Brenden Aaronson is an American professional soccer player. He plays primarily as a attacking midfielder or winger and here are a few facts about him.
Brenden Aaronson is a professional soccer player from the United States who currently plays for Leeds United in the Premier League and the United States men's national soccer team. He was born on 22 October 2000 in Medford, New Jersey in the United States.
In September 2018, Aaronson's move to the Philadelphia Union for the 2019 season was announced. In his MLS debut on March 17, 2019, he scored his first professional goal, helping Philadelphia secure a draw against Atlanta United. Initially a backup, Aaronson thrived in the first team due to injuries and suspensions, excelling as a versatile midfielder.
During his rookie season, Aaronson was the runner-up for the 2019 MLS Rookie of the Year award. He contributed three goals and two assists in over 1,640 minutes played, making him the youngest among the top five finalists.
In 2020, Aaronson had a breakthrough year, making 31 appearances and scoring four goals in various competitions. His exceptional performances earned him accolades such as being selected for the 2020 MLS Best XI in both the regular season and the MLS is Back Tournament. Additionally, the Union secured the best record in the league and claimed their first-ever trophy, the 2020 Supporters' Shield.
Aaronson was set to join Red Bull Salzburg starting in January 2021 after the end of the MLS season. On January 25, Aaronson made his first appearance for Salzburg, coming off the bench in a 2-0 triumph over Rheindorf Altach. On May 1, Aaronson celebrated his first title with Salzburg as they triumphed over LASK with a 3-0 scoreline in the Austrian Cup final.
Leeds United confirmed the acquisition of Aaronson on May 26, 2022, signing him to a five-year contract set to commence on July 1. According to Sky Sports, the transfer fee amounted to £24.7 million. Aaronson made his first appearance in the senior league for Leeds on August 6, starting in the team's season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they secured a 2-1 victory at home.
GOAL takes you through 13 fun facts about the USMNT midfielder.
Born in the USA
Aaronson was born to parents, Rusty Aaronson and Jannell Aaronson. He was born and grew up in Medford, New Jersey, and spent one year at Shawnee High School before being chosen to join the YSC Academy of the Philadelphia Union. At the academy, he played soccer and finished his high school studies.
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Aaronson has a younger brother Paxten who is also a professional footballer as well. Paxten, just like his brother, started off in the Philadelphia Union's youth setup where he made his mark on MLS before making a move to Europe.
Paxten joined Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2023 and currently plays in the Bundesliga with Die Adler.
Football in his genes
Aaronson's father, Randy, was also a footballer, although he only reached a semi-professional level in his youth due to a lack of opportunities in the United States.
Once Randy was certain his sons wanted to pursue football, he made it his goal to give them the best possible training and nurturing through their youth. Randy also trained the boys on their off days by taking them to Bob Bende Park.
Mama's boy!
In 2020, Brenden reached a crossroads where he had two options regarding his career, leave home for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria or stay in MLS and be close to his family. The winger had hesitated to leave his family, especially his mother, considering the COVID-19 pandemic had wrecked the world. This also would've made it difficult for his family to visit or travel along with him to Austria.
However, his mother convinced him that this was his opportunity to make a mark on the footballing world, something that he couldn't have done staying in his comfort. Brenden often credits his recent success to his mother having been strong enough to 'let him become his own man'.