40 Facts About Matthijs De Ligt

Early Life and Background

Matthijs De Ligt, a name synonymous with football excellence, has a fascinating story that begins long before he became a household name. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on August 12, 1999, in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, Matthijs De Ligt grew up in a sports-loving family.
2. He started playing football at the tender age of 5, joining his local club, Abcoude.
3. His talent was evident early on, leading him to join the Ajax youth academy at just 9 years old.
4. De Ligt's parents were both athletes; his father played tennis while his mother was a gymnast.
5. He has two younger brothers, Wouter and Fleur, who also share a passion for sports.

Rise to Stardom at Ajax

De Ligt's journey to stardom began at Ajax, where he quickly made a name for himself. Here are some key moments from his time at the club.

6. Made his professional debut for Ajax on September 21, 2016, in a KNVB Cup match against Willem II.
7. At 17, he became the youngest player to start in a European final since 1995, playing in the 2017 UEFA Europa League Final.
8. Named Ajax captain in March 2018, becoming the youngest captain in the club's history.
9. Won the Golden Boy award in 2018, given to the best under-21 player in Europe.
10. Led Ajax to a domestic double in the 2018-2019 season, winning both the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup.

International Career with the Netherlands

De Ligt's prowess on the field extends to his international career with the Netherlands. Here are some highlights.

11. Made his senior debut for the Netherlands on March 25, 2017, against Bulgaria.
12. At 17, he became the youngest player to start for the Dutch national team since 1931.
13. Played a crucial role in the Netherlands' run to the UEFA Nations League final in 2019.
14. Scored his first international goal on June 9, 2019, against England in the Nations League semi-final.
15. Has been a regular starter for the Netherlands, earning over 30 caps by the age of 21.

Move to Juventus

In 2019, De Ligt made a significant move to Juventus, marking a new chapter in his career. Let's explore some facts about his time in Italy.

16. Transferred to Juventus on July 18, 2019, for a reported fee of €75 million.
17. Scored his first goal for Juventus on November 2, 2019, in a Serie A match against Torino.
18. Helped Juventus win the Serie A title in his debut season (2019-2020).
19. Became the youngest foreign player to captain Juventus in a Serie A match.
20. Known for his defensive skills, he has formed a formidable partnership with Leonardo Bonucci.

Playing Style and Skills

De Ligt is renowned for his exceptional skills and playing style. Here are some insights into what makes him stand out.

21. Known for his strong aerial ability, both defensively and offensively.
22. Excellent ball-playing defender, comfortable with passing and dribbling.
23. Praised for his leadership qualities and ability to organize the defense.
24. Strong physical presence, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall.
25. Has a keen sense of positioning, often making crucial interceptions and tackles.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond football, De Ligt has a rich personal life and various interests. Let's take a look at some lesser-known facts.

26. In a relationship with Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model.
27. Enjoys playing tennis and often plays during his free time.
28. Known for his love of dogs, he has a pet dog named Bella.
29. Active on social media, with millions of followers on Instagram.
30. Speaks multiple languages, including Dutch, English, and Italian.

Achievements and Awards

De Ligt's career is decorated with numerous achievements and awards. Here are some of the most notable ones.

31. Won the Kopa Trophy in 2019, awarded to the best under-21 player in the world.
32. Named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season for 2018-2019.
33. Included in the Serie A Team of the Year for the 2019-2020 season.
34. Won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in 2019.
35. Part of the Netherlands squad that finished runners-up in the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

Future Prospects

As De Ligt continues to grow and evolve, his future prospects look incredibly bright. Here are some predictions and expectations.

36. Expected to become a mainstay in the Netherlands national team for years to come.
37. Likely to attract interest from top clubs across Europe due to his consistent performances.
38. Potential to become one of the best defenders of his generation.
39. Could take on more leadership roles, both at club and international levels.
40. Continues to inspire young footballers with his dedication, talent, and hard work.

Final Thoughts on Matthijs De Ligt

Matthijs De Ligt's journey from a young talent at Ajax to a key player for Bayern Munich is nothing short of impressive. His dedication, skill, and leadership on the field have made him a standout in the world of football. From winning the Golden Boy award to becoming the youngest captain in Ajax's history, De Ligt's achievements speak volumes about his talent and work ethic.

His move to Juventus and later to Bayern Munich shows his ambition to compete at the highest level. Off the field, De Ligt is known for his humble nature and strong family values. Whether you're a football fan or just curious about sports, Matthijs De Ligt's story is inspiring. Keep an eye on this young star; his career is just getting started, and there's much more to come.