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Bobby Wood
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Bobby Wood
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Bobby Shou Wood (born November 15, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a striker.

Key Information

Youth and early career

[edit]

Wood was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a mother with partial Japanese ancestry and a father with African American ancestry.[3] He began his youth career in 1999 with Powder Edge SC, located in Honolulu, Hawaii. He moved to California in 2005 to play with the Irvine Strikers.

Club career

[edit]

Wood relocated to Germany in July 2007 to join the academy of 1860 Munich.

1860 Munich

[edit]

On January 29, 2011, Wood made his professional debut coming on in the 82nd minute as a substitute during a 2. Bundesliga match against MSV Duisburg.[4]

Wood made his first career start for 1860 Munich in October 2011 against Hansa Rostock.[5] On November 30, 2012, against VfR Aalen, Wood scored his first professional goal to secure a 1–1 draw for 1860 Munich.[6]

In December 2012, Wood signed his first professional contract, extending his stay with 1860 Munich through the 2016 season.[7]

Loan to Erzgebirge Aue

[edit]

In February 2015, Wood moved to fellow 2. Bundesliga side Erzgebirge Aue, signing a contract until 2017.[8] For Aue, Wood made nine league appearances and scored three goals before seeing the club relegated to 3. Liga for the first time in six years.

Union Berlin

[edit]

In July 2015, Wood signed a three-year contract with Union Berlin for an undisclosed fee.[9] In his Union Berlin debut season, Wood broke the record for goals scored by an American in a single season in Germany's top two flights.[10]

Hamburger SV

[edit]

On May 15, 2016, Wood signed a four-year deal with Hamburger SV.[11] On August 27, Wood made his Bundesliga debut with Hamburg against FC Ingolstadt. In the 1–1 draw, Wood scored the opening goal with a fantastic strike from the edge of the box, beating out Ingolstadt defender Marvin Matip after receiving a long pass from keeper René Adler. After his debut, manager Bruno Labbadia commented that Wood "has lots of pace and uses his body skillfully".[12] His goal was later voted as the Goal of the Week in the Bundesliga.[13] Wood scored the first goal on September 10 at Bayer Leverkusen after Bayer keeper Bernd Leno came well off his line, but a late hat trick from Joel Pohjanpalo made the result 3–1 in favor of Bayer.

Following the match against Leverkusen, however, the entire Hamburg team entered a dry spell in scoring lasting over a month, resulting in the sacking of Labbadia on September 25.[14] Wood made his first start under new manager Markus Gisdol on October 25 in their second round DFB-Pokal match against Hallescher FC, scoring twice in the 4–0 victory.[15] However, their problems in the league persisted, culminating in Wood being sent off in his first Bundesliga start under Gisdol, coming five days later at 1. FC Köln.[16] After the match, Gisdol told reporters that Wood's red card, given when he elbowed Köln defender Dominique Heintz in the stomach, was "inexcusable",[17] and Wood was handed a three-match ban by the DFB.[18]

After the 1. FC Köln match, Hamburg won three of their six remaining matches with Wood scoring one goal in the 2–1 win against FC Schalke 04 on matchday 16. Hamburg finished the year ranked 16th. In the following year, Hamburg started with two defeats against VfL Wolfsburg (1–0) and FC Ingolstadt both away (3–1), before the Northern Germans won six of the following ten matches and climbed to 13th. Wood scored a goal during this time against Borussia Mönchengladbach in a 2–1 victory. The following four matches ended with three defeats and one draw, placing Hamburg in 16th after matchday 32. In the penultimate matchday, Hamburg drew 1–1 against FC Schalke 04 away, after the goal of Pierre-Michel Lasogga in injury time. Before the goal of Lasogga, Wood had an opportunity to equalize. Through the draw, Hamburg saved themselves from relegation. The last matchday one week later, Hamburg won 2–1 against VfL Wolfsburg and saves with the 14th rank before the relegation.

In the 2017–18 season, Hamburg lost in the first round of the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) against the third-tier side VfL Osnabrück 3–1. Hamburg won their first two matches with Wood scoring a goal in the 3–1 win away against 1. FC Köln. In the remaining matches of the first half of the season, Hamburg won only two matches and ranked 17th. In the second season-half, manager Gisdol was sacked after a 2–0 defeat against Cologne at home. His successor Bernd Hollerbach was sacked after seven matches without a victory. The new president of the club, Bernd Hoffmann, sacked CEO Heribert Bruchhagen and the director of sport, Jens Todt, and the successor of Hollerbach became Christian Titz, former head coach of the reserve team. Hamburg won four of their eight remaining matches with Wood scoring a penalty in a 3–1 win away against VfL Wolfsburg on matchday 32. Hamburg relegated despite a 2–1 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach on the last matchday for the first time in their history as VfL Wolfsburg won against Cologne. In the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Wood would see a red card.

