When Cole Campbell stepped onto a Bundesliga pitch for Borussia Dortmund at just 18 years old, few could have predicted the winding road that lay ahead. A loan spell at Hoffenheim proved disappointing, yielding only five substitute appearances across five months, and he found himself waiting nearly two years before earning a genuine opportunity to make an impact in Germany's top division.
That breakthrough has finally arrived at Elversberg, a club competing in the Bundesliga for the first time in their history. The Texas-born forward marked his full debut with a goal in a 3-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and has since started in the 4-3 triumph at Borussia Monchengladbach. According to FotMob, he has scored once in four Bundesliga appearances this season, starting all four matches and accumulating 261 minutes on the pitch.
Against Bayern Munich, Campbell came agonisingly close to adding another goal, only to see an equaliser ruled out for offside. The moment left him momentarily bewildered on the pitch.
I went to celebrate and then when I turned around I was confused because I did not see any of my team-mates. It was an amazing feeling even though it did not count.
That word—amazing—has become a refrain throughout Campbell's reflections on his recent transformation. At 20 years old, he never imagined his career would gain momentum at a modest club like Elversberg, yet four matches into the season, this youthful squad has become the talk of German football.
The expectations surrounding the newcomers were modest at best, but Campbell and his teammates have defied the sceptics. Speaking about the team's approach, he explained how they have managed to compete fearlessly against the continent's elite.
The expectation was actually quite the opposite of what we have already shown. We are just giving everything that we have and trying to play the best football that we can.
That philosophy extends to their willingness to take on established powerhouses without intimidation. When asked about facing world-class opposition, Campbell acknowledged the step up in quality but stressed the importance of mental resilience.
It is obviously a different level when you are playing against some of the best players in the world.
Yet he has discovered that reputation alone need not dictate outcomes. For an attacking player, he believes the key lies in courage and conviction.
Bravery for me as an offensive player is to not be afraid of going one against one and trying something instead of being scared and not trying it because of their reputation. Something we will continue to do is be brave, give 100 per cent and see what happens.
Settling into a new home
Campbell has adapted quickly to life in Germany, both on and off the pitch. He has learned the language, though he admits the transition was initially challenging. His multicultural upbringing appears to have eased the adjustment—his mother is Rakel Karvelsson, a former Iceland international, and he spent part of his childhood in Iceland.
When discussing his new surroundings, Campbell drew parallels to his formative years abroad.
There are definitely similarities. That small-town feel is similar to when I was in Iceland so I really like it here.
He has embraced the local culture with enthusiasm, frequenting coffee shops and developing a taste for German cuisine, though he exercises restraint with the heavier dishes.
But I cannot eat it so often because it is not the most healthy thing.
His mother remains a presence in his life, and the pair occasionally train together. Campbell revealed that their competitive dynamic has shifted over the years.
She does not win anymore. When I was 14 or 15, I started to beat her.
Despite his Icelandic heritage through his mother, Campbell has committed his international future to the United States. According to Goal, his choice to represent the USMNT rather than Iceland is final. He was rewarded with a senior debut in the victory over Canada this week, and his official profile confirms he was called up to the U.S. men's national team camp in September/October 2026.
A difficult apprenticeship transformed
The path to this moment has not been straightforward. After his initial breakthrough at Dortmund, Campbell faced a frustrating period at Hoffenheim that tested his resolve. He acknowledges that the experience fell short of his expectations.
I was expecting to play more.
Some might view those 22 months as wasted time, but Campbell has reframed the experience as invaluable character development. Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, he has extracted lessons that have shaped his mentality and resilience.
Maybe someone else will look at it and say it was a waste for me. But my mindset then was a lot different than it is now. The things that I have learned in these 22 months I would not have learned if things had happened differently.
Campbell's ability to process setback through the lens of personal growth is deeply rooted in his Christian faith. Throughout his conversation with journalists, references to his spiritual beliefs emerged naturally, revealing how his religious convictions sustained him through the difficult period.
Without this then my character would not have changed.
When asked about comparisons with fellow American star Christian Pulisic, Campbell offered a response grounded in his faith.
Comparison is the thief of joy. That is in The Bible.
His Christianity is not merely a personal matter but central to how he navigates the pressures and uncertainties of professional football. He explained how his faith has provided an anchor during turbulent periods.
It is very important to me. It is easy to get caught up in football and the things that surround it but in football there are so many ups and downs. It is a bumpy road, you are going to have lows. It's the same with life. To have God to hold onto in those times is something that kept me going.
For Campbell, material success in football pales in comparison to his spiritual foundation.
I can be the best footballer and achieve everything but in the end it means nothing if I do not have God by my side so my faith is everything for me. I want to tell people what I believe in and impact people in a positive way. For me, it is the most important thing.
The record signing arrives
Campbell's move to Elversberg represented a calculated gamble for both player and club. As their record signing, he carries expectations, yet he views the financial investment as a vote of confidence rather than a burden.
There is pressure that comes with it. But on the other hand, there is also a lot of trust from them to believe in me. And I would say that the pressure that I put on myself to perform was already there before the money was involved.
The move was essential for his development. After struggling for minutes at Dortmund, Campbell needed regular playing time to progress.
I needed to get minutes for my career and to play a bigger role than what I had at Dortmund.
Elversberg's track record of developing young talent influenced his decision. Players such as Nick Woltemade, Younes Ebnoutalib and Fisnik Asllani have all benefited from moves to the club, using it as a springboard for their careers.
When you have other players that have gone there, they have gotten their minutes and they have developed and made a big step for themselves, that obviously it helps. It had an influence on me coming here. It was the right step.
Conversations with the club's leadership reinforced his confidence in the decision. They outlined a clear vision for his role and the club's ambitions.
They explained their plan and what the club is about.
Head coach Vincent Wagner has already made a tangible impact on Campbell's development, particularly in the defensive aspects of his game.
My defensive work is something that has improved a lot. He is helping me.
Campbell's contract with Elversberg runs through the summer of 2030, providing stability and time to fulfil his potential. The immediate challenge is to continue his upward trajectory and become what he describes as the best version of himself.
I do not think there is any right path. Every player is different.
For now, the path Campbell is on appears to be working. After years of frustration and waiting, he has found a home where he can play, develop and make an impact. His journey from Dortmund's fringes to Elversberg's spearhead offers a reminder that timing, opportunity and mental fortitude can transform a career that once seemed stalled.
What comes next
Elversberg face Union Berlin on October 10, 2026, as they continue their remarkable inaugural Bundesliga campaign. Campbell will be central to their hopes of maintaining their impressive start and proving that their early success is no flash in the pan.
