Seven starts signal Giovanni Reyna’s revival after Bundesliga exit

The Leidenszeit Gescheiterter BVB-Shootingstar finally seems to end, as Giovanni Reyna records a personal best of seven consecutive starts for club and country, signalling a turning point after he turned his back on the Bundesliga this summer. The midfielder, once hailed as a future star at Borussia Dortmund, now appears to be finding rhythm again.

From Bundesliga exit to Strasbourg revival

In the summer, Reyna left the Bundesliga and joined Racing Strasbourg in Ligue 1 for a €3 million transfer fee. He signed a contract that runs until 2031 and quickly earned a place in Hugo Oliveira’s starting eleven, operating as one of two wingers in a 4‑3‑3 formation. Within his first five league outings he opened his scoring account, netting in a 6‑2 victory over Troyes in early September.

Reyna’s earlier trajectory seemed destined for stardom. After a breakthrough season at Borussia Dortmund at just seventeen and eighteen, he became a regular under Lucien Favre. However, a succession of muscular injuries curtailed his progress, and between his twentieth birthday in mid‑November 2022 and the close of the 2024/25 season he started only Sieben league matches in 30 months. A loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the first half of 2024 failed to revive his form, with confidence waning and further setbacks.

Speaking to The Athletic, Reyna explained his philosophy: “People sometimes think that resting is a good way to manage load, but I think I get back in form best when I get as many minutes as possible and, ideally, start. I will keep getting stronger.” The midfielder believes that regular game time is the key to ending his long‑lasting Zeit of setbacks.

National team resurgence and personal record

Between the end of August and the start of October, Reyna featured in the starting eleven for both Strasbourg and the United States on Sieben successive occasions – a personal best in his professional career. He then added an eighth consecutive start in a 1‑0 test match win over Canada, extending the record further. “I feel I’m slowly finding myself again,” he said after the United States’ 3‑0 triumph over Mexico.

National coach Mauricio Pochettino has continued to back the former BVB shooting Star, naming him in the squad for the home World Cup despite his club difficulties. Pochettino praised Reyna, stating, “For me he is a great player. He understands the game at a high level.” The Argentine highlighted Reyna’s combination play, touch and close‑ball control, noting assists in the September tests against Peru (4‑1) and Chile (4‑2).

Reyna now dismisses doubts about his physical suitability for top‑level football. “I don’t think about that at all any more. I have left it behind,” he declared, reflecting a newfound confidence after shedding the mental scars of repeated injuries.

At twenty‑three, Reyna remains young but already possesses a wealth of experience, having tasted early success and endured a protracted period of adversity. The Sieben‑match streak and his growing influence at Strasbourg suggest a promising Weg forward, as the erstwhile shootingstar strives to cement his place among the elite.