Loan to Hannover 96

[edit]

On July 9, 2018, it was announced that Wood would be joining Hannover 96 on loan until the end of 2018–19 season with an option to buy.[19]

Real Salt Lake

[edit]

On April 2, 2021, Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake announced that it had signed Wood to a contract to take effect July 1, 2021 through the 2023 season.[20] On April 13, 2021, Hamburger SV announced that Wood's contract was cancelled prematurely, allowing him to join Real Salt Lake immediately and in time for the season start.[21] Following the 2022 season, his contract option was declined by Salt Lake.[22]

Loan to Real Monarchs

[edit]

On October 7, 2021, Wood was sent on loan to Real Salt Lake's reserve side, Real Monarchs on a loan for the remainder of the 2021 USL Championship season.[23]

New England Revolution

[edit]

Wood was selected New England Revolution in the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft on November 22, 2022.[24] He was officially signed by New England on December 5, 2022, on a one-year deal for the upcoming 2023 season.[25] The deal additionally contained a club option for the 2024 season.[26]

Wood made his debut for his new club in the opening match of the 2023 season, on February 25, 2023, entering the match as a 64th-minute substitute for Giacomo Vrioni in the Revolution's 1–0 victory over Charlotte FC.[27] In the Revolution's home opener on March 4, 2023, Wood scored his first goal for the Revolution and added an assist in the Revolution's 3–0 victory over Houston Dynamo FC.[28] On April 9, 2023, Wood scored the Revolution's 3rd goal in their 4–0 victory over CF Montréal.[29] On May 6, Wood scored the game-winner in the Revolution's 2–0 victory over Toronto FC.[30] On May 27, Wood scored New England's second goal of the game in a 3–3 home draw against Chicago Fire FC.[31] Four days later he would score again in the Revolution's 3–3 draw against Atlanta United FC.[32] Wood scored his sixth goal of the season on June 10, 2023, in the Revolution's 3–1 victory over Inter Miami CF.[33] On June 24, Wood scored the Revolution's first goal in their 2–1 victory over Toronto FC.[34] Wood finished the 2023 campaign with seven goals and five assists, second in scoring for the Revolution.[27]

In 2024, Wood made 18 appearances, of which six were starts, for the Revolution and scored three goals in regular season play.[35] Wood suffered a knee injury early in the season, making his regular season debut on April 6.[36] On August 9, Wood scored an equalizing goal against New York City FC in the 2024 Leagues Cup knockout stage.[37] On August 24, Wood scored his first MLS career brace, helping the Revolution defeat the CF Montréal 5–0.[38][35]

International career

[edit]

In May 2013, Wood was named to a preliminary United States' 35-man roster for the 2013 Gold Cup.[39] Wood made his senior international debut in a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in August 2013.[40][41]

Wood scored his first senior international goal in June 2015, a game-winner in a 4–3 victory against the Netherlands. Five days later, Wood scored the game-winning goal in a 2–1 friendly victory against top-ranked Germany in Cologne.[42] In the 2015 CONCACAF Cup against Mexico to decide which team would qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup, coach Jürgen Klinsmann substituted Wood on in the 98th minute, after Mexico scored the go-ahead goal in extra time. Wood scored the tying goal in the 108th minute on a through ball from DeAndre Yedlin, but the United States ended up losing the match on an additional extra time goal from Mexico. On September 5, 2017, Wood scored the tying goal in the 85th minute against Honduras to keep the US hopes alive in the CONCACAF qualifications for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, securing a 1–1 draw. On October 6, he scored a goal to give a 4–0 lead for United States against Panama with one more match in the group to spare.

