No flop after all! Unlucky ex-Bundesliga talent finally takes off

Giovanni Reyna, the 23‑year‑old American forward, has turned a decade of adversity into consistent triumph at Racing Strasbourg. After years beset by recurring injuries that derailed his progression and a brief, unremarkable spell at Borussia Mönchengladbach—where he logged fewer than half a season and managed just one goal—he has now claimed his breakthrough in top‑flight French football.

His move to the French top division marked a decisive shift. Recorded in 19 Bundesliga appearances he averaged under ten minutes per match and seldom scored, prompting Gladbach to conclude their partnership abruptly. Strasbourg acquired the loan spot for three million euros—a financial sacrifice for the club—but Reyna responded with rapid adaptation, establishing himself as a foundational figure in Hugo Oliveira’s 4‑3‑3 strategy as an attacking midfielder.

Within weeks Reyna signaled dramatic improvement. In his debut stretches at Racing Strasbourg he appeared four times and net his first competitive goal against Troyes in early September. The pattern of availability has erased earlier worries about fitness and load capacity; he now declares he no longer experiences anxiety regarding his physical condition and has “put behind” a dark chapter in his career.

Internationally he continues to benefit from the steadfast support of Mauricio Pochettino, who championed Reyna during periods of low profile. The American’s technical proficiency shone in successive meetings against Peru, Chile and Mexico, underpinning his selection for the 2026 World Cup. A string of eight straight commitments between August and October across all competitions confirms his renewed state of fitness and growing influence.

Rich Storry – 2026 Getty Images

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

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