40 Facts About Nathan Aké

Early Life and Background

Nathan Aké's journey from a young boy in The Hague to a top-tier footballer is inspiring. His early life and background set the stage for his successful career.

1. Full Name and Date of Birth: Nathan Benjamin Aké was born on February 18, 1995, in The Hague, Netherlands.
2. Place of Birth: The Hague, a vibrant city in the heart of the Netherlands, is where Aké's love for football first ignited.
3. Height: Aké stands at 1.80 meters (5 ft 11 in) tall, which is a common height for professional footballers.
4. Mixed Heritage: Aké has a mixed Ivorian and Dutch heritage. His father, Moise Aké, hails from the Ivory Coast, while his mother, Ineke Telder, is Dutch.
5. Early Football Career: Aké started his football journey at ADO Den Haag's youth academy at the age of 8 in 2003. He spent four years there before moving to Feyenoord's youth system at age 12.
6. Feyenoord Years: During his time at Feyenoord, Aké played for five years from age 12 to 16, further developing his skills as a young player.

Rise to Prominence

Nathan's move to Chelsea marked a significant step in his career. His time at the club helped him gain valuable experience and exposure.

7. Chelsea FC: In 2011, Aké joined Chelsea FC's youth academy at the age of 16. This move marked a significant step in his career, as he would eventually become a first-team player for the club.
8. Premier League Debut: Aké made his Premier League debut on December 26, 2012, for Chelsea against Norwich City at the age of 17. He replaced Juan Mata in added time during a 1-0 win at Carrow Road.
9. First Start for Chelsea: His first start for Chelsea came on February 27, 2013, in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough. He played in a defensive midfield position and helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 win.
10. UEFA Europa League: Aké was part of the Chelsea squad that won the UEFA Europa League in 2013. Although he was an unused substitute in the final against Benfica, his contributions to the team were significant.
11. Young Player of the Year: In 2013, Aké was voted Chelsea's Young Player of the Year, recognizing his impressive performances during the season.
12. Contract Extension: On August 8, 2013, Aké signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, extending his stay with the club until 2018.
13. UEFA Champions League Debut: Aké made his UEFA Champions League debut on October 21, 2014, coming on as a substitute for Cesc Fàbregas in a 6-0 win over Maribor. He provided an assist for Eden Hazard's second goal, showcasing his ability to contribute in high-pressure games.

Career at Bournemouth and Manchester City

Nathan's career took another leap when he moved to Bournemouth and later to Manchester City, where he continues to shine.

14. Transfer to Bournemouth: In 2017, Aké transferred to Bournemouth, where he spent four seasons playing for the club. This period helped him gain more experience and develop his skills further.
15. Transfer to Manchester City: In 2020, Aké joined Manchester City, marking a significant move in his career. He has since become a key player for the club, helping them win multiple trophies under Pep Guardiola.
16. Versatility: Aké is known for his versatility, able to play at various positions including full-back, centre-back, and defensive midfielder. This adaptability has been a crucial factor in his success at both club and international levels.
17. Passing Ability: Aké is extremely comfortable in possession, completing 92.8% of his passes in Premier League games, which is one of the highest rates among players with over 1,000 minutes played.
18. Duel Success Rate: He ranks sixth for duel success rate (100+ duels), winning 67.6% of his duels, including all 50-50s, dribble attempts, aerial battles, and tackles. This defensive ability is a key aspect of his game.
19. Comparisons to Ruud Gullit: Aké's calmness on the ball and appearance have led to comparisons with former Dutch international player Ruud Gullit. This comparison highlights his composure and technical skill on the field.

International Career

Nathan Aké has also made significant strides on the international stage, representing the Netherlands with distinction.

20. International Debut: Aké made his senior international debut for the Netherlands in 2017, playing in a friendly against Morocco. He has since become a regular member of the national team, representing them at every youth level since his under-15 debut in 2009.
21. First International Goal: Aké scored his first international goal for the Netherlands on June 4, 2018, in a 1-1 draw against Italy. This goal marked a significant moment in his international career.
22. UEFA Euro 2020: Aké was part of the Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2020, appearing twice as a substitute in group matches against Ukraine and Austria. Although he did not start in any matches, his presence in the squad was crucial.
23. 2022 FIFA World Cup: At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Aké started all five matches for the Netherlands as they reached the quarter-finals. He played a pivotal role in their defensive line, helping them progress to the final stages of the tournament.
24. UEFA Nations League Finals: In June 2023, Aké was part of the Netherlands' squad for the UEFA Nations League Finals. He started at left-back against both Croatia in the semi-final and Italy in the third-place play-off.
25. UEFA Euro 2024 Squad: On May 29, 2024, Aké was named in the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024, further solidifying his position as a key player for the national team.