Career statistics

[edit]
Wood training with 1860 Munich in 2011

Club

[edit]
As of match played October 19, 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Other[b] Total Ref.
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1860 Munich II 2009–10 Regionalliga Süd 1 0 – – 1 0 [43]
2010–11 8 2 – – 8 2 [44]
2011–12 10 2 – – 10 2 [44]
2012–13 Regionalliga Bayern 26 8 – – 26 8 [44]
2013–14 1 0 – – 1 0 [44]
Total 46 12 0 0 0 0 46 12 —
1860 Munich 2010–11 2. Bundesliga 5 0 0 0 — 5 0 [44]
2011–12 3 0 1 0 – 4 0 [44]
2012–13 15 3 1 0 – 16 3 [44]
2013–14 21 0 1 0 – 22 0 [44]
2014–15 6 0 1 0 – 7 0 [44]
Total 50 3 4 0 0 0 54 3 —
Erzgebirge Aue (loan) 2014–15 2. Bundesliga 9 3 0 0 — 9 3 [44]
Union Berlin 2015–16 2. Bundesliga 31 17 1 0 — 32 17 [45]
Hamburger SV 2016–17 Bundesliga 28 5 4 4 — 32 9 [44]
2017–18 24 2 1 1 – 25 3 [44]
2019–20 2. Bundesliga 6 0 0 0 – 6 0 [44]
2020–21 16 1 1 0 – 17 1 [44]
Total 74 8 6 5 — 80 13 —
Hannover 96 (loan) 2018–19 Bundesliga 20 3 2 0 — 22 3 [44]
Real Salt Lake 2021 MLS 17 2 3 1 — 20 3 [44]
2022 14 3 0 0 – 14 3 [44]
Total 31 5 0 0 0 0 34 6 —
New England Revolution 2023 MLS 29 7 2 0 2 0 33 7 [44]
2024 18 4 — 7 2 25 6 [44]
Total 47 11 2 0 9 2 58 13 —
Career total 308 62 18 7 9 2 335 70 —

International

[edit]
As of November 15, 2018[46]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
United States 2013 1 0
2014 4 0
2015 9 4
2016 15 4
2017 7 2
2018 8 3
Total 44 13
Scores and results list United States' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Wood goal.[47]
List of international goals scored by Bobby Wood
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 June 5, 2015 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Netherlands
4–3
4–3
 Friendly
2 June 10, 2015 RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany  Germany
2–1
2–1
3 October 10, 2015 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States  Mexico 2–2 2–3 CONCACAF Cup
4 November 13, 2015 Busch Stadium, St. Louis, United States  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1–1 6–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 May 22, 2016 Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico  Puerto Rico 2–0 3–1 Friendly
6 June 7, 2016 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Costa Rica 3–0 4–0 Copa América Centenario
7 September 2, 2016 Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1–0 6–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
8 November 11, 2016 MAPFRE Stadium, Columbus, United States  Mexico 1–1 1–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
9 September 5, 2017 Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula, Honduras  Honduras 1–1 1–1
10 October 6, 2017 Orlando City Stadium, Orlando, United States  Panama 4–0 4–0
11 March 27, 2018 WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, United States  Paraguay 1–0 1–0 Friendly
12 June 2, 2018 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Republic of Ireland 1–0 1–2
13 October 11, 2018 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States  Colombia 2–1 2–4

Honors

[edit]

United States

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bobby Wood

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bobby Wood (born November 15, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a centre-forward. A native of , , he has earned 45 caps and scored 13 goals for the men's national soccer team (USMNT), emerging as a key goal-scorer during the mid-2010s. As of November 2025, Wood is a following the expiration of his contract with club . Wood began his youth soccer career in 1999 with Powder Edge SC in Honolulu before moving to California in 2005 to join the Irvine Strikers academy program. At age 14, in 2007, he relocated to Germany to develop in the TSV 1860 Munich youth system, where he progressed through the ranks and made his professional debut for the senior team in the 2. Bundesliga during the 2013–14 season. Over three seasons with 1860 Munich, he appeared in 54 matches, scoring three goals and providing six assists, and had a brief loan spell at Erzgebirge Aue in 2015. In July 2015, he transferred to 2. Bundesliga club Union Berlin, where he scored a record 16 league goals for an American player in Germany during the 2015–16 season. In 2016, Wood transferred to Bundesliga side Hamburger SV on a four-year contract, where he played 76 competitive matches and scored 12 goals before the club's relegation in 2018. He spent the 2018–19 season on loan at fellow Bundesliga team Hannover 96, making 25 appearances across all competitions. Returning to Major League Soccer in 2021, Wood signed with Real Salt Lake, featuring in 37 league matches and scoring eight goals over two seasons. Selected by the New England Revolution in the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft, he played 80 games for the club through 2024, tallying 13 goals and three assists. On the international stage, Wood debuted for the USMNT in 2015 and quickly established himself with game-winning goals in friendlies against the and that year. He participated in major tournaments including the 2016 , where he scored twice, and the . Wood's career highlights his transition from a promising youth talent in the U.S. to a consistent performer in Europe's top leagues and MLS, while contributing significantly to American soccer's international efforts.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Bobby Wood was born on November 15, 1992, in , . His full name is Bobby Shou Wood, reflecting his mixed heritage; "Shou" is derived from Japanese, meaning longevity. Wood's father is African American, and his mother is Japanese, shaping a multicultural environment from an early age. Growing up in , Wood experienced the vibrant island lifestyle as a typical beach kid, immersed in Hawaii's outdoor culture and natural surroundings. His upbringing was influenced by the diverse traditions and foods from his Japanese and African-American roots, which he later described as a normal part of his childhood, fostering an appreciation for cultural blending. Before turning to organized sports, Wood's early interests aligned with common Hawaiian youth activities, such as outings and casual play. This foundation in Hawaii's relaxed, multicultural setting provided the backdrop for his later pursuits.

