Julian Brandt
A mercurial German playmaker whose late-career transformation into a midfield general unlocked Borussia Dortmund's attacking potential.
Born 1996 (age 30)·German footballer·Birthday: May 2·Millennials
Biography
Born in Bremen, Julian Brandt's football journey was one of early hype followed by a patient search for his perfect role. He emerged as a teenage sensation at Bayer Leverkusen, a winger with a silky touch and an eye for the spectacular. His move to Borussia Dortmund in 2019, however, initially seemed to stall his trajectory, as he struggled for consistency in a crowded attack. The turning point came under coach Edin Terzić, who repositioned Brandt deeper in midfield. This shift transformed him from a flashy wide player into the team's central creative hub, tasked with dictating tempo and delivering killer passes. The new responsibility unlocked a mature, influential version of Brandt, whose vision and technical security became vital for both Dortmund and the German national team. His story is one of adaptability, proving that a player's most impactful chapter can begin after a reinvention.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Julian was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Julian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Julian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund in 2021, scoring in the final.
- Represented Germany at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020.
- Named to the Bundesliga Team of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign.
- Provided over 100 goal contributions (goals and assists) in his Bundesliga career.
Did You Know?
He shares a birthday (May 2) with fellow German international footballer Kai Havertz.
Brandt is an avid chess player and has mentioned it helps his tactical thinking on the pitch.
He was part of the Germany U-19 team that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2014.
His younger brother, Jannis Brandt, is also a professional footballer.
“In the end, it's not about playing in one position for 90 minutes, but about understanding the game and finding solutions.”
