The United States Under-23 Men’s National Team Heads to Olympic Games in France
The United States Under-23 Men’s National Team is headed to France for the Olympic Games, looking to achieve a medal finish among the 16 programs vying for glory. The roster features 18 players, a varied group spread across clubs in Major League Soccer and Europe. Despite the presence of two overage defenders in the squad, Maximilian “Maxi” Dietz is expected to play a key role over the coming weeks after spending his first full first-team season in the eye of the storm for Greuther Fürth. The 22-year-old centre-back has the ability to make an impact on a bigger stage, following up on his breakout campaign in the second division of German soccer.
Maxi Dietz’s Journey to the Top
Born in New York City, Dietz relocated with his family to Germany and also played rugby in his youth. He passed through a few academies – including SG Bornheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, and FSV Frankfurt – as a midfielder before landing with Freiburg. His promotion to the reserve level came in December of 2021, appearing for 12 minutes against 1.FC Saarbrücken in the 3. Liga. His second match, a five-minute supporting performance versus Hallescher FC, came toward the end of the schedule.
Over the following summer, Dietz signed with SpVgg Greuther Fürth, quickly assuming the captaincy of the reserve team. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the first team, where he made several appearances, leading to a senior contract with the club.
Rising Star in the Making
In his first full season as a professional, Dietz established himself as an integral presence in the Greuther Fürth squad. His performance was rewarded with a new contract that now runs through 2027, showing the club’s confidence in his abilities.
International Recognition
At the international level, Dietz is eligible for Germany and the United States. He has been a fixture with the U-23 team and was selected to the roster for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he hopes to make a significant impact.
Potential Star for the USMNT
Standing at 6’2”, Dietz is primarily a centre-back but can also play in defensive and holding midfielder roles. Scouts praise his abilities on defense and passing vision, highlighting his potential to become an impact player for the US Men’s National Team at a position of need.
“He has a certain consistency in one-on-one situations, good physical aggressiveness, and a good build-up game,” said Greuther Fürth manager Alexander Zorniger. “He talks and has a good build-up game.”
Future Prospects
After establishing himself as a key player in the 2. Bundesliga, Dietz is at a crucial juncture in his career. His performance at both club and international levels has earned him recognition and a spot in the Olympic Games squad. With further success, he could earn a transfer to a bigger league and potentially find himself on the medal podium.