Youth career

Wood began his youth soccer career in Hawaii, joining Powder Edge SC in 1999 at the age of six and playing there until 2003. In 2005, at age 12, he moved with his family to , to join the Irvine Strikers academy program, recognized as one of the top youth soccer clubs in the region for developing talent. Seeking higher-level competition and professional development opportunities unavailable in the United States, Wood relocated to in 2007 at age 14, accompanied by his father who quit his job to support the move, to enroll in the youth academy. The academy, known for its rigorous training and pathway to professional soccer, provided Wood with intensive coaching in the German style of play. From 2007 to 2012, Wood advanced through 1860 Munich's youth ranks, starting with the U-17 team in the U17- South/Southwest during the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons, where he appeared in 20 matches with 0 goals in 2007/08 and 16 matches with 4 goals in 2008/09. He then progressed to the U-19 team in the A-Juniors South/Southwest beginning in the 2008/09 season and continuing through the 2010/11 season, honing his skills as a forward and establishing himself as a promising talent within the system. This period solidified his technical abilities and tactical understanding, preparing him for senior-level competition. In 2012, at age 19, Wood signed his first professional contract with 1860 Munich, extending his commitment to the club through the 2016 season and transitioning from youth to senior status.

Club career

1860 Munich

Bobby Wood's breakthrough to professional status occurred at during the 2012–13 season, where he transitioned from the youth ranks to regular first-team involvement. He featured in 15 league matches that year, scoring three goals and providing one assist, with his debut professional goal coming on November 30, 2012, in a 1–1 home draw against VfR Aalen after an assist from Daniel Bierofka. These contributions helped 1860 Munich secure a sixth-place finish and a mid-table standing in the league. In the 2013–14 campaign, Wood appeared in 21 league games as a forward option, though he did not score, supporting the team's consistent mid-table performance that ended in seventh place. The 2014–15 season saw Wood make six league appearances for 1860 Munich before departing on loan in , amid the club's struggles that culminated in a 16th-place finish and a relegation playoff against , which they survived with a 2–1 aggregate victory. Across his senior career with from 2010 to early 2015, Wood made 54 appearances and scored three goals across all competitions, establishing himself as an emerging talent in German football's second tier.

Erzgebirge Aue (loan)

In January 2015, Bobby Wood joined on loan from for the second half of the 2014–15 season, seeking greater playing time to further his development after limited opportunities at his parent club. Wood featured in 9 league matches for Aue, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist, often playing as a forward in a team battling relegation. A highlight came on February 13, 2015, when he netted a first-half brace—including a clinical finish from a cross and a tap-in after a defensive error—in Aue's 3–2 home win over Fortuna Düsseldorf, briefly lifting the club from the drop zone. His other goal arrived in a 2–1 defeat to SC Freiburg on March 15, 2015, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. Despite Wood's efforts, Aue finished 16th and suffered relegation to the 3. Liga via the promotion/relegation playoff, losing to Jahn Regensburg. Wood returned to 1860 Munich upon the loan's expiration in June 2015.

Union Berlin

In July 2015, Bobby Wood transferred from TSV 1860 Munich to 1. FC Union Berlin for a reported fee of €800,000, signing a three-year contract through June 2018. His prior loan spell at Erzgebirge Aue earlier that year, where he scored three goals in nine appearances, had aided his adaptation to consistent senior-level play in the 2. Bundesliga. During the 2015–16 season, Wood established himself as a regular starter for Union Berlin, making 31 league appearances and scoring 17 goals, which set a record for the most goals by an American player in a single season across Germany's top two divisions. His prolific form, including several standout strikes that highlighted his pace and finishing ability, played a key role in Union's competitive campaign, as the team mounted a strong push toward promotion before finishing sixth in the table with 49 points. Wood's emergence as the club's top scorer not only boosted team morale but also earned him widespread recognition, leading to increased call-ups for the . In July 2016, following his breakout year, Wood departed Union Berlin for side in a €4 million transfer, marking the end of his one full season with the club.

