The American international Gio Reyna was promoted to the main team of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund a few seasons ago in 2019-20. He followed in the footsteps of his national team captain, Christian Pulisic, joining the Black and Yellows at the age of 16.
Despite a promising start at both club and national levels, setbacks from off-field issues and injuries have sidelined him this season. Recently, Reyna received a national team call-up, ending his absence since June due to a feud with the coach.
Why did Gio Reyna not play on the USMNT?
Gio Reyna’s last US men’s national team appearance came earlier in July during their CONCACAF Nations League triumph, although Reyna was out in the final of the competition sustaining an injury in the semi-final fixture. Moreover, he hasn’t played for his club, Borussia Dortmund being sidelined due to injury this season.
The 20-year-old also missed the last two friendly fixtures for the US men’s national team against Uzbekistan and Oman, respectively. Due to the feud between Gio and coach Gregg, it was widely believed that his chances of returning to the national camp were very unlikely.
However, the youngster’s name was listed in the 23-man squad for upcoming friendly fixtures against Germany and Ghana in the International break this month. The USA will play both matches at home in the United States.
Alongside Gio Reyna, National team captain and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic and Juventus American duo Weston McKennie and Tim Weah have also been called up. Seemingly, the terms between Reyna and the coach are improving.
Explaining Gio Reyna’s feud with Gregg Berhalter
The Dortmund player had only a couple of substitute appearances at last year’s World Cup in Qatar. The incident first centered on Reyna’s lack of playing time at the 2022 World Cup and his subsequent poor behavior on how he was used. Gregg Berhalter disclosed at a leadership conference that he almost sent an unnamed player – later identified as Reyna – home because of poor attitude.
Gio is the son of Claudio Reyna, a former US men’s team captain, and midfielder Danielle Egan who played for the US women’s team. Reyna’s parents reported a domestic violence allegation dating back three decades, involving coach Berhalter and the woman who eventually became his wife, to US Soccer.
Following the interim tenure of two coaches who temporarily replaced Berhalter, he was reinstated in June to resume coaching in September, following an investigation by a law firm retained by US Soccer that confirmed he did not withhold information improperly upon his initial hiring in 2018. He was again appointed in charge of the National team in June.
