The son of the former captain of the USMNT, Claudio Reyna, follows in the footsteps of Christian Pulisic by signing with Borussia Dortmund at the age of 16.
Gio Reyna is Borussia Dortmund's new sensation since at 16 he showed that he has the technical and tactical ability to shine in Europe, as well as being smart with the ball as Patrick Viera mentioned several times, who coaches him in NYCFC youth for two years.
Gio was born in November 2002; he's the son of two former players, Claudio Reyna and Danielle Egan Reyna, so football runs through his veins. On the one hand, his father played for Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg besides being the first American captain of a European team; while her mother was part of the USWNT six times.
Gio Reyna career started at NYCFC academy where he met Patrick Viera. At the age 14, he led his team to win the Generation Adidas Cup, a tournament for under 17 players. He also was essential for U-15 to win the Delle Nazioni tournament; a competition where he collaborated with four goals and four assists.
With only 15 years old he was part of NYCFC U-18 team in the 2017/18 season. In that tournament, he got 13 goals in 17 games. Thanks to Reyna's outstanding season Dortmund noticed him and at the end of the campaign, he was incorporated into the black and yellow institution.
Trezeguet comparison
In the years Vieira had at the New York institution, he mentioned that Reyna reminds him of the way David Trezeguet plays since he has a great ability and great shot.
"Reyna is an SUV, blessed with rhythm and a good eye for killer passes. He is also dangerous on set pieces, particularly direct free throws. He has a physical presence, and his gameplay is excellent. He can score goals, tactically understand the demands of the game. He is a brilliant child and shows some really good things," were Patrick Vieira's words.