Fabian Herbers

Fabian Herbers (born 17 August 1993) is a German professional footballer who plays as a forward for CF Montréal in Major League Soccer.

Fabian Herbers

Herbers with Bethlehem Steel in 2018
Personal information
Date of birth	(1993-08-17) 17 August 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth	Ahaus, Germany
Height	1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]
Position(s)	Forward, attacking Midfielder
Team information
Current team	CF Montréal
Number	21
Youth career
	FC Ottenstein
	SuS Stadtlohn
	FC Twente
	Preußen Münster
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2013–2015	Creighton Bluejays	62	(28)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2012–2013	VfL Rhede	31	(7)
2016–2018	Philadelphia Union	53	(4)
2016–2018	→ Bethlehem Steel (loan)	23	(8)
2019–2024	Chicago Fire	152	(15)
2025–	CF Montréal	1	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 13:53, 26 October 2024 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Prior to playing in the United States, Herbers competed for both FC Twente, SC Preußen Münster and VfL Rhede at youth level. He then went to play three years of college soccer in the United States at Creighton University between 2013 and 2015 before signing a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer.^[2]

Philadelphia Union

Herbers was selected sixth overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia Union.^[3] He made his Union debut on 6 March 2016, as an 83rd-minute substitute during a 2–0 loss against FC Dallas.^[4] He began his career playing between the Union and Bethlehem Steel FC, making a total of six Steel appearances and scoring two goals in 2016, including the franchise's first-ever goal in a 1–0 win on 25 March in their first match against FC Montreal. He scored his first goal for the Union during a 3–2 win vs. Columbus Crew SC on 1 June 2016 in the 83rd minute after being subbed on 8 minutes prior. In 2016, he totaled 32 league appearances, scoring three goals and leading all league rookies with seven helpers. He also scored one goal and one assist in two U.S. Open Cup appearances.

2017 was a frustrating year for Herbers as he totalled only 15 appearances. He scored his first goal of the season during a substitute appearance in a 4–0 win at D.C. United. Herbers suffered a groin injury vs. Colorado Rapids on 20 May 2017 and missed a month before returning to practice and suffering a sports hernia, ending his 2017 season.

Chicago Fire

On 9 December 2018, Herbers was traded to Chicago Fire in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.^[5] Herbers was released by Chicago following their 2024 season.^[6]

CF Montréal

On 3 January 2025, Herbers signed as a free agent with Canadian MLS side CF Montréal on a two-year deal.^[7]

Personal life

Herbers earned his U.S. green card in July 2017.^[8]

Career statistics

As of match played 8 November 2020

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Domestic Cup		League Cup		Continental Cup		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
VfL Rhede	2012–13[9]	Oberliga Niederrhein	31	7	—		—		—		31	7
Philadelphia Union	2016[10]	Major League Soccer	32	3	2	1	1[a]	0	—		35	4
	2017[10]	Major League Soccer	12	1	—		—		—		12	1
	2018[10]	Major League Soccer	9	0	1	0	—		—		10	0
	Total		53	4	3	1	1	0	0	0	57	5
Bethlehem Steel FC (loan)	2016[11]	United Soccer League	6	2	—		—		—		6	2
	2017[11]	United Soccer League	3	1	—		—		—		3	1
	2018[11]	United Soccer League	14	5	—		—		—		14	5
	Total		23	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	23	8
Chicago Fire	2019[10]	Major League Soccer	17	3	1	0	—		0	0	18	3
	2020[10]	Major League Soccer	21	4	—		—		—		21	4
	Total		38	7	1	0	0	0	0	0	39	7
Career total			145	26	4	1	1	0	0	0	150	27

1. Appearance(s) in MLS Cup Playoffs