Who is Brajan Gruda? The 19-year-old Bundesliga sensation who terrified Bayern
Tom Weber
- Updated: 25 Oct 2023 10:28 BST
- 6 min read
19-year-old Brajan Gruda is the standout performer in a dire Mainz side this season and he is earning plenty of plaudits - including at Bayern Munich.
Despite his side's struggles, the youngster has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this season and he is quickly establishing himself as one of Germany's most scintillating players.
But who is Mainz 05's Brajan Gruda and how good is he really?
What position does Gruda play in?
Gruda is a versatile, left-footed attacker, who is most comfortable on the right wing.
🎯 Nochmal anschauen! Und nochmal und nochmal! 🤩
Was für ein Freistoß von Brajan Gruda beim 5:2-Sieg unserer U19 gegen St. Pauli am Sonntag! 👏#Mainz05 pic.twitter.com/hXYxDhAF31— 1. FSV Mainz 05 (@1FSVMainz05) December 12, 2022
How good is Gruda?
A member of Mainz's youth system since 2018, the young attacker made his Bundesliga debut in 2022/23 at 18 years of age after impressing with the club's U19s. By the end of the season, he had a U19 Bundesliga winners medal around his neck and was duly rewarded with a permanent role in the first team.
Since Bo Svensson took over Mainz, they have generally been one of the German top-flight's most interesting sides, but this season, their form has fallen off a cliff and they are firmly stuck in a relegation dogfight. But while most of his teammates have floundered, Gruda has excelled at the senior level.
Having scored an absolute banger against Borussia Monchengladbach - his first goal at this level - Gruda and Mainz came up against Bayern. Rather than capitulating, Mainz actually gave it a proper go and Gruda was right in the thick of it, terrifying the Bavarian defence with his rapid pace and insatiable attacking instinct and notching an assist - though his side were ultimately defeated.
The youngster plays with a youthful exuberance and nonchalance that makes him one of Germany's most intriguing talents - a fact also recognised by none other than Thomas Muller. After the game against Bayern, the German legend asked to swap shirts with Gruda and proudly showed off his trophy on Instagram, telling the youngster to keep working hard and the world that he is a baller.
What clubs are interested in Gruda?
Thus far, only Bayern are credited with an interest in the German youth international, but if he keeps up his current form, more big names will be added to the list of potential suitors.
When does Gruda's contract expire?
Gruda's contract runs until June 30, 2026.
How old is Gruda?
Gruda was born on May 21, 2004, making him 19 years old.
What is Gruda's Instagram?
Gruda's Instagram account is @grudabrajan and has 13k followers as of October 2023.
