Brajan Gruda

Brajan Gruda (born 31 May 2004) is a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Club career

Mainz 05

Born in Speyer, Gruda began his career with local side FV Speyer, before joining Karlsruher SC in 2015. He joined Mainz 05 at the age of 14, and signed his first professional contract with the club in November 2022.

In January 2023, he was promoted to take part in first team training, and made his senior debut on 25 January 2023 in a 2–1 home Bundesliga defeat against Borussia Dortmund. Later that year, on 6 October, he scored his first goal in a 2–2 away draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

On 18 May 2024, he scored and assisted in a 3–1 victory against VfL Wolfsburg, confirming Mainz 05's survival in the Bundesliga on the last day of the season.

Brighton & Hove Albion

On 14 August 2024, Gruda signed for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion on a contract until 2028.

International career

Gruda is of Albanian descent. He has represented Germany at youth international level.

In September 2023, he was first called up by Germany U21, and he made his U21 debut in a 3–0 victory against Kosovo, he provided three assists in the match.

In May 2024, he trained with the senior national team prior to the UEFA Euro 2024. He departed the training camp on 5 June after a calf injury.

Personal life

Gruda is the son of Albanian former Vllaznia Shkodër player Bujar Gruda. He is also related to fellow footballer Ildi Gruda. His ancestry traces to the Albanian Gruda tribe of Northern Albania.