search

40 Facts About Donyell Malen

Nissie Keyes

Written by Nissie Keyes

Published: 04 Jan 2025

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
40-facts-about-donyell-malen
Source: Givemesport.com

Who is Donyell Malen? Born on January 19, 1999, in Wieringen, Netherlands, Donyell Malen is a dynamic Dutch footballer known for his speed, technical prowess, and goal-scoring ability. With a Surinamese father and Dutch mother, Malen's unique cultural background adds depth to his story. Starting his journey at Ajax's youth academy, he later moved to Arsenal at 16, before returning to the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven. His impressive performances caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, where he now shines as a versatile forward. Malen has also made significant contributions to the Netherlands national team, earning numerous caps and scoring crucial goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Donyell Malen's journey from the Netherlands to top European clubs showcases his diverse background and impressive goal-scoring abilities, making him a rising star in football.
  • With speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess, Donyell Malen's impact on Borussia Dortmund and the Netherlands national team highlights his potential to become one of the top forwards in football.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Background
02Move to Arsenal and Return to the Netherlands
03Success at PSV Eindhoven
04Move to Borussia Dortmund
05Playing Style and Versatility
06Achievements and Records
07Club and Individual Honors
08Impact on Borussia Dortmund
09Recognition and Future Prospects
10Donyell Malen: A Rising Star

Early Life and Background

Donyell Malen's journey in football began at a young age, influenced by his diverse cultural heritage and early exposure to the sport.

  1. Birth and Family: Born on January 19, 1999, in Wieringen, Netherlands, Malen has a Surinamese father and a Dutch mother, giving him a rich cultural background.

  2. Early Footballing Career: His talent was evident early on. At nine, he joined Ajax's renowned academy in 2008.

  3. Youth Career: Malen represented his country at various youth levels, showcasing his potential and attracting European clubs' attention.

Move to Arsenal and Return to the Netherlands

Malen's career took a significant turn when he moved to England, only to return to his homeland to make a bigger impact.

  1. Move to Arsenal: In 2015, at 16, he joined Arsenal's youth team, leaving Ajax's academy.

  2. Performance at Arsenal: Over two seasons, he scored 44 goals but couldn't break into the senior team.

  3. Return to Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven brought him back in 2017 before he could make his mark at Arsenal's first team.

Success at PSV Eindhoven

Malen's return to the Netherlands saw him flourish, both domestically and internationally.

  1. PSV Eindhoven Career: At PSV, he scored 55 goals and provided 24 assists in 116 appearances.

  2. Debut for Netherlands: He made his senior debut for the Netherlands in November 2019, scoring against Germany.

  3. Eredivisie Titles: He won the Eredivisie title with PSV in 2018.

  4. Individual Honors: Malen received the Bronze Bull for being the Best Talent in the second period of the 2017–18 Jupiler League.

  5. Goal Scoring Record: His most productive season was 2020–21, with 19 goals in 32 matches.

  6. Multi-Faceted Forward: He also registered 10 assists that season, showing his versatility.

  7. UEFA Europa League Goals: He added 8 goals in Europa League and KNVB Cup competitions.

Move to Borussia Dortmund

Malen's career took another leap when he joined one of Germany's top clubs.

  1. Transfer to Borussia Dortmund: On July 27, 2021, he signed a five-year deal with Borussia Dortmund.

  2. Champions League Debut: He scored his first Champions League goal on September 28, 2021, against Sporting CP.

  3. First Dutch Goal in Champions League: On February 20, 2024, he became the first Dutch player to score against a Dutch team in the Champions League since Arjen Robben in 2016.

  4. Top Scorer for Dortmund: In the 2023–24 season, he became Dortmund's top scorer in the Bundesliga with 13 goals.

  5. Assist Record: He has provided 20 assists in 131 games for Dortmund.

Playing Style and Versatility

Malen's playing style and versatility make him a valuable asset to any team.

  1. Playing Style: Combining speed, technical ability, and defensive work, Malen is a versatile forward.

  2. Position Flexibility: He can play in any attacking position, excelling as a center-forward at PSV and from the right at Dortmund.

  3. Speed and Agility: His speed and agility create scoring opportunities and make him difficult for defenders to handle.

  4. Technical Ability: Exceptional ball control allows him to maneuver in tight spaces.

Achievements and Records

Malen's achievements and records highlight his impact on the field.

  1. Goal Scoring Record at Dortmund: He scored nine times in 38 appearances in his first season, 10 goals the next, and a career-best 13 in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season.

