Timothy Justin Tillman Bio
Timothy Justin Tillman is a professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Born in Germany, he represents the United States national team. A product of the renowned Bayern Munich academy, Tillman has built his career across German professional football before making the move to MLS in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Timothy Justin Tillman was born on January 4, 1999, in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. He is the son of an African-American father, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and a German mother. Following his parents’ separation, Tillman was raised by his single mother in Fürth, a city in northern Bavaria.
He began his youth career with ASV Zirndorf, before moving to 1. SC Feucht in 2007. After two seasons, he joined the youth team of Greuther Fürth in 2009. His younger brother, Malik Tillman, is also a professional footballer who played for the youth teams of Greuther Fürth and Bayern Munich.
Path to Professional Soccer
In 2015, Tillman moved from Greuther Fürth to the youth academy of Bundesliga club Bayern Munich for a fee of €500,000. Upon his departure, Fürth president Helmut Hack remarked, Timothy Justin Tillman is the biggest talent we have had for 30 years. His departure is a catastrophe for our club. In 2017, he won the 2016–17 A-Junioren Bundesliga Süd/Südwest with Bayern’s under-19 team, scoring five goals during the season. The team advanced to the final of the A-Junioren Bundesliga championship round, with Tillman scoring in the semi-final second leg against Schalke 04, before losing to Borussia Dortmund 8–7 on penalties.
Timothy Justin Tillman Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Tillman began his senior career with Bayern Munich II in the 2017–18 season, making his debut in the Regionalliga Bayern on July 14, 2017, in a 5–0 home win against FC Ingolstadt II. He scored his first goal for the reserve team on September 13, 2017, finding the net in a 2–1 away win against 1. FC Nürnberg II. He finished the 2017–18 season with 31 appearances and 6 goals in the Regionalliga.
On July 2, 2018, Tillman joined Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg on loan for the 2018–19 season. He began his stint at the club with the reserve team, making his debut in the Regionalliga Bayern on September 15, 2018. Tillman made his professional debut for the first team on March 10, 2019, in the Bundesliga, coming on as a substitute for the injured Enrico Valentini in an away match against 1899 Hoffenheim, which finished as a 1–2 loss.
Greuther Fürth Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Tillman requested a transfer back to his youth club, Greuther Fürth, which was granted by FC Bayern Munich on January 3, 2020. Both clubs refused to comment on the transfer fee. Tillman made his senior club debut for Greuther Fürth on September 24, 2021, against Bayern Munich. During this period, he established himself as a versatile midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and in the attacking third.
Los Angeles FC Era (2023–Present)
On February 10, 2023, Timothy Justin Tillman signed a two-year contract with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. His move to MLS marked a significant step in his professional journey, bringing his European experience to the American top flight. On September 18, 2025, Tillman signed a contract extension with LAFC until 2028, with an option for an additional year, signaling the club’s long-term commitment to his development.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tillman is recognized for his technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball, traits that allowed him to progress through the Bayern Munich academy system. His versatility enables him to operate in multiple midfield roles, and his work rate and tactical discipline have been key factors in his successful transitions between clubs in Germany and the United States.
Notable Events and Milestones
A standout milestone in Tillman’s career came in 2015 when he transferred to the Bayern Munich academy for €500,000, a record fee for a youth player from Greuther Fürth. His professional Bundesliga debut with 1. FC Nürnberg in March 2019 and his subsequent senior debut for the United States national team in January 2024 further highlight his progression to top-level football.
Timothy Justin Tillman Career Wins
Timothy Justin Tillman has collected team honors at both club and youth level, with his most notable success being the 2016–17 A-Junioren Bundesliga Süd/Südwest title with Bayern Munich’s under-19 team.
Bayern Munich Highlights
During his time in the Bayern Munich youth setup, Tillman contributed five goals to the 2016–17 A-Junioren Bundesliga Süd/Südwest championship campaign. He also featured in the championship round final, scoring in the semi-final against Schalke 04 before the team fell to Borussia Dortmund on penalties.
Other Wins and Performances
At the senior level, Tillman has been part of competitive squads at Bayern Munich II, 1. FC Nürnberg, and Greuther Fürth, gaining valuable experience across the Regionalliga Bayern and the Bundesliga. His performances at Greuther Fürth helped pave the way for his move to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
Timothy Justin Tillman Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Timothy Justin Tillman was born to an African-American father serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and a German mother. He was raised by his single mother in Fürth, Bavaria. His younger brother, Malik Tillman, is also a professional footballer who came through the same Greuther Fürth and Bayern Munich youth systems and currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen.
Personal Life
Tillman holds dual citizenship with Germany and the United States, having grown up in Germany before eventually committing to represent the United States internationally. His connection to both countries is reflected in his choice to switch his senior international allegiance to the U.S. national team in 2023.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a defining year for Timothy Justin Tillman at Los Angeles FC. On September 18, 2025, the club rewarded his consistent contributions by extending his contract through 2028, with an additional option year. The extension underscored LAFC’s confidence in Tillman’s role within the squad’s long-term plans.
Throughout the 2025 MLS campaign, Tillman has continued to feature regularly in midfield, offering tactical flexibility and a calm presence in possession. His performances in Major League Soccer have helped establish him as a reliable option for the club as they compete at the top end of the Western Conference.
Internationally, Tillman remains part of the United States national team setup following his senior debut in January 2024. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, his consistent club form at LAFC positions him as a candidate for selection as he continues to build his experience at the international level.