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 Neustadt, Germany, Gressel represents the United States Men’s National Team after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2022. Standing 1.85 meters tall, he is comfortable across the back line and on the wing, making him a versatile option in Major League Soccer.
After developing in German youth football, Gressel moved to the United States in 2011 and played four seasons of college soccer at Providence College. He was selected eighth overall by Atlanta United FC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and quickly became one of the league’s most reliable creative defenders. Off the field, he co-hosts the PLAYER/MANAGER podcast.
Early Life and Background
Julian Emil Kurt Gressel was born on December 16, 1993, in Neustadt, Germany. Growing up in the Bavarian region of the country, he was exposed to structured football from a young age and joined the academy system of SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2002. He spent the bulk of his early development inside that 2. Bundesliga youth setup before leaving in 2009 to join Quelle Fürth’s academy.
During his teenage years, Gressel gained senior-level experience in the German lower divisions, including the Bayernliga with Quelle Fürth and the Landesliga Bayern-Nordwest with TSV Neustadt/Aisch. Those campaigns gave him regular minutes as a teenager, including a 2011–12 Bayernliga season that produced one goal and ten assists. The experience prepared him for a move abroad in 2011.
In 2011, Gressel relocated to the United States and continued his development with FC Florida. He completed high school in Florida and signed a National Letter of Intent to play college soccer at Providence College, beginning his freshman year in the fall of 2013.
Path to Soccer
Gressel’s path to professional soccer ran through the American college system. He signed a National Letter of Intent with Providence College and became an immediate starter for the Providence Friars men’s soccer program in 2013. That freshman season saw him play all 22 fixtures and finish with five goals and four assists, including a debut goal against Quinnipiac.
Across his sophomore and junior years at Providence, Gressel earned Big East Conference All-Tournament honors in both 2014 and 2015. He added NSCAA Third Team All-Great Lakes Region recognition in 2015. His senior year proved transformational: Gressel led the Friars in total points with 36, scoring 15 goals and adding six assists during a 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship run that reached the quarterfinals.
Following that senior season, Gressel was named an NSCAA First Team All-American and a Hermann Trophy semifinalist. He also claimed the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship Golden Boot. Those performances convinced Major League Soccer clubs that he was ready for the professional ranks heading into the 2017 SuperDraft.
Julian Gressel Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
On January 13, 2017, expansion side Atlanta United FC selected Gressel in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with the eighth overall pick. He made his professional debut on March 5, 2017, against the New York Red Bulls. Operating mostly as a central midfielder under manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino, he was named the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year after a strong first season in the league.
Gressel’s role expanded in 2018, when he started 33 league matches and added 14 assists, primarily from the right wingback position. That season, he helped Atlanta United capture the MLS Cup. In 2019, working under new manager Frank de Boer, Gressel contributed 12 assists and was part of Atlanta’s U.S. Open Cup success in 2018 and the 2019 Campeones Cup victory.
Atlanta United Era (2017–2019)
Atlanta United’s 2018 campaign remains the centerpiece of Gressel’s early career. Operating primarily as a right midfielder and right wingback, he formed a productive partnership with striker Josef Martinez and emerged as one of the league’s most accurate crossers. The combination of his service and Martinez’s finishing powered Atlanta to the MLS Cup title.
The 2019 season brought new manager Frank de Boer and a tactical adjustment that still showcased Gressel’s creativity, with 12 assists across the year. Atlanta also lifted the 2018 U.S. Open Cup and the 2019 Campeones Cup during this stretch, giving Gressel three major club trophies in his first three professional seasons.
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. He debuted for D.C. United on February 29, 2020, against the Colorado Rapids and scored his first goal for the club on August 29 against the Philadelphia Union.
Gressel’s most productive year in Washington came in 2021, when he finished with 13 assists, the third-highest total in Major League Soccer that season. His set-piece delivery and wide service made him a central figure in D.C.’s attacking play before the club opted to move on.
