John Brooks

Born on January 28, 1993, in Berlin, Germany, John Brooks is a professional soccer player who primarily plays as a center-back. Standing at 6′ 3″, his physical presence and composed style of play have been central to his career. Brooks holds dual citizenship, allowing him to be called up to youth national teams by both the United States and Germany. He made appearances for the U.S. at the U-20 and U-23 levels, and for Germany’s U-19 side, eventually choosing to represent the United States at the senior international level. His career began within the Hertha Berlin Academy, where he gained significant experience.

His choice to represent the United States was significantly highlighted during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In the USA’s opening match against Ghana, Brooks scored the game-winning header in a 2-1 victory, a moment that garnered widespread attention. This pivotal goal came early in his international career, with only four caps to his name before the tournament. Brooks continued his club career in Germany, making over 100 appearances for Hertha Berlin. In 2017, he transferred to Wolfsburg for $20.4 million, which was a record fee for a U.S. defender at the time. This move showcased his value and reputation as one of the top center-backs in the Bundesliga. He has since played for Benfica in Portugal and currently plays for Hoffenheim in Germany.

Brooks’ journey includes notable career progression and the establishment of himself as a key veteran for the U.S. national team, especially as the team prepared for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His club movements reflect continuous engagement at high levels of European football. Beyond his on-field achievements, Brooks also visually represents his heritage; tattoos on his elbows depict a map of Berlin, his hometown, and a map of Illinois, his father’s home state, an American serviceman from Chicago.