Cole Campbell: Elversberg's Breakthrough and Pro Journey

Cole Campbell's initial weeks as a Bundesliga starter mirror SV Elversberg's unexpected ascent. Three games into their first-ever top-flight season, Elversberg has already defeated Bayer Leverkusen, recovered from a two-goal deficit against Borussia Mönchengladbach, and narrowly lost to Bayern Munich.

Campbell has been central to these events. He shared insights on his team, his individual performance, and various topics during a Bundesliga media roundtable. His emergence is a noteworthy story in the early stages of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.

The 20-year-old American scored in the historic 3-2 opening-day win against Leverkusen and has started all three league matches on the left wing. A year after his prospects of regular Bundesliga football at Borussia Dortmund seemed uncertain, Campbell now holds a key role at a club built around developing promising young players.

Elversberg's reputation for nurturing talent played a significant role in Campbell's decision.

“They certainly informed me about it, and I researched it myself,” Campbell stated when asked about Elversberg's track record. “When considering a club, understanding their past achievements is crucial. It naturally shapes your perception of joining them. I had extensive discussions with the coach and the sporting director about the club’s vision.”

These conversations ultimately persuaded Campbell that Saarland offered the right environment to revitalize a career that had lost momentum.

“They detailed their plan and the club's philosophy,” Campbell added. “Seeing other players develop there, gain playing time, and make significant career advancements is encouraging. It influenced my decision to come here. I needed a club that believed in me and would support me in reaching my full potential.”

Campbell Finds His Bundesliga Path at Elversberg

Campbell's journey to this point has been far from simple. Born in Houston, the winger joined Dortmund at 16 after spending time in Iceland, his mother's home country. His speed and ability in one-on-one situations marked him as a promising attacking talent within the BVB system.

He made his senior debut in the 2024/25 season. However, the following summer brought increased uncertainty. Seeking consistent Bundesliga play, Campbell nearly transferred to Stuttgart, but the deal fell through.

Pre-season assessments for the 2025/26 Borussia Dortmund season questioned whether Campbell was ready for a significant first-team role, a concern that proved accurate. He saw limited action early in the campaign and was reportedly omitted from matchday squads in December due to training performance issues.

Although reinstated later, a clear path forward remained elusive. Dortmund eventually loaned Campbell to Hoffenheim in January with a purchase option, but a permanent move did not materialize.

This summer, Elversberg reportedly invested €6 million in Campbell, making him their most significant individual signing as part of an ambitious recruitment drive focused on young talent. Campbell didn't just arrive with a high transfer fee.

He earned his spot.

Pre-season observations highlighted Campbell as one of Elversberg's most promising players. He hit the post, assisted a goal, and scored in an impressive 4-1 friendly win against Lorient. By the end of the training camp, Campbell had secured the left-wing position.

The appeal was evident. Coach Vincent Wagner sought a direct attacker capable of taking on defenders, rather than simply recycling possession. Campbell desired the freedom to do precisely that.

Wagner’s ‘Courage’ Empowers Campbell to Attack

Elversberg's remarkable start has quickly demonstrated the synergy between player and system. Few anticipated the newly promoted club would secure six points from matches against Leverkusen and Gladbach.

“Our start has defied expectations,” Campbell noted about his club's surprising performance. “Beating a team like Bayer Leverkusen was incredible. Then, coming back from behind against Gladbach, another formidable team. Although we didn’t get the result against Bayern, I believe we played well collectively. The first three games have been phenomenal.”

These results also validate Wagner’s commitment to the style of play that earned Elversberg promotion. Following their historic victory over Leverkusen, Wagner consistently stressed that “brave football” is more than just a preference.

In his view, courage in possession and aggressive ball-winning are Elversberg’s primary avenues for remaining competitive in the German top flight. The stunning comeback in Gladbach reinforced this conviction. Campbell interprets Wagner’s repeated emphasis on bravery in his own way.

“Bravery stems from trusting your teammates and yourself,” Campbell explained regarding Wagner's renowned principle. “For an attacking player, it means not hesitating to engage in one-on-one situations. It’s about daring to try something, rather than being deterred by an opponent’s reputation.”

