Malik Tillman: Age, Career, Club and USMNT Goals (2026)
Malik Tillman is a German-born American attacking midfielder who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and for the U.S. men’s national team. He scored two goals at the 2026 World Cup, one against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a deflected free kick against Belgium, and he is one of the most important young players in the U.S. pool. Here is a complete guide to his age, family, club career and national team record.
Malik Tillman Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full name | Malik Leon Tillman |
| Born | May 28, 2002, Nuremberg, Germany |
| Age | 24 |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Attacking midfielder |
| Club | Bayer Leverkusen |
| National team | United States |
| Foot | Right |
Early Life and Family
Tillman was born in Nuremberg, Germany, to a German mother and an American father. He started in the youth system of SpVgg Greuther Fürth and joined Bayern Munich’s academy in 2015, along with his brother Timothy Tillman, who is also a professional player.
Malik Tillman’s Club Career
Bayern Munich (2020-2022): Tillman played for Bayern Munich II and made his first-team debut in August 2021. He made only a handful of senior appearances, so the club sent him out on loan to get game time.
Rangers (2022-23): On loan in Scotland, he scored 12 goals in 43 games across all competitions and won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.
PSV Eindhoven (2023-25): He joined PSV on loan, won the Eredivisie in 2023-24, and PSV made the move permanent in May 2024. In 2024-25 he scored 16 goals and added five assists in 34 games as PSV won the league again.
Bayer Leverkusen (2025-present): In July 2025 he signed a five-year contract, running to 2030, with Bayer Leverkusen. The reported fee of about €35 million was a club record for Leverkusen.
Malik Tillman with the USMNT
Tillman played youth soccer for Germany at under-17 and under-21 level before choosing to represent the United States. He was named to Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, and you can see all the names in our USMNT 2026 World Cup roster guide.
At the tournament, he scored the second goal in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, then scored a deflected free kick in the 4-1 loss to Belgium. He played alongside strikers like Folarin Balogun, who scored three goals for the U.S. at the same tournament.
Playing Style
Tillman is a right-footed attacking midfielder who is tall at 1.87 m. He plays between midfield and attack, and he is able to score from set pieces, as his free kick against Belgium showed.
What’s Next for Malik Tillman
At 24, Tillman is in his prime for the next World Cup cycle. His main goals are to establish himself at Leverkusen and remain a key part of the U.S. attack under Pochettino, who has a new contract. We will update this page with his latest stats and news.
FAQs
How old is Malik Tillman?
Malik Tillman was born on May 28, 2002, so he is 24 years old.
Where was Malik Tillman born?
He was born in Nuremberg, Germany, to a German mother and an American father.
Which club does Malik Tillman play for?
He plays for Bayer Leverkusen, which he joined from PSV Eindhoven in July 2025 on a contract through 2030.
How many goals did Malik Tillman score at the 2026 World Cup?
He scored two: one against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 and one against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Did Malik Tillman play for Germany?
He played for Germany at youth level (under-17 and under-21) before representing the United States at senior level.
What is Malik Tillman’s position?
He plays as an attacking midfielder.
Last updated: October 2026
