Brenden Aaronson Biography: Age, Fiancée, Net Worth, Height, Clubs, Career, Brother

Brenden Aaronson is an American professional soccer player who has steadily built a reputation for his energy, creativity, and tactical intelligence across multiple attacking roles.

Nicknamed “The Medford Messi,” he rose to prominence during his time at Philadelphia Union, earned his first senior U.S. national team call-ups, and later became a standout performer for Red Bull Salzburg, Leeds United, and Union Berlin.

Known for his relentless pressing, quick feet, and playmaking vision, Aaronson is regarded as one of the brightest American talents of his generation.

Profile

• Full name: Brenden Russell Aaronson
• Date of birth: October 22, 2000
• Age: 24 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Medford, New Jersey, United States
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Professional soccer player (attacking midfielder / winger)
• Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
• Weight: 67 kg
• Eye color: Hazel
• Hair color: Light brown
• Parents: Rusty Aaronson (father), Janell Aaronson (mother)
• Siblings: Paxten Aaronson (younger brother; professional footballer, Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Spouse: Milana D’Ambra (engaged as of August 2024)
• Children: None
• Relationship status: Engaged
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: White
• Net worth: USD 12 million

Early Life and Education

Brenden Aaronson (25 years old) was born on October 22, 2000, in Medford, New Jersey, to Rusty and Janell Aaronson.

His father was a semi-professional soccer player and coach who helped build his and his younger brother Paxten’s early interest in the sport.

Aaronson began playing at Medford Soccer Club before moving to Real Jersey FC, where he was coached by his father.

His early talent caught the attention of scouts from the Philadelphia Union Academy, and he joined the academy’s residency program at YSC Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

While completing his education there, Aaronson balanced academics and elite soccer training, eventually graduating from YSC Academy — a school designed for future professional players in the Union system.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Brenden Aaronson is known for his humility and family-oriented lifestyle.

He is engaged to Milana D’Ambra, a former Saint Joseph’s University women’s soccer player.

The couple announced their engagement in August 2024 after several years together.

Aaronson maintains close ties with his brother Paxten, often crediting their shared upbringing and competitive training as key to his development.

Career

Youth and Philadelphia Union (2015–2020):

Brenden Aaronson’s rise began within the Philadelphia Union system.

He featured for Bethlehem Steel FC (Union’s USL side) in 2017–2018, making 21 appearances.

In 2019, he signed his first senior MLS Homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union.

He made an immediate impact in his debut MLS season, registering goals and assists and earning a reputation for work rate and tactical discipline.

His performance helped the Union capture the Supporters’ Shield (2020) — the club’s first major trophy — while Aaronson was named to the MLS Best XI and MLS is Back Tournament Best XI.

Red Bull Salzburg (2021–2022):

In January 2021, Aaronson transferred to FC Red Bull Salzburg for a reported fee of $6 million plus bonuses, making him one of the most expensive outgoing transfers in MLS history at the time.

At Salzburg, he thrived under coach Jesse Marsch, contributing to multiple Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup titles.

He appeared in both UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitions, scoring several key goals, including a Champions League group stage goal in 2021.

Leeds United (2022–Present):

On July 1, 2022, Aaronson completed a high-profile move to Leeds United for approximately £24.7 million ($30 million), signing a five-year contract.

He scored his first Premier League goal in August 2022 against Chelsea, earning widespread praise for his pressing and creativity.

Following Leeds’ relegation in 2023, Aaronson was loaned to Union Berlin for the 2023–24 Bundesliga season, where he gained valuable experience in the German top flight and the UEFA Champions League.

In 2024–25, he returned to Leeds United, playing a key role in the club’s successful EFL Championship title campaign and return to the Premier League.

International Career (2020–Present):

Aaronson made his U.S. Men’s National Team debut in February 2020 in a friendly against Costa Rica.

Later that year, he scored his first senior goal in a 6–0 win over El Salvador.

He represented the U.S. at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, appearing in all three group-stage matches.

Since then, he has remained a consistent selection under coaches Gregg Berhalter and B.J. Callaghan, known for his versatility in midfield and attack.

As of 2025, Aaronson has earned 43 senior caps and scored 8 international goals.

Awards

Club Achievements:

• Supporters’ Shield (2020) – Philadelphia Union
• Austrian Bundesliga Champion (2020–21, 2021–22) – Red Bull Salzburg
• Austrian Cup Winner (2020–21, 2021–22) – Red Bull Salzburg
• EFL Championship Winner (2024–25) – Leeds United

Individual Honors:

• MLS Best XI (2020)
• MLS is Back Tournament Best XI (2020)
• U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year nominee (2020, 2021)

Net Worth

Brenden Aaronson’s estimated net worth is USD 12 million.

His wealth derives from: Professional football contracts, bonuses, endorsement deals (including Adidas, BodyArmor, and EA Sports FIFA), and performance incentives.

Social Media

• Instagram: @brendenaaronson
• Twitter (X): @AaronsonBrenden