From Amberg to Munich: Nathaniel Brown on his move to FC Bayern

Born 23 years ago in Amberg, Nathaniel Brown has witnessed a meteoric rise in his football career since the summer of 2023. He first made his debut in Bundesliga 2 for Nürnberg, before soon moving on to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where his outstanding performances earned him a call-up for Germany. This was followed by the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where the son of a German mother and an American father even scored his first international goal. Now the Bavarian native is keen to make his mark at FC Bayern. A conversation about home, boyhood dreams and those anxious feelings before falling asleep.

Interview with Nathaniel Brown

Nathaniel, a warm welcome to FC Bayern! How does it feel to be here?
”It’s indescribable. FC Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the whole world. And because I’m from Bavaria myself, almost everyone in my hometown of Amberg supports FC Bayern – that’s what I grew up with. That makes it very special, of course. It’s all wonderful for me – and it’s also a huge step for me.”

Just three years ago, you made your Bundesliga 2 debut, then came your first Bundesliga appearance, the World Cup in the summer of 2026, and soon you’ll be playing for FC Bayern.
“Yes, my career took off quickly, moving ever upwards step by step. I hope that's how it continues  – I’ll work hard to make sure it does, I won’t rest on my laurels, and I’ll give it my all. But for now, I’m just very grateful and proud.”

Did you have a feeling early on that you could go this far?
“If I’m being completely honest: you don’t think on such a grand scale when you start playing football. In the U17s, I became a left-back, and then it gradually dawned on me: OK, maybe I could turn professional. But the idea that I might one day play for FC Bayern – that was just a dream, nothing more and nothing less.”

Can you describe in three words what makes your game so strong?
“I’d say I’m quick, brave and proud of the opportunities that come my way.”

What does having courage on the football pitch mean to you?  
“A great deal. You have to be brave on the pitch, believe in yourself. I sometimes think to myself: I mustn’t go to bed after a match feeling I should have done this or that better. Or that I could have given more here or should have been more daring there. If I had to go to sleep with that feeling – that would be the worst thing for me.”

Where do you hope your career at FC Bayern will take you?
“I want to achieve the greatest possible sporting success, win lots of titles with FC Bayern and celebrate them with the fans. I want to have fun with the lads and I’m already really looking forward to getting to know them all. On a personal level, I want to continue to mature and become even more grown-up.”

You’re 23 years old – do you feel you’re not quite grown-up enough yet?
“I want to keep developing so I can take on more and more responsibility. That’s my goal.”

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