Posted On Friday, January 29th, 2021

Matthew Hoppe | Who is the new hero-boy of FC Schalke 04?

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Americans Abroad Soccer Players: Matthew Hoppe

It is no secret that American Soccer continues to grow despite the global pandemic and continued restrictions becoming the new normal. More and more American youth soccer players are making a move to Europe to gain overseas development and make a go at starting a professional soccer career on the old continent. One of these young Americans who has jumped to fame in Germany is Matthew Hoppe, who has become the first American to score a hat trick in the Bundesliga.

Matthew Hoppe (19) a native of Yorba Linda, California plays as a forward for FC Schalke 04. Hoppe scored a hat trick in the team’s 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim, becoming the first American to record a hat trick in the German top flight. Hoppe, together with Chelsea FC star Chrisian Pulisic and U.S. national team legend Clint Dempsey are the only U.S. internationals to do so in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

On January 9, 2021, Hoppe notched the first of his three goals against Hoffenheim's goalkeeper just before the break (42'), then doubled the lead on 57 minutes when Harit's pass again put him in behind the defense touching the ball into an empty net. "Der Amerikaner" claimed his hat-trick just after the hour mark (63') when put into space by another accurate Harit pass to fire home with another deft chip. Harit then completed the rout by hitting the bottom left-hand corner ten minutes from time (79') setting out the final 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim.

After what happened earlier this month, we wanted to know who is the new hero-boy of FC Schalke 04?. Hoppe started playing soccer at the age of four. As a youngster, he was coached by his dad (Tom Hoppe) and a few other key coaches. At the age of 10 he decided to make a move to FC Golden State where he and his club team won their league title several times, many tournaments, and even regionals. After a few years, he decided to make a move to LA Galaxy, then to Strikers but it was during the summer of 2016 that Hoppe decided to play at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy with Barcelona's US residency academy. His 29 goals with Barcelona in season 2018-19 led to him signing his first professional soccer contract with FC Schalke 04 to play with their U-19s, competing in the country's top league: The Bundesliga.

The 6’3” forward stated multiple times to international media he models his game after Harry Kane, Erling Haland, and Robert Lewandowski. Having never received a call-up from U.S. Soccer at any level, Hoppe is a great prospect for the USMNT. He is fast enough to get behind opponent's back lines and big enough to challenge for the ball on set pieces.

  • Hoppe has become the first American to record a hat trick in the German top flight, the Bundesliga

For every player whose goal it is to become a professional soccer player, coming over to Europe would be the best option. To learn the language and have the time and support to adjust to the culture is a must that makes the transition to the European playing style smoother. At IFX Soccer we support your goals making moving internationally and playing soccer abroad a real unique and beneficial life experience. Contact us! We look forward to supporting you!

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