Hamburger SV

Bobby Wood joined on May 15, 2016, signing a four-year contract worth €3 million after a prolific season with Union Berlin in the . The move marked his step up to the , where he quickly adapted, making 28 league appearances and scoring 5 goals in the 2016–17 season, contributing to a total of 9 goals across 32 matches in all competitions. In the 2017–18 season, Wood featured in 24 matches, netting 2 league goals for a total of 3 goals in 25 appearances across competitions, though his form helped secure a contract extension until 2021 in June 2017. struggled throughout the campaign, finishing 17th and facing relegation playoffs; Wood received a red card in the decisive final match against on May 12, 2018, as HSV suffered their first-ever relegation after 55 years. His contributions during this period also boosted his international profile, leading to increased call-ups for the . The 2019–20 campaign saw his involvement severely limited to just 6 appearances due to injuries, resulting in no goals. In 2020–21, he appeared in 16 league matches, scoring 1 goal amid ongoing limited playing time. On April 13, 2021, HSV mutually terminated Wood's contract three months early, allowing him to pursue opportunities in .

Hannover 96 (loan)

In July 2018, following Hamburger SV's relegation from the , Bobby Wood joined on a season-long loan from HSV, with an option for the club to make the transfer permanent. The move kept Wood in Germany's top division amid limited starts in his final season at HSV. Wood featured in 20 Bundesliga matches for Hannover during the 2018–19 campaign, starting 12 and logging 1,182 minutes on the pitch. He scored three goals and recorded one assist, with a standout performance coming in October 2018 when he netted a first-half brace in a 2–2 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf. However, injuries hampered his consistency, restricting him to substitute roles in several games and contributing to Hannover's struggles, as the team finished 17th and faced relegation. The loan period offered Wood exposure in a competitive environment but yielded limited overall impact, with his total playing time underscoring adaptation challenges in a new system. He returned to at the conclusion of the 2018–19 season without the option being exercised.

Real Salt Lake

Following the termination of his contract with in March 2021, Wood signed with club on April 2, 2021, with the deal taking effect on July 1, 2021, and running through the end of the 2023 season. This move marked Wood's return to American professional soccer after 10 years in , allowing him and his family to relocate to the . Wood made his MLS debut for Real Salt Lake on June 23, 2021, as a substitute in a 2-0 away loss to the Seattle Sounders FC. He scored his first MLS goal on July 24, 2021, in a 3-0 home victory over the Colorado Rapids, opening the scoring in the 48th minute with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area. In his debut 2021 season, Wood appeared in 17 regular-season matches (7 starts), scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist while logging 617 minutes. He added 1 goal in 3 playoff appearances as Real Salt Lake advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they fell 2-1 on aggregate to the Portland Timbers; his playoff goal came in the first leg of the conference quarterfinals against the Seattle Sounders FC. In 2022, Wood's second season with Real Salt Lake was limited by injury, as he made 14 regular-season appearances (8 starts), scoring 3 goals and recording 1 assist in 991 minutes before undergoing adductor surgery in late June that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. His goals included the opener in a 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders FC on March 5 and another in a 2-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City on March 19. Although he did not feature in the playoffs due to his injury—Real Salt Lake clinched the Western Conference regular-season title and reached the conference final—Wood's early-season contributions helped the team maintain a strong attacking presence alongside forwards like Rubio Rubin and Chicho Arango. Over his two seasons with , Wood totaled 34 appearances across all competitions (20 starts), 6 goals, and 2 assists, providing depth and experience to the forward line during the club's back-to-back Western playoff appearances.

(loan)

In October 2021, during a period of limited first-team minutes with , Bobby Wood was loaned to the club's affiliate, , to regain match fitness and gain additional playing time. Wood made two appearances for Real Monarchs during the loan, featuring as a substitute on October 3 in a 3-0 away loss to Valley FC and starting on in a 0-0 home draw against , where he scored his lone goal of the stint. The short-term loan concluded shortly after, with Wood returning to the Real Salt Lake first team for their October 16 MLS match against .