Campbell Builds Connections On and Off the Pitch

Trust among teammates is significantly easier to foster when it genuinely exists. Campbell speaks highly of the developing camaraderie within a squad composed of promotion veterans, permanent young signings, and highly-rated loan players. The extensive network of friendships Campbell has forged within the team may explain Elversberg’s surprising early success.

Several of these relationships have clear tactical implications.

“David Mokwa and I have a strong connection, both on and off the field,” Campbell said when asked about specific teammates. “Lasse Günther, our left-back, and I have developed a very good understanding. Playing with him and building that connection has been beneficial. The same applies to midfielder Lukasz Poreba.”

Günther plays directly behind Campbell on the left flank, while Poreba remains a key element in Wagner’s possession-based game. These connections, however, extend beyond those immediately around Campbell on the pitch.

“Off the field, I’m also very close with Maurice Krattenmacher and Luca Schnellbacher,” Campbell continued. “I really appreciate Luca; he’s fantastic. I’m close with other players like Francis Onyeka and Noel Futkeu. Honestly, I’d say we’re a very cohesive team. We have a diverse group, and everyone gets along well.”

This unity is vital for an Elversberg side heavily reliant on players still in the early stages of their careers. Campbell, Krattenmacher, Onyeka, and Noah Darvich were all identified in pre-season analyses as part of the young attacking contingent expected to elevate the club's technical level.

Campbell on Germany: Schnitzel, Coffee, and the Autobahn

Campbell has already spent considerable formative years in Germany. Yet, the adjustment wasn't always immediate.

“I really enjoy life here,” Campbell shared when asked about his experience in Germany. “The food is excellent, particularly the schnitzel, though I can't indulge too often due to its health profile. In my free time, I like visiting coffee shops and exploring the city. What I enjoy most about Germany is the Autobahn; the ability to drive at higher speeds is exhilarating. Life in Germany is generally very good, especially after learning the language, which was initially a challenge.”

“The fans and the atmosphere here are absolutely incredible,” Campbell continued. “Even here in Elversberg, the fans are amazing. And for most teams in the Bundesliga, the support is outstanding.”

Campbell’s Football Education Began at Home

Football was deeply ingrained in Campbell’s life long before his experiences in Iceland, Dortmund, Hoffenheim, or Elversberg. His mother, Rakel Karvelsson, represented Iceland internationally. Campbell considers having a former international footballer in his family an invaluable asset.

“My mother possesses extensive football knowledge,” Campbell responded when asked about his mother. “Having a mother who played football is wonderful. We can also train together, which is enjoyable.”

“Yes, she would challenge me to two-touch games,” Campbell elaborated when asked about training with his mother. “She doesn’t win anymore, but when I was younger, she used to beat me. That was about seven years ago, when I was 13. By the time I was 14 or 15, she started to lose.”

Campbell Avoids Pulisic and Reyna Comparisons

Campbell’s nationality and his Dortmund background have inevitably led to comparisons with the two most prominent American players to emerge from the club before him: Christian Pulisic, who became a USMNT star after his time at Dortmund before moving to Chelsea, and Giovanni Reyna, who spent several seasons with BVB.

Campbell knows Reyna personally.

“Gio and I are friends,” Campbell replied when asked about comparisons to former USMNT Dortmund players Giovanni Reyna and Christian Pulisic. “I believe being compared to great players is positive, but for me, I don’t dwell on comparisons. As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy.”

This sentiment is fitting given Campbell's current situation. His Dortmund trajectory didn't follow the paths of Pulisic or Reyna. Campbell's journey involved a failed transfer, extended periods on the sidelines, a brief disciplinary issue, a loan spell that didn't lead to a permanent move, and ultimately, a move to the smallest club currently competing in Germany's top flight.

Elversberg appealed precisely because the club didn't offer him someone else's story.

They presented him with his own opportunity.

Three Bundesliga matches are hardly definitive proof that all challenges have been overcome. Elversberg will face difficult periods. Campbell will encounter tougher defenders, lose individual duels, and will undoubtedly experience moments where the unforgiving nature of the Bundesliga becomes apparent.

This is precisely where Wagner’s interpretation of bravery becomes relevant. Campbell sought playing time, support, and an environment where development was possible even after mistakes. Elversberg needed a winger willing to challenge defenders without hesitation.

For now, both parties appear to have found what they were seeking.