- Matthijs De Ligt is a 25-year-old Dutch defender, he plays for Bundesliga club, Bayern Munich, after previously playing for Ajax and Juventus
- He won several accolades for his incredible performance such as Ajax Talent of the Future (2016), Dutch Footballer of the Year (2018/19), Golden Boy (2018), and Kopa Trophy (2019)
- De Ligt is currently in a relationship with Dutch model, Annekee Molenaar
Matthijs De Ligt is a Dutch soccer star who is currently playing club football in Germany with the Bundesliga side, Bayern Munich as well as the Netherlands national team. In 2017, when he was 17, he made his national team debut after representing his country at various youth levels.
The center-back has earned the respect and admiration of football fans across the world for his defensive prowess. He won several awards for his performances, including the 2018 Golden Boy award, the Dutch Footballer of the Year (2018/19), and the Kopa Trophy. In addition, he was the second-youngest goal scorer and the youngest player to ever play in a major European final during his time at Ajax.
Biography And Family Background Of Matthijs De Ligt
He was born on 12th August 1999 in the town of Leiderdorp in Western Netherlands to his parents Vivian and Frank De Ligt. As soon as he was born, his parents relocated south of Amsterdam to a town known as Abcoude. The town didn’t only open more economic possibilities, but also made them fall in love with the Ajax football team.
De Ligt was raised as the first child of his parents and is currently 25 years old. Later on, the family welcomed a set of twins named; Fluer and Wouter.
The defender plays the role of a big brother to his siblings. No wonder, Wouter shares a strong bond with him. It has always been like that since their days as kids.
Well, their parents make it a routine leisure activity to always take them on a stroll to the Ajax stadium during weekdays. Or they could sit down at home and watch Ajax’s games, and scream at the top of their voices whenever the team scores.
Personally, the Dutch defender is seen