A sunny day off from work in the midst of your first World Cup is not a bad way to celebrate turning 23. But such has been life for Nathaniel Brown of late, that having a birthday on Tuesday fits perfectly with the good vibes train he has long been on.
"You see how hard the kid works, every single day. To play like that in his first World Cup game and score a goal right away is outstanding for someone his age," said forward Kai Havertz. "We need players like that on the Germany team."
Just four years after signing his first professional contract, Brown, whose nickname is "Nene", is at a World Cup. The move from Nürnberg to Bundesliga team Entracht Frankfurt came in 2024 and, after a slow start, he emerged as a regular. Even though the club struggled in the recently-finished campaign, Brown was voted the club's Player of the Season.
His first Germany cap came in October 2025. But before the game against Ghana in March this year, he had only played 26 minutes for Germany. He was seen as one to watch. But by the time Germany left for the USA in early June, he had edged ahead of David Raum. Now, after a goal and an assist in the 7-1 win over Curacao, his absence from the starting eleven is unthinkable.
