Tanner Tessmann: Who He Is and Why He Matters in Soccer

If you follow MLS or the US men's national team, Tanner Tessmann is a name you’ve probably heard. The 23‑year‑old midfielder broke onto the scene with FC Dallas, earned a move to Europe, and now shines for Nashville SC. In plain terms, he’s a young player who blends energy, vision, and a good work rate, making him a valuable piece for club and country.

Key Moments in Tessmann’s Career

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Tessmann joined the FC Dallas academy at 13. He made his senior debut in 2019 and quickly became a regular starter. His breakthrough season came in 2020 when he logged over 2,000 minutes, contributed two goals and several assists, and helped Dallas reach the playoffs.

In 2021, a transfer to VfL Wolfsburg in Germany’s Bundesliga seemed like a big jump. He struggled for playing time, appearing only in a handful of cup games, but the experience sharpened his tactical sense. By mid‑2022, Nashville SC secured his services on loan, turning the deal permanent in early 2023. Since then, Tessmann has logged 30+ MLS matches, notching three goals and an increasing number of key passes per game.

Playing Style and What Makes Him Stand Out

Tessmann is a box‑to‑box midfielder. He covers a lot of ground, helps defend, and pushes forward to support attacks. Think of him as the engine that keeps the team moving. He’s comfortable with both feet, which lets him play on either side of the midfield or even as a wide midfielder when needed.

One of his strengths is vision. He often spots a teammate’s run before the ball arrives, leading to clever through balls. Defensively, he isn’t afraid to tackle, and his positioning helps intercept passes. At 5'10" and a solid build, he can hold his own in physical battles without losing speed.

Fans appreciate his consistency. While he may not rack up flashy goal numbers, he contributes in less obvious ways—recoveries, transitions, and maintaining possession under pressure. Coaches like that reliability; it’s why Nashville’s manager has made him a regular starter.

Recent Updates and What’s Next

As of the latest MLS season, Tessmann has been linked with a possible USMNT call‑up for upcoming friendlies. His performances in the midfield have caught the eye of national team scouts, especially after a recent match where he recorded a 90% pass completion rate and helped Nashville secure a clean sheet.

Off the field, Tessmann is active in community outreach, taking part in youth soccer clinics in Nashville. He’s also spoken about his love for music and plans to launch a podcast focusing on life as a professional athlete.

Looking ahead, the big question is whether he’ll stay with Nashville long‑term or attract attention from bigger clubs in Europe again. For now, his focus remains on helping Nashville push for a playoff spot and earning that USMNT jersey.

Bottom line: Tanner Tessmann may not be the headline scorer, but his all‑round game, work ethic, and growing experience make him a player to watch in MLS and potentially on the international stage.