  2. International Caps: As of January 2024, he has earned 41 caps for the Netherlands, scoring nine goals.

  3. UEFA Nations League Finals: He played a crucial role in the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, where the Netherlands reached the final but lost to Spain.

  4. Friendly Matches: Malen featured in several friendly matches, including a 4–0 win over Scotland on March 22, 2024.

  5. UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers: He scored in the qualifiers, helping the Netherlands secure wins against Iceland and Romania.

Club and Individual Honors

Malen's contributions have been recognized with several honors and awards.

  1. Club Honors: He won the Eredivisie title with PSV in 2018 and reached the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League final with Dortmund.

  2. Individual Awards: Named Eredivisie Player of the Month twice and Bundesliga Player of the Month in April 2023.

  3. Bronze Bull Award: Received the Bronze Bull for being the Best Talent in the second period of the 2017–18 Jupiler League.

  4. Jupiler League Team of the Week: Named in Voetbal International's Jupiler League team of the week multiple times.

Impact on Borussia Dortmund

Malen's impact on Dortmund has been significant, contributing to their success in various competitions.

  1. Goal Scoring Record in Bundesliga: His career-best 13 goals in the 2023–24 season highlight his scoring prowess.

  2. Assist Record in Bundesliga: He has provided 20 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.

  3. Comparison to Eden Hazard: Often compared to Eden Hazard for his ability to operate across the pitch and his speed and technical skills.

  4. Playing Style Comparison: While Hazard is known for creativity and dribbling, Malen focuses on speed and goal-scoring, making him a versatile forward.

  5. Impact on Dortmund: Since joining, he has become integral to the team, contributing significantly in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Malen's performances have earned him international recognition, and his future looks promising.

  1. YouTube Highlights: A YouTube video showcasing his goals and assists for BVB highlights his importance to the team.

  2. Bundesliga Community Tab: The Official Bundesliga YouTube channel features exclusive content, including discussions about Malen's performances.

  3. International Recognition: Praised for his speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring record, making him one of Europe's most promising young forwards.

  4. Future Prospects: With his current form and contributions, Malen is expected to continue making headlines, potentially becoming one of the top forwards in football.

Donyell Malen: A Rising Star

Donyell Malen's journey from Ajax's youth academy to Borussia Dortmund showcases his incredible talent and determination. Born to a Surinamese father and Dutch mother, Malen's unique background adds to his story. His early move to Arsenal at 16, followed by a return to the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, set the stage for his professional success. At PSV, he scored 79 goals in 116 appearances, earning his first senior international caps for the Netherlands.

Malen's transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 2021 marked a new chapter. His speed, technical ability, and versatility have made him a key player. With 13 goals in the 2023-24 Bundesliga season, he became Dortmund's top scorer. Internationally, he's earned 41 caps and scored nine goals for the Netherlands.

Malen's future looks bright. Fans and pundits eagerly watch his progress, expecting him to become one of football's top forwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Donyell Malen?
Donyell Malen is a professional footballer from the Netherlands. Known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability, he's made a name for himself playing as a forward. Throughout his career, Malen has played for several top clubs and represented his country in international competitions.
What clubs has Malen played for?
Starting his career in Ajax's youth academy, Malen then moved to Arsenal's youth teams. However, he made a significant impact at PSV Eindhoven, where his performance caught the eye of many. As of my last update, he's been playing for Borussia Dortmund, showcasing his skills in the Bundesliga.
How has Malen performed internationally?
Malen has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels before making his senior debut. He's scored goals and provided key assists, contributing significantly to his national team's efforts in international tournaments and qualifiers.
What positions can Malen play?
Primarily, Malen is known as a forward, but his versatility allows him to play across the front line. He's been utilized as a central striker, a winger on both sides, and even as a secondary striker, adapting well to different tactical setups.
What are some of Malen's career highlights?
One of Malen's standout moments was scoring five goals in a single Eredivisie match for PSV Eindhoven, a rare feat. Additionally, scoring on his senior international debut for the Netherlands marked another highlight, showcasing his potential on a global stage.
How does Malen contribute off the ball?
Beyond his goal-scoring, Malen's work rate is commendable. He's known for pressing defenders, creating space for teammates with intelligent runs, and contributing to his team's defensive efforts, making him a well-rounded player.
What makes Malen a promising talent in football?
Malen's combination of speed, technical skill, and football intelligence sets him apart. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, adapt to different roles on the field, and consistently improve his game makes him a promising talent in the world of football.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.