USMNT winger Kevin Paredes makes 2024-25 Wolfsburg debut, records assist in first start of season after returning from injury

U.S. men's national team winger Kevin Paredes made his 2024-25 season debut for Wolfsburg on Saturday after missing nearly the entire season due to injury. The 21-year-old winger started for the Bundesliga side against Mainz, helping them to a 2-2 draw while recording an assist on their opening goal.

Paredes played down the right side of the pitch and squared the ball to midfielder Max Arnold, who fired home from distance just three minutes into the match.

It was Paredes first appearance at the club level since May 2024.

Paredes starred for the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring two goals and recording an assist during the Group Stage before they bowed out in the knockout round to Morocco.

A product of the D.C. United academy, Paredes is one of U.S. Soccer's brightest attacking prospects. If he can get a string of performances before season's end, he could earn a look with the Mauricio Pochettino's senior national team this summer ahead of two June friendlies and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Wolfsburg sit 12th in the Bundesliga standings.

Paredes signed with Jay-Z's agency, Roc Nation, in Spring 2024 after being named U.S. Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year in 2023.

Wolfsburg return to the pitch on Saturday, April 26 when they meet Freiburg in Bundesliga action. They have just four regular season matches remaining.