Who is Brian Brobbey? Meet Premier League striker that scored twice for Netherlands vs. Sweden

During the first half of Saturday’s group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden, Brian Brobbey introduced himself to a broader audience that may not have tuned into the English Premier League this season.

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The Sunderland AFC attacker was thrust into the Oranje’s starting lineup after a fellow forward was managing an injury. Saying Brobbey picked up the slack would be an understatement.

Brobbey scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes, giving the Netherlands a commanding lead over a Sweden side featuring dangerous forwards Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. After settling for a draw against Japan in their opening match, the Dutch needed a big result in their second outing, and they appeared well on their way to getting it.

Here’s a closer look at Brobbey, who wreaked havoc on the Swedish defense in the first half.

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Who is Brian Brobbey?

In the fifth and 17th minute of Saturday’s Netherlands vs. Sweden group-stage match, Brobbey introduced himself to the world by adding a double tally of goals. The Sunderland AFC attacker was filling in for Crysencio Summerville, who was on the bench after picking up a slight injury.

Brobbey is playing in the striker position for the Netherlands with Cody Gakpo on his left and Donyell Malen on his right.

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According to Transfermarkt, Brobbey has made 14 caps for his country and has scored his first two World Cup goals of his career. It is yet to be determined whether or not Brobbey will continue starting for the Dutch when Summerville is fit again.

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Brian Brobbey’s goals vs. Netherlands

In under 20 minutes, Brobbey wrote his name on the scoresheet not once, but twice for the Netherlands. Le Oranje needed a new forward to establish himself after Summerville was managing an injury. Brobbey filled his shoes, and then some.

In the fifth minute, Brobbey scored his first goal of the match after Cody Gakpo crossed the ball in from the left wing.

NETHERLANDS FINDS THE EARLY LEAD OVER SWEDEN! 🇳🇱

Gakpo finds Brian Brobbey to make it 1-0 for the Dutch! pic.twitter.com/wzCO5Hy91R

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026

About 12 minutes later, in the 17th minute, it was Brobbey again who doubled the Netherlands’ lead and put the match’s favorites up 2-0. Inside 20 minutes, the Orange Army found themselves cruising on the shoulders of the Sunderland attacker.

The Dutch are FLYING in Houston! 🇳🇱

Dumfries sends it in to Brobbey who already has a Brace for Netherlands! pic.twitter.com/4RIHcBgJ0f

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— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026