Bayer Leverkusen midfielder could be a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans at the World Cup
Malik Tillman is emerging as one of the most intriguing attacking options in the United States men’s national team setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Bayer Leverkusen attacker was born in Germany and represented both his birth nation and his father’s country, the United States, at youth level, before settling on the latter.
The versatile midfielder has gone on to make 26 appearances for the USMNT since 2022 and as his club career has gone from strength to strength, he has also been earning recognition from national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino as competition for places intensifies ahead of this summers World Cup on home territory.
Who is Malik Tillman?
Malik Tillman is a German-born footballer who represents the United States men’s national team at senior level. He began his youth international career with the USA, but then proceeded to represent Germany from under-15 to under-21 level.
The 23-year-old came through the youth system in Germany, developing at Greuther Fürth and Bayern Munich, before making the decision to switch his international allegiance back to the United States. That move has allowed him to establish himself as a regular part of the USMNT player pool in recent years.
Malik Tillman stats this season
Last summer, Tillman joined Bayer Leverkusen for a reported €35 million, thus returning to Germany after two years in the Netherlands with PSV. In the Bundesliga this season, he has scored five goals in 22 appearances.
It has been a productive first season back in Germany for Tillman, with seven goals and one assist in 34 games in all competitions, including two goals in the Champions League.
What position does Malik Tillman play?
Tillman primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, but he is also capable of deeper or on the wing. His versatility across attacking roles is considered a key asset for the USMNT, particularly in systems that demand fluid movement between midfield and forward positions.
What nationality is Malik Tillman?
Tillman was born in Germany to a German mother, but is eligible to represent the United States because his father is from the USA.
Despite growing up in Germany and speaking German as his first language, he ultimately chose to commit to the USMNT in 2022.
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Malik Tillman salary and contract
Tillman currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, where he is under contract until June 30, 2030.
His reported salary is estimated at €113,462 per week, though exact figures can vary depending on bonuses and performance-related incentives.
Will Malik Tillman play in the 2026 World Cup?
Tillman’s chances of featuring at the 2026 World Cup will depend on his consistency at club level in what remains of this season, but he has been a regular in national team squads in recent years and his versatility could play in his favour.
Competition for attacking midfield and forward positions in the USMNT squad remains strong, with several players vying for selection in similar roles.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino does appear to value what Tillman brings to the table, however, and has spoken about him positively in the past.
“I really started to understand him, and he started to understand us, and he’s very special,” Pochettino said after Tillman scored a brace last summer against Trinidad and Tobago.
“[He’s] a very special talent, very special kid. We are all in love with him.”
Those comments highlight the regard in which Tillman is held by the current USMNT manager, suggesting he remains firmly in contention as the squad begins to take shape ahead of the tournament.
