Malte Amundsen Bio
Malte Meineche Amundsen (born 11 February 1998) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew. Standing 1.78 m tall, he operates primarily as a left back and centre-back, wearing the number 18 shirt for the Crew. Amundsen has built his career across Scandinavia, Germany, and the United States, winning two MLS Cup titles in three seasons in North America.
Born in Næstved, Denmark, Amundsen rose through Danish football before making the leap to Major League Soccer, where he has become a reliable contributor at club and international youth levels. His journey from a small-town academy to championship rosters in the United States reflects a steady, step-by-step rise through European and North American football.
Early Life and Background
Malte Meineche Amundsen was born on 11 February 1998 in Næstved, a city in southern Denmark. He grew up in the region and developed an early interest in football through local clubs, beginning his youth career with hometown side Næstved Boldklub. The early years in Næstved laid the foundation for his development as a defender and prepared him for the move to a more established academy.
In January 2013, Amundsen joined the HB Køge youth academy, leaving Næstved Boldklub after several formative seasons. The transition to HB Køge gave him access to higher-level coaching, stronger competition, and a clearer professional pathway. By age 17, he was knocking on the door of the senior squad.
Path to Professional Football
Amundsen made his senior debut for HB Køge on 23 September 2015 in a Danish Cup match against AC Horsens. A few months later, on 29 November 2015, he made his league debut as a substitute against FC Vestsjælland, marking his arrival as a first-team player in Danish football.
His performances for HB Køge caught the attention of bigger clubs across Scandinavia. In January 2018, he signed a four-year contract with Norwegian powerhouse Rosenborg BK, a significant step up from the Danish second tier. The transfer represented the first major move of his professional career and signalled his growing reputation as a versatile defender.
Malte Amundsen Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
During his three seasons at HB Køge, Amundsen established himself as a dependable young defender. His senior debut in the Danish Cup and subsequent league appearances helped him gain valuable experience and attracted the attention of larger clubs in Scandinavia. By the time of his departure, he had proven himself ready for a higher level of competition.
At Rosenborg BK, Amundsen made his debut on 20 April 2018 in a cup match against Trygg/Lade, which Rosenborg won 4–2. A week later, he started against Lillestrøm in the 2018 Mesterfinalen and helped secure a 1–0 victory. With limited first-team opportunities, he was loaned to German 3. Liga side Eintracht Braunschweig to gain regular playing time.
Rosenborg and Loan to Germany (2018–2019)
Amundsen joined Eintracht Braunschweig on loan during the 2018 season, reuniting with a former manager from his HB Køge days. On 11 August 2018, he scored his first goal for the German club against Wehen Wiesbaden, finding the net in the 74th minute before receiving a second yellow card in the 90th minute. The match encapsulated both his impact and his fiery competitive nature.
After a managerial change at Braunschweig, Amundsen’s playing time became sporadic. He appeared in 14 total matches across all competitions during the loan spell, a period he later described as challenging. Despite the difficulties, the loan gave him exposure to professional football in a top European league and broadened his tactical understanding.
Return to Denmark (2019–2021)
On 15 January 2019, Amundsen returned to Danish football, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with Vejle Boldklub. He scored two goals during his time at Vejle, including the game-winner from outside the box in a 3–2 victory over Lyngby. His consistent performances in the Danish top flight helped re-establish his reputation as a reliable defender.
Amundsen’s form at Vejle attracted interest from clubs abroad. On 10 February 2021, Vejle and Major League Soccer side New York City FC agreed to a transfer for a reported fee of around ten million Danish Krone, opening the door to American soccer for the young defender.
Columbus Crew Era (2023–Present)
On 25 April 2023, Amundsen was traded from New York City FC to the Columbus Crew in exchange for a potential figure of up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money. He made his first appearance for the Crew on 10 May 2023, starting in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup win against Loudoun United. Within weeks, he scored his first two goals for the club in back-to-back matches against LA Galaxy and FC Cincinnati.
During the 2023 season, Amundsen scored five goals across all competitions, including a long-range strike against Atlanta United in the playoffs. He provided the game-winning assist to Yaw Yeboah in the MLS Cup Final, where Columbus defeated their opponents 2–1, earning Amundsen his second MLS Cup title. On 15 August 2024, he signed a contract extension with the Crew through 2027.
Notable Events and Milestones
Amundsen’s most significant career milestone came in 2021, when he was part of the New York City FC squad that won the club’s first-ever MLS Cup. Just two years later, he added a second MLS Cup title with the Columbus Crew, providing the decisive assist in the 2023 final. His contract extension through 2027 reflects his importance to the Columbus organization.
Malte Amundsen Career Honours
Malte Meineche Amundsen has won two MLS Cup titles in his Major League Soccer career. His first championship came in 2021 with New York City FC, and his second arrived in 2023 with the Columbus Crew. He also contributed to cup victories earlier in his career, including Rosenborg’s Mesterfinalen success in 2018.
Major League Soccer Highlights
During his first season with New York City FC in 2021, Amundsen appeared in 36 games across all competitions, starting 17 of them. On 25 July 2021, he scored his first MLS goal and added his first assist in a 5–0 win over Orlando City. He later assisted on two goals in a 6–0 thrashing of D.C. United, helping drive the club’s championship run.
With the Columbus Crew in 2023, Amundsen scored five goals across all competitions, including a memorable long-range effort against Atlanta United in the playoffs. His game-winning assist to Yaw Yeboah in the 2023 MLS Cup Final cemented his place in Crew history and delivered his second league title in three North American seasons.
Malte Amundsen Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Public information about Malte Meineche Amundsen’s family background remains limited. He was born and raised in Næstved, Denmark, where his early football journey began at local club Næstved Boldklub. The support of his family during his transition to the HB Køge academy at age 14 helped shape his professional pathway.
Personal Life
Malte Meineche Amundsen keeps much of his personal life private. There is no publicly verified information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children. He maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @malteamundsenn, where he shares updates about his football career.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering 2025, Malte Meineche Amundsen remains a key part of the Columbus Crew defensive structure following his contract extension through 2027. After contributing five goals across all competitions during the 2023 championship run, he continues to provide versatility across left back and centre-back positions. His experience in two MLS Cup-winning squads makes him a valuable veteran presence for the Crew.
The Crew will look to Amundsen for consistent performances on the left side of defence and steady contributions in the attack from wide areas. His ability to deliver timely goals and assists, as demonstrated during the 2023 playoff run, adds another dimension to the team’s tactical setup. With his contract secured long-term, Amundsen is positioned to remain a fixture in Columbus for years to come.