Brian Ebenezer Adjei Brobbey (born 1 February 2002) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Sunderland and the Netherlands national team. Brobbey began his youth career with AFC before joining the Ajax academy in 2010.
🔵 Ajax Debut and Early Career
Brobbey made his Ajax debut in the Eredivisie on 31 October 2020, coming on as a substitute and scoring in a 5–2 victory over Fortuna Sittard. He made his European debut in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League against Atalanta on 9 December 2020 and his performance was praised by coach Erik ten Hag.
🔄 Transfers and Return to Ajax
On 12 March 2021, RB Leipzig announced the signing of Brobbey, and he joined them on 1 July 2021. On 27 December 2021, it was announced that Brobbey would return to Ajax on a six-month loan spell without an option to buy. On 22 July 2022, Ajax confirmed the re-signing of Brian Brobbey on a five-year contract for a fee of €16.35 million plus €3 million in potential add ons.
🏆 Ajax Achievements and Awards
Brobbey scored 14 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions during the 2022–23 season. In the following season, he finished as Ajax’s top scorer with 22 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions. He earned back-to-back Eredivisie Player of the Month awards for December 2023 and January 2024, and his performances led to him being named Ajax Player of the Year.
🇳🇱 International Career
Brobbey represented the Netherlands across various youth levels, most notably the Netherlands U17 team. He was a key figure in the squad that won back-to-back UEFA European Under-17 Championship titles in 2018 and 2019. Brobbey made his senior debut on 16 October 2023, coming on as a substitute in the 1–0 away victory against Greece. He scored his first senior international goal on 19 November 2024 during the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A campaign.
⚡ Sunderland Move and World Cup
On 1 September 2025, Brobbey joined Sunderland for a fee of €20m, which could potentially rise to €25m. He finished the 2025–26 season as Sunderland’s top goal scorer, with seven goals. On 27 May 2026, Brobbey was named in the Netherlands’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and in his first World Cup start on 20 June 2026, he scored a brace to help the Netherlands to a 5–1 win over Sweden.
| Category | Detail | Date | Club/Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | Born 1 February 2002 | 2002 | Netherlands |
| Senior Debut | First Eredivisie appearance and goal | 31 October 2020 | Ajax |
| First Transfer | Signed by RB Leipzig | 12 March 2021 | RB Leipzig |
| Permanent Return | Re-signed by Ajax for €16.35m | 22 July 2022 | Ajax |
| Senior International Debut | Substitute appearance vs Greece | 16 October 2023 | Netherlands |
| First International Goal | Opening goal vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19 November 2024 | Netherlands |
| Sunderland Transfer | Joined for €20m (potentially €25m) | 1 September 2025 | Sunderland |
| World Cup Debut | Scored a brace vs Sweden | 20 June 2026 | Netherlands |