New England Revolution

On December 5, 2022, the signed forward Bobby Wood to a one-year contract through the 2023 MLS season, with an additional one-year club option for 2024. The club exercised this option in late 2023, allowing Wood to remain with the team for the 2024 campaign. Wood's prior experience in with facilitated a smooth transition to the Revolution, where he quickly established himself as a key attacking option in the Eastern Conference. In the 2023 season, he made 29 appearances (19 starts), scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists across all competitions, contributing significantly to the team's playoff qualification. Notable performances included a long-range strike against on May 27, 2023, which helped secure a 3-1 comeback victory and highlighted his threat from distance. His goals often came in crucial moments, such as the opener in a 3-0 win over in April 2023, underscoring his role in bolstering the Revolution's forward line amid a competitive Eastern Conference race. The 2024 season saw Wood continue as a rotational forward, appearing in 18 MLS regular-season matches (6 starts) and scoring 4 goals before suffering a knee injury that limited his later contributions. Over his two seasons with the Revolution, Wood totaled 47 MLS regular-season appearances and 11 goals, plus additional contributions in cup competitions like the Leagues Cup, where he scored against Nashville SC in August 2024. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Revolution opted not to renew Wood's contract, announcing on November 25, 2024, that he would not be retained for 2025 among several roster changes. This decision led to Wood becoming an unrestricted free agent on January 1, 2025.

International career

Youth international career

Wood began his youth international career with the in 2011, earning call-ups to the U-20 national team under coach . He featured in the 2011 U-20 Championship, starting in the opening group stage match against on March 29, where he scored the second goal in a 4-0 victory, assisted by Greg Garza. However, a knee sustained during the tournament limited his further involvement, causing him to miss subsequent matches including the loss to . Overall, Wood accumulated six caps and four goals with the U.S. U-20 team between 2010 and 2011, showcasing his potential as a clinical finisher in limited appearances. He also made one appearance for the U.S. U-23 team in November 2011 during a training camp in , though another knee injury there sidelined him for months and impacted preparations for the 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament. Wood's youth international form, complemented by his emerging performances at 1860 Munich, paved the way for his first senior national team call-up for the (though he did not appear due to club commitments) and debut on August 14, 2013.

Senior international career

Bobby Wood earned his first senior cap for the United States men's national team (USMNT) on August 14, 2013, entering as a substitute in the 87th minute during a 4–3 friendly victory over in . He made limited appearances in his initial years, primarily as a substitute in friendlies, as he continued to develop at club level in . Wood scored his first international goal on June 5, 2015, netting a dramatic 89th-minute winner in a 4–3 friendly triumph against the at the Arena. Five days later, on June 10, 2015, he added his second goal in as many matches, securing a 2–1 friendly win over with an 87th-minute strike in , marking the USMNT's first victory on German soil. These performances established Wood as an emerging clutch scorer for the . In the 2016 Copa América Centenario, Wood served as a first-choice striker, starting all five matches as the USMNT advanced to the semifinals before finishing fourth. He scored the third goal in a 4–0 group-stage rout of on June 7, 2016. The following year, Wood featured prominently in the , where the claimed the title with a 2–1 final win over . Although he did not score during the tournament, his starts in key matches, including the quarterfinal shutout of , helped solidify the team's attacking depth en route to victory. Wood's international prominence peaked during 2016–2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, where he tallied five goals across 14 caps, including a late equalizer against in 2017 that preserved the USMNT's qualification hopes. Overall, he accumulated 45 caps and 13 goals for the USMNT between 2013 and 2018. His final appearance came on November 20, 2018, as a substitute in a 1–0 friendly loss to in . Following the USMNT's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Wood's call-ups declined sharply due to inconsistent club form, recurring injuries at , and the emergence of younger forwards under new coach . Despite occasional strong showings in , such as his 2017 Bundesliga goal tally, he has not been selected since as of November 2025, as the team transitioned to a new generation of talent.

Playing style

Attributes and development

Bobby Wood primarily operates as a centre-forward, leveraging his physical presence and technical finishing to lead attacking lines. Standing at 1.80 meters tall, he combines pace and fluid movement to exploit spaces behind defenses, often making intelligent off-ball runs to position himself for scoring opportunities. Among his key strengths, Wood's finishing stands out, with a strong ability to convert chances in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by his clutch goals for the U.S. national team. His speed and strength enable him to drive at defenders effectively, contributing to both goal creation and maintaining pressure on opponents, even if not always reflected in statistics. Aerially, Wood demonstrates competence, winning approximately 42% of aerial duels in during the 2024 season and scoring headers, such as his goal against in 2018. Additionally, his high work rate and pressing intensity make him a relentless forward, described as a "pit bull" who disrupts defenses and supports high-pressing systems. Wood's development began as a raw youth prospect in , , where he initially balanced soccer with before committing fully to the sport at age 14, relocating to to join the academy. Progressing through the youth ranks, he debuted professionally at 18 for 1860 Munich in the , scoring regularly and earning a move to Union Berlin in the , where he set a record for goals by an American in a single season with 17 in 2015-16. This success propelled him to the with , establishing him as a reliable scorer at the highest level of German football. Later, transitioning to with clubs like and the , Wood adapted to the league's physical demands, focusing on his pressing and finishing to regain form after earlier setbacks. Despite his attributes, Wood has shown occasional weaknesses, including inconsistency in , often linked to challenges in holding onto the under and weaker passing accuracy. Post-2019, he has been prone to injuries, particularly issues that sidelined him in 2019 and required playing through in prior seasons, though he returned to full health by 2020.

