July 15, 2022, Gressel was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for up to $900,000 in General Allocation Money.
Vancouver Whitecaps Era (2022–2023)
Gressel joined the Vancouver Whitecaps mid-season in 2022 and contributed as a versatile full-back and wingback during his time in the Pacific Northwest. On July 21, 2023, Columbus Crew acquired Gressel from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $550,000 of guaranteed General Allocation Money, with Vancouver able to receive up to an additional $300,000 in GAM based on conditional terms.
Columbus Crew Era (2023–2024)
Gressel spent the back end of the 2023 season with Columbus Crew before departing the club in early 2024. On January 9, 2024, Inter Miami announced that they had signed Gressel as a free agent on a three-year deal with an option for a further year. He made his 2024 Inter Miami debut in a 2–0 win against Real Salt Lake on February 25, 2024.
Minnesota United Era (2025–Present)
On April 29, 2025, Minnesota United announced that it had signed Gressel to a contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. He made his debut for Minnesota United coming off the bench in a 3–0 win against Austin FC, providing veteran leadership on the back line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gressel is widely regarded as one of the best crossers in Major League Soccer, with the vision and timing to deliver accurate balls into dangerous areas. He combines intelligent positioning with strong two-way play, capable of contributing defensively while also generating chances from wide areas. His versatility allows him to operate as a right midfielder, right wingback, or full-back, making him a valuable tactical asset for any manager.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gressel’s career highlights are his 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year award, the 2018 MLS Cup championship with Atlanta United, the 2018 U.S. Open Cup, and the 2019 Campeones Cup. His 14 assists during the 2018 MLS season and 12 assists in 2019 cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous creators. His 13 assists during the 2021 season ranked third in the league.
Julian Gressel Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Julian Gressel has built a résumé defined by silverware, individual honors, and consistent chance-creation across multiple Major League Soccer clubs.
Atlanta United Highlights
With Atlanta United FC, Gressel won the MLS Cup in 2018, the U.S. Open Cup in 2018, and the Campeones Cup in 2019. He also earned the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year award following his debut professional season, becoming one of the most impactful rookies in league history.
Other Wins & Performances
Gressel has continued to perform as a reliable contributor with D.C. United, Vancouver Whitecaps, Columbus Crew, Inter Miami, and Minnesota United. His 13 assists during the 2021 season ranked third in the league, and he has consistently featured as one of Major League Soccer’s most dependable wingbacks.
Julian Gressel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details of Julian Gressel’s parents and siblings have not been publicly confirmed in available sources.
Personal Life
On November 5, 2022, Gressel became a United States citizen, granting him eligibility to represent the United States Men’s National Team. He is a co-host of the PLAYER/MANAGER podcast with American YouTuber and streamer Zealand Shannon.
2025 Season Performance
Julian Gressel signed with Minnesota United on April 29, 2025, joining the club on a contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. He made his debut for the Loons coming off the bench in a 3–0 win against Austin FC, signaling a strong start to his Minnesota tenure.
His arrival added veteran leadership and creative quality to Minnesota United’s back line as the club pushed toward the postseason. Gressel’s crossing ability and tactical intelligence are expected to play a central role in Minnesota’s playoff push during the 2025 campaign.
With experience drawn from championship runs in Atlanta and stints across multiple contending clubs, Gressel brings a winning mentality to Minnesota United. His continued integration into the squad will be a key storyline as the 2025 season progresses.