Donyell Malen is a name that is rapidly becoming synonymous with Borussia Dortmund’s thrilling attacking style. This young Dutch forward, blessed with speed, skill, and an insatiable hunger for goals, is making waves in the Bundesliga and beyond. Let’s delve into the story of this rising star.
From Ajax to Arsenal and Back
Malen’s journey to Dortmund began in Wieringen, Netherlands, where his footballing talent was evident from a young age. At just nine years old, he joined the prestigious Ajax academy, a testament to his early promise. However, despite playing for all of Netherlands’ youth national teams and drawing interest from several European clubs, Malen felt he wouldn’t break into the Ajax first team.
In 2015, a fresh challenge awaited him in England. Malen, now 16 years old, joined the Arsenal youth team, where he quickly made his mark. Over two seasons, he netted an impressive 44 goals, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. But before securing a place in the Arsenal senior squad, Malen was lured back to his homeland by PSV Eindhoven.
Finding Success in Eindhoven
This move proved to be a turning point in Malen’s career. At PSV, he truly blossomed, scoring 55 goals and providing 24 assists in 116 appearances, solidifying his reputation as a talented young attacker. This period also saw him earn his first senior international caps for the Netherlands, making his debut against Germany in November 2019 and even finding the back of the net.
A New Chapter in Dortmund
In the summer of 2021, Malen arrived at Dortmund, tasked with filling the void left by the departed Jadon Sancho. He quickly settled into the Black and Yellows’ high-octane attack, scoring nine goals in his debut season. His scoring rate has steadily increased in subsequent seasons, with 10 goals in 2021/22 and a career-best 13 goals in the Bundesliga in 2023/24. He has also been a key contributor in creating chances for his teammates, providing 13 assists in his first 110 appearances for BVB.
A Modern Forward with a Flair for the Spectacular
Malen embodies the ideal modern forward. He possesses the speed, technical ability, and eye for goal to be a constant threat. He’s not limited to one position, having played as a center forward at PSV but thriving as a right winger for Dortmund. Malen’s work ethic and willingness to contribute defensively have earned him the admiration of the Dortmund fans.
His 5’8″ frame might not be imposing, but Malen uses his agility and speed to his advantage. He enjoys making runs behind defenders, forcing them to scramble, and his short passing and link-up play make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s often compared to Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, who similarly combined dribbling skills and long-range shooting to devastating effect.
Learning from the Best
Malen’s journey has been enriched by learning from some of the greatest players in world football. He was coached by Dennis Bergkamp in the Ajax U10s and Thierry Henry, who played a key role in his move to Arsenal, was instrumental in his development.
Praise from Peers and Experts
Malen’s talent has not gone unnoticed. His former Dortmund teammate and PSV teammate, Mario Götze, describes him as “extremely fast and very dangerous. If he has a chance, it’s usually a goal, too. He’s still young, but has really good abilities.”
Former Dortmund sporting director, Michael Zorc, adds, “Donyell is a player with great attacking potential, who radiates danger in front of goal, brings in his creativity and has a great deal of pace.”
Even Dutch legend Rafael van der Vaart sees immense potential in the young forward: “The question I actually want to ask him is: Do you want to become the best player in the world? Because he really has everything to become that. I am one hundred percent convinced of that.”
The Future is Bright
Donyell Malen’s journey is far from over. He is a young, talented player with the drive and determination to achieve great things. With his combination of speed, skill, and a hunger for goals, Malen has the potential to become one of the most exciting and influential players in world football. We are all eagerly watching as he continues to write his own story of success on the pitch.