Reception and comparisons

Wood's breakout performances in 2016 earned him widespread acclaim, culminating in his selection as the SBI American Soccer Player of the Year by Soccer By Ives for his standout contributions at both club and international levels. During that season, he scored 17 goals in 31 appearances for Union Berlin in the , securing a high-profile transfer to in the , where he added five goals in 29 matches while emerging as a key forward option. His international form further bolstered his reputation, with four goals and two assists in 15 caps for the USMNT, including key strikes against in the Copa América and in qualifying. In 2017, analysts praised Wood's early Bundesliga form as one of the league's most dangerous forwards, highlighting his speed, positioning, and clinical finishing that drew interest from clubs. His tenacity and ability to trouble defenses were noted as key attributes, positioning him as a legitimate threat in European soccer and a vital option for the USMNT striker pool. However, following a dip in form after the 2017-18 season, Wood faced criticism in US media for failing to realize his full potential, with his goal output dropping to just five in the amid struggles at . 's manager publicly described Wood as caught in a "negative spiral," emphasizing that despite his efforts, he was not delivering in form and faced demotion from the . This period labeled him an underachiever relative to earlier hype, particularly as his stagnated post-World Cup qualification failure. Wood has often been compared to as a primary USMNT striker option, with both players noted for their physicality and complementary styles—Wood's speed and movement pairing with Altidore's hold-up play during joint starts. His tireless work ethic has drawn parallels to , particularly in pressing and off-ball runs that enhanced the USMNT's attacking transitions. In MLS, Wood's return after a decade in has positioned him as a bridge between continental styles, bringing tactical discipline and experience from the to elevate American soccer's technical level. His veteran presence at clubs like and the underscores this role, offering mentorship on European pressing and finishing to younger MLS talents.

Personal life and legacy

Family and background

Bobby Wood is married to Ditte Wood, a Danish national, and the couple has two daughters, Ella (born in 2018) and Nora (born in June 2021 in ). The family experienced significant transitions during Wood's early career, including his move to at age 14 in 2007 to join the youth academy of , supported by his mother Yoko Kurokawa, who encouraged his soccer ambitions despite the challenges of relocation. Wood's cultural identity is shaped by his mixed-race heritage, with his mother Yoko of Japanese descent and his father of African American ancestry, which has influenced his sense of self amid frequent moves. Growing up in , , as an Asian-American, Wood has spoken about navigating his mixed-race background in a diverse environment, noting how his experiences shifted upon moving to and then , where he became more aware of cultural differences. He has emphasized the importance of Asian-American representation in soccer, highlighting the lack of visible during his youth and his own role in promoting diversity within the sport. The Wood family's residences reflected his professional path, starting in , transitioning to for over a decade during his stints with clubs like 1860 , Union , and , and returning to the in 2021 upon signing with , allowing the family to settle in .

Post-career status and influence

Following the conclusion of his contract with the , Bobby Wood became a on January 1, 2025, after the club declined his option for the 2025 season on November 25, 2024. As of November 2025, Wood remains unsigned by any club, with no reported offers or agreements materializing in the nearly 11 months since his departure from MLS. Wood's career trajectory has positioned him as a prominent for Asian American and athletes in soccer, particularly those of mixed heritage like his own Japanese and African American background. As only the second Hawaii-born player to represent the U.S. Men's National Team, he has inspired young players from underrepresented regions and communities, emphasizing perseverance from his roots to professional success in and MLS. His influence extends through public reflections on his journey, including a 2017 Players' Tribune essay detailing his unlikely path from casual youth soccer in to scoring in front of 50,000 fans at , which highlights themes of family support and cultural barriers in the . Wood has advocated for greater access to youth soccer development in the United States, drawing from his experiences to promote opportunities for diverse talent in a sport historically dominated by other demographics.