Personal Life and Family

Beyond the pitch, Nathan Aké's personal life and family have played a significant role in shaping who he is today.

26. Personal Life: Aké is a teetotaller, choosing not to consume alcohol. This decision reflects his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition and a healthy lifestyle, essential for his demanding career as a professional athlete.
27. Marriage and Family: In the summer of 2022, Aké married his childhood sweetheart, Kaylee Ramman. The couple had a picturesque beach wedding on Majorca’s San Marroig estate, attended by current and ex-teammates like Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. Their wedding was followed by the birth of their first child a few months later, marking a new and joyous chapter in his life.
28. Father’s Influence: Aké’s father, Moise Aké, is from the Ivory Coast and immigrated to the Netherlands in search of a better future for his unborn children. Moise Aké is known for his teetotalism and was deeply involved in youth football management in The Hague, paving the way for Nathan’s involvement in football.
29. Mother’s Contribution: Aké’s mother, Ineke Telder, contributed significantly to his early involvement in football. She provided food for the youth academy where Nathan trained, fostering an environment that encouraged his growth as a young player.
30. Brother’s Role: Aké has an older brother named Cedric who currently works at the Chelsea FC Mega Store. This family connection highlights the close-knit nature of the Aké family and their shared passion for football.
31. Early Life and Shyness: As a child, Nathan Aké was known for his shy personality. However, his love for football and the support of his family helped him overcome this shyness and develop into a confident player.
32. Youth Academy Experience: Aké’s early years in football were spent at various youth academies, including Wilhelmus, where he was taught by a female trainer who helped him learn how to defend. This experience laid the foundation for his future success in professional football.
33. Rastafarian Dreadlocks: Nathan Aké is known for his Rastafarian dreadlocks, which have become an iconic part of his image. This unique aspect of his appearance reflects his individuality and cultural background.

Career Highlights and Legacy

Nathan Aké's career is filled with remarkable achievements and highlights that have cemented his legacy in football.

34. Career Highlights: Aké’s career is marked by several highlights, including his time at Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Manchester City. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and contribute to his teams, earning him recognition as one of the top defenders in the world.
35. Gaël Clichy’s Praise: Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gaël Clichy has praised Aké as one of the best left-backs in the world. Clichy’s endorsement highlights Aké’s defensive abilities and his potential to play at the highest level.
36. Josko Gvardiol Comparison: While Aké is highly regarded, there is also a comparison with Josko Gvardiol, who has been first choice on the left side of Manchester City’s defense. Gvardiol’s attacking prowess and defensive skills make him a strong competitor to Aké for the left-back position.
37. Legacy and Impact: Nathan Aké’s legacy extends beyond his on-field performances. He has inspired countless young footballers with his journey from a small town in The Hague to becoming a global football star. His commitment to his family and his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle serve as a role model for many aspiring athletes.

Achievements and Recognition

Nathan Aké's achievements and recognition in football are a testament to his hard work and dedication.

38. UEFA Europa League: Aké was part of the Chelsea squad that won the UEFA Europa League in 2013. Although he was an unused substitute in the final against Benfica, his contributions to the team were significant.
39. Young Player of the Year: In 2013, Aké was voted Chelsea's Young Player of the Year, recognizing his impressive performances during the season.
40. Contract Extension: On August 8, 2013, Aké signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, extending his stay with the club until 2018.

Nathan Aké: A Football Journey

Nathan Aké's story is one of dedication, versatility, and family support. From his early days in The Hague to becoming a key player for Manchester City and the Netherlands national team, Aké has shown remarkable growth. His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his impressive passing and duel success rates, makes him a standout defender. Off the field, his commitment to a healthy lifestyle and his close-knit family add depth to his character. Aké's journey inspires young footballers, proving that hard work and the right support can lead to success. Whether it's his calmness on the ball, his international achievements, or his personal life, Nathan Aké continues to leave a lasting impact on the football world. His legacy is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and passion.