Bundesliga dream: After four-and-a-half years in MLS – the former Regionalliga West player wants to go back

Jasper Loepsend live the dream of profit. The former Regionalliga West player and senior league player for TV Herkenrath, Bonner SC, SV Straelen and FC Wegberg-Beeck has been under contract in the US since the summer of 2020.

After four and a half years, Töpferend can look back on 69 professional MLS games, in which the 27-year-old defensive midfielder scored two goals and set up another four.

Even though his contract with the Colorado Rapids is valid until December 31, 2025, the Cologne native is toying with an early move back to Germany. And: According to RS information, Töpferend can leave Colorado for free in the upcoming winter transfer window.

RevierSport spoke to Pfundsend about his four years in the US and his future plans.

Jasper Pfundsend, after four and a half years you are moving back to Germany. How would you sum up your time in the MLS?

First of all, I still have a contract in the MLS, but one thing is clear: ever since I was a little kid, it has been my dream to become a professional soccer player in Germany. Nothing has changed to this day. My time in the MLS was very successful and important for me. Here I became a professional footballer and was able to compete with top stars like Marco Reus and Gareth Bale.

Why do you want to return to Germany?

As already mentioned, it has always been my dream to play in the big stadiums in Germany. In addition, the fan culture in Germany is unique and the sports setting is more attractive. For example, in the MLS we cannot be relegated. But I am a player who likes pressure and gets even better in challenging situations.

Is there an area you want Are you in contact with clubs already?

Every route in Germany is shorter than my current route from Colorado to family and friends (laughs). No, really: I am open to interesting sports projects and my consultant is currently studying the market for me.

What special moments will you take with you from the US and what will you miss about life off the pitch?

Of course I will never forget my first professional game and my first professional goal against San José. USA is simply a sports nation and the sporting events are simply amazing. I am also excited about the 2026 World Cup And otherwise in Colorado we have good weather all year round and the sun is almost always shining. When I landed in Germany, I had to take my rain jacket out of my suitcase (laughs).

From TV Herkenrath to the MLS: really a fairy tale, right? Would you have believed at that time in the regional league that you would achieve this dream?

I have always believed in my abilities and that I could become a professional footballer. But I had never seen the inside of NLZ in Germany so it was clear to me that I had to take other paths to achieve my dream.

The Bundesliga has always been my dream and I firmly believe that I will make this dream come true!

Jasper Loepsend

What brought you to the top?

‘Hard work trumps talent’ – I have always believed that and worked hard accordingly. This is what sets me apart as a player now. I always try to run harder than anyone else on the field and to fight every duel with the greatest intensity.

What advice would you give today’s regional league players so that they can finally realize their dream of playing big time professional football? And: At what point should fourth-tier players pick up a second major and reveal their profit dream?

I always believed in myself and put everything into the dream of professional football. And in the regional league, for example, it is very easy to study part-time and build a second source of income at the same time. At the end of the day, it’s about discipline, organization and also about thinking outside the box. Just like I did. That’s also my advice to all young players.

What goals and dreams do you still have as a 27-year-old? Maybe the Bundesliga?

The Bundesliga has always been my dream and I firmly believe that I will make this dream come true!