Meet Bayern Munich’s newest American signee: Taylor Booth

Taylor Booth is a native of Eden, UT, which is right outside of Ogden. Growing up in a small town in a valley surrounded by three of Utah’s premier ski-resorts, you would think that Booth’s fame would come from skiing or snowboarding. How did Booth wind up being signed by one of the biggest soccer clubs in the world, instead? The answer is hard-work and dedication.

Booth comes from a family where both of his parents played soccer growing up. His father played through college at Weber State University (shout out to my Alma Mater!). Booth grew up playing soccer. Like most American youths, he began at American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and later moved to a competitive team, La Roca FC (Standard Examiner).

At 14 years old, Booth relocated to Arizona, where Real Salt Lake’s academy was located at the time. Right away he stood out among the other academy prospects. By 2017, MLSSoccer.com ranked him the top prospect at RSL’s academy:

[Booth’s] confident, mature play as a tone-setting midfielder validated the choice. RSL is fond of developing technically able midfielders capable of picking apart a defensive line. Booth might be their best ever.

Booth has also been called in to represent the US Youth National teams. His first stint was with the U16s as a 14 year-old. He has also played for the US at the U17, U18. and U19 levels.

Since January of 2018, Booth has been at FC Bayern Munich’s academy, where he has continued to impress his trainers — so much so that FC Bayern offered him a three and a half year contract this week, at the age of 17. Jochen Sauer, the director of the FC Bayern Campus, said. “We see a lot of potential in Taylor. He is a talented young player and we look forward to working with him to develop his talent further.”

Booth is expected to begin playing with the U19s right away, but he will also have the opportunity to train with the U23s. If he continues to work hard and impress, opportunities will be countless for the young American at Bayern.

Three years ago, Taylor was asked by the Standard Examiner about his rigorous schedule, as he tried to balance soccer, training, travel, school, and a social life. His answered, “The sacrifice is worth it and hopefully, when I’m older, it’ll pay off.” It looks like it’s beginning to pay off.

As a native (and current resident) of Ogden, UT and a fan of RSL, FC Bayern, and the US National Team, I am excited to see what the future has in store for Taylor Booth.