Career statistics and honors

Club statistics

Bobby Wood's club career spans multiple leagues in Germany and the United States, with over 250 appearances and more than 60 goals recorded in the , , (MLS), and . His performances include notable goal-scoring contributions, particularly during his time in the with , where he netted 17 goals in 31 league appearances in the 2015–16 season. Statistics are updated through the 2024 MLS season with the , after which Wood became a on January 1, 2025, with no recorded club activity in 2025. The following table summarizes his club statistics by season, club, and major competitions, focusing on appearances, goals, assists, and minutes played. Data excludes reserve team matches for primary clubs.
SeasonClubCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsMinutes
2024New England RevolutionMLS1840548'
2024New England RevolutionLeagues Cup321266'
2023/24New England RevolutionCONCACAF Champions Cup400106'
2023New England RevolutionMLS Cup Playoffs20074'
2023New England RevolutionMLS29751,493'
2023New England RevolutionLeagues Cup200100'
2022Real Salt LakeMLS1431991'
2021Real Salt LakeMLS Cup Playoffs31096'
2021Real Salt LakeMLS1721617'
2020/21Hamburger SV2. Bundesliga1611304'
2020/21Hamburger SVDFB-Pokal10012'
2019/20Hamburger SV2. Bundesliga600152'
2018/19Hannover 96Bundesliga20311,185'
2018/19Hannover 96DFB-Pokal20171'
2017/18Hamburger SVBundesliga24201,610'
2017/18Hamburger SVDFB-Pokal11090'
2016/17Hamburger SVBundesliga28522,085'
2016/17Hamburger SVDFB-Pokal440352'
2015/161. FC Union Berlin2. Bundesliga311732,519'
2015/161. FC Union BerlinDFB-Pokal10076'
2014/15Erzgebirge Aue2. Bundesliga931706'
2014/15TSV 1860 Munich2. Bundesliga602356'
2014/15TSV 1860 MunichDFB-Pokal10085'
2013/14TSV 1860 Munich2. Bundesliga2102605'
2013/14TSV 1860 MunichDFB-Pokal10164'
2012/13TSV 1860 Munich2. Bundesliga1531707'
2012/13TSV 1860 MunichDFB-Pokal10069'
2011/12TSV 1860 Munich2. Bundesliga30013'
2011/12TSV 1860 MunichDFB-Pokal10022'
2010/11TSV 1860 Munich2. Bundesliga50033'
Career Totals (Senior Professional Leagues): 261 appearances, 60 goals, 22 assists, 15,651 minutes. Additional appearances in USL Championship (1 app, 0 goals) and other cups contribute to overall totals exceeding 320 appearances and 70 goals when including all competitions.

International statistics

Bobby Wood represented the United States senior national team from 2013 to 2018, accumulating 45 caps and scoring 13 goals during that period. His contributions included key goals in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, with his last appearance occurring on November 20, 2018, in a friendly match against Italy (as a substitute). No additional caps have been earned since then. The following table summarizes Wood's senior international appearances and goals by year, highlighting primary competitions such as qualifiers and international friendlies:
YearCapsGoalsPrimary Competitions and Notable Opponents
201310Friendlies ()
201440 (, , ), Friendlies
201584 Qualifiers (, ), Friendlies (Netherlands, Germany),
2016155Copa América Centenario (Ecuador, , ), Friendlies (, , ), Qualifiers (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
201793 Qualifiers (, ), Friendlies ()
201881Friendlies (, , , , , )
Overall, five of Wood's goals came in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, underscoring his role in the U.S. team's qualification efforts for the 2018 tournament. The remaining goals were distributed across friendlies and regional competitions like the and . In youth international play, Wood earned approximately 25 caps across various U.S. under-age teams, scoring more than 10 goals prior to his senior debut.

Honors

Bobby Wood has received recognition for his performances at both club and international levels, though his career is marked more by individual accolades and participations rather than major team titles.

Individual Awards

  • SBI American Soccer Player of the Year (2016): Wood was named the top American soccer player by Stars and Stripes FC for his breakout season, where he scored 17 goals in Germany's with Union Berlin, setting a record for an American in the top two German divisions.
  • U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year Runner-up (2016): Wood finished second in voting for the award, behind , with 30% of the votes, highlighting his contributions to the USMNT including key goals in friendlies and qualifiers.

International Team Honors

  • CONCACAF Cup Runner-up (2015): Wood scored the equalizing goal in extra time during the USMNT's 3-2 loss to in the playoff match for the berth.

Club Honors

Wood has not won any major club titles during his professional career, which has spanned multiple teams in Germany and , including stints with 1860 Munich, Union Berlin, , and .

Youth Honors

  • CONCACAF U-20 Championship Participant (2011): Wood represented the at age 18, scoring one goal in the tournament as the team finished third behind and .

References

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