The Dutch footballer Jackie Groenen has suddenly become the fan’s favorite because of her impeccable skills on the pitch. The former Judoka player plays as a midfielder for FA WSL club Manchester United and also the Netherlands women’s national football team.
Jackie Groenen is not only a talented football player but also a Judo player. She began her judo career at a tender age but she, unfortunately, stopped after she broke her hip a day before a match. Groenen later revealed that she preferred football to judo anyway.
Here are 10 other facts about Jackie Groenen
1. Jackie Groenen’s early life and background
The midfielder was born on December 17 1994 in Tilburg, Netherlands where she was raised. Her parents are Jack Groenen and Lisette C.P.G.M de Groot. She has a sister named Merel Groenen.
After her elementary school and high school, Groenen earned a law degree at Tilburg University.
2. The Dutch footballer started playing football with her sister at Goirlese
Groenen and her sister started playing football at a very young age. They both played at Goirlese Sportvereniging Blauw-Wit. They later moved to SV Rood-Wit Veldhoven after they played with VV Riel and Wilhelmina Boys.
The sisters signed with SGS Essen and they played from 2011 till 2013. Groenen played six league matches for the club before she later joined FCR 2001 Duisburg.
She then signed with Chelsea in February 2014 and on 17 April 2014 she made her debut in a 2-0 win against Bristol City and July 13, she scored her first goals in a 13-0 victory against London Bees in the FA WSL Continental Cup.
Jackie Groenen later returned to Germany and then signed to FFC Frankfurt in 2015. The midfielder signed a contract with Manchester United on May 22, 2019, ahead of the 2019-20 season. She was Manchester United’s first overseas signing with the team has formed a year earlier consisting of only British players.
Jackie Groenen made her debut for Manchester United against Manchester City in the FA WSL on 7 September 2019 in a 1-0 loss against Manchester Derby.
3. Groenen wanted to play for Belgium at the international senior level
Before Groenen was called to play for the Netherlands, FIFA blocked her attempts of switching to play for Belgium since she didn’t have a Belgian passport when she played for the Netherlands during her youth career.
She joined the Netherlands senior squad for the team’s winter training camp in Turkey in January 2016. She was part of the Dutch team that won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017. She appeared in all matches and was eventually named in the 2017 UEFA Team of the Tournament. In 2018, she was named among the Netherlands that won the 2018 Algrave Cup.
Jackie Groenen was selected for her first FIFA World Cup in April 2019. Her team, unfortunately, lost to the United States in the final.
4. She has series of championships in judo sports
Jackie Groenen was talented at judo as a youngster. She represented her country in the sport and won several championships in judo sports. She was the Netherlands champion in the under 15 age group in 2007, 2008 and 2009
Groenen also won titles in the weight class 32kg and on march 6 2010 she won the gold medal in the under 17 age group in Tilburg.
After a series of wins, she ended her career at the age of 17.
5. How old is Jackie Groenen?
Jackie Groenen is currently 30 years old.
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6. Height and weight
The Manchester United midfielder is said to be an attractive young lady.
She stands 5 feet and 5 inches tall and weighs around 61kg. Her other body measurements are 34-26-34 inches.
7. Salary and net worth
The Dutch player makes her income as a professional footballer. Her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of August 2021. She has great potential of earning even better in the nearest future.
8. Jackie Groenen’s parents are always excited to watch her play
Groenen’s parents are huge football fans. The midfielder revealed during an interview that her parents watch her games basically every weekend. She added that they love seeing her in a Manchester United shirt. Her parents have been very supportive throughout her career.
9. Jackie Groenen is known for her unique playing style
Jackie Groenen is part of the Nike athlete group. She is said to be an all-around player with very good defensive tactics.
10. Career awards and honors
Jackie Groene has had a successful career since the word-go. Her hard work and athletic skills have earned her the following honors:
International
- Algarve Cup: 2018
- FIFA Women’s World Cup: runner-up 2019
- UEFA European Women’s Championship: 2017
Individual
- UEFA European Women’s Championship Team of the tournament: 2017
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