Introducing Germany new boy Brown

Stats correct as of 13 December 2024

Nathaniel Brown

Age: 22 (born 16 June 2003)
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Position: Full-back, central midfield
Country: Germany (14 U21 caps, one goal)

Key stats

Brown signed for 2021/22 UEFA Europa League winners Frankfurt in January 2024, before being loaned back to Nuremberg for the remainder of the season. The 5'10" left-footer started all but seven of Der Club's Bundesliga 2 assignments in the 2023/24 season, as well as a further three during their run to the DFB Cup last 16.

Watch: The best of Nathaniel Brown

Brown produced seven assists in 2023/24, adding to his two goal involvements across 11 games the previous campaign.

Having earned a run-out as a substitute against Union Berlin, Brown marked his full Bundesliga debut with a goal in Frankfurt's 7-2 demolition of Bochum on Matchday 9 of 2024/25. The German-American scored again the following week in Stuttgart, and tallied a brace of assists against Heidenheim on only his fourth top-flight start. Those performances helped him claim the Rookie of the Month award for November 2024.

Brown finished his first Bundesliga campaign with an impressive three goals and six assists from 26 appearances.  

Watch: Nathaniel Brown crowned November Rookie of the Month

Brown continued where he left off at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, making his first UEFA Champions League appearances and earning a first full international call-up in October 2025 as a result of his impressive form.

Plays a bit like: João Cancelo

Versatility is one of Brown's strong suits. His preferred role is at left-back, but he can also operate on the opposite flank as an inverted full-back, and has even played in central midfield. Given his ability to marry defensive and attacking qualities in a variety of positions, former Bayern Munich man Cancelo is a fair, albeit naturally right-footed, reference point.

Did you know?

Brown's father is American, leading to contact from the US national team set-up about whether he would represent the Stars and Stripes at senior international level. He told the Frankfurt club website he had considered the move "but I was born in Germany and I’ve played for the under 21s.”

What they're saying

"Nene Brown has been playing brilliantly for weeks. He's taken his chance in impressive style." - Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmöller after the Heidenheim game in November 2024

"Nathaniel is a very talented and dynamic player who, despite his young age, gives off a very mature impression on and off the pitch. He fits our desired profile perfectly, and we're delighted he's joining us next season." - Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung

"Nathaniel's versatility is a real asset. He's also very measured in the tackle, he doesn't overcommit." - former Nuremberg head coach Cristián Fiel