Vancouver Whitecaps Era (2022–2023)
On July 15, 2022, D.C. United traded Gressel to the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for up to $900,000 in General Allocation Money. He split the 2022 and 2023 campaigns with the Canadian club, contributing regular minutes as a wingback and full-back in Major League Soccer.
After roughly a year in Vancouver, Gressel was on the move again as the Whitecaps reshaped their roster ahead of the 2023 stretch run.
Columbus Crew Era (2023)
On July 21, 2023, Columbus Crew acquired Gressel from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $550,000 of guaranteed General Allocation Money, with potential additional performance-based compensation. The move gave Columbus additional depth on the flanks during a competitive portion of the 2023 season.
Gressel slotted into the Crew’s rotation as they pushed for postseason play. The brief but busy stop in Columbus added another playoff-caliber club to his resume.
Inter Miami Era (2024–2025)
On January 9, 2024, Inter Miami announced the signing of Gressel as a free agent on a three-year deal with an option for an additional year. He made his Inter Miami debut on February 25, 2024, in a 2–0 win over Real Salt Lake, contributing to one of the league’s most high-profile clubs.
Across the 2024 season, Gressel provided veteran versatility on the back line and on the wing. Inter Miami, however, opted for a change at the start of 2025, opening the door for Gressel’s next chapter.
Minnesota United Era (2025–Present)
On April 29, 2025, Minnesota United announced that it had signed Gressel to a contract running through 2026 with an option for 2027. He debuted shortly after, coming off the bench in a 3–0 win over Austin FC. The move reunited him with a familiar full-back role and a club looking to climb the Western Conference standings.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gressel is best known as a wide service specialist who reads the game from the wingback and full-back positions. He combines accurate crossing, intelligent movement, and dependable defensive positioning, which is why he has produced double-digit assist totals at multiple clubs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gressel’s signature moments are his 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year award, the 2018 MLS Cup title with Atlanta United, and his 2021 season that ended with 13 assists, the third-highest total in the league. He has also represented the United States Men’s National Team at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Julian Gressel Career Wins
Julian Gressel’s career has produced major club silverware and individual recognition across multiple Major League Soccer stops. His most celebrated results came during the 2017 to 2019 stretch with Atlanta United, when the club won MLS Cup in 2018, the U.S. Open Cup in 2018, and the Campeones Cup in 2019. He also won the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year award.
MLS Cup Success
Gressel was a key contributor to Atlanta United’s 2018 MLS Cup championship, starting 33 matches and recording 14 assists during the regular season. He followed that with another strong year in 2019, assisting 12 times as Atlanta lifted the Campeones Cup. His crossing and partnership with Josef Martinez were central to one of the most dominant attacks in league history.
Other Wins and Performances
In college, Gressel earned the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship Golden Boot and was named an NSCAA First Team All-American. Professionally, he has reached double-digit assist totals at multiple clubs, including a 13-assist season for D.C. United in 2021 that ranked third in Major League Soccer.
Julian Gressel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Gressel’s family background is limited. He was born and raised in Neustadt, Germany, where he developed inside the regional football pyramid before moving to the United States in 2011.
Personal Life
Gressel became a United States citizen on November 5, 2022, which allowed him to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team. Off the field, he co-hosts the PLAYER/MANAGER podcast with American YouTuber and streamer Zealand Shannon. Further verified details about his personal and family life are not publicly confirmed at this time.
2025 Season Performance
Julian Gressel’s 2025 campaign began with Inter Miami, where he was part of the squad before being released ahead of his next move. Minnesota United announced his signing on April 29, 2025, giving the club a veteran wingback and full-back for the middle portion of the season.
His Minnesota United debut came off the bench in a 3–0 win over Austin FC, providing an early spark for his new club. With his contract running through 2026 and an option for 2027, Gressel is expected to play a regular role in the Loons’ rotation on the right side of the defense and the wing.
Heading into the rest of 2025, Gressel’s combination of crossing quality, tactical flexibility, and playoff experience should give Minnesota United a reliable option as they chase a strong finish in the Western Conference and a potential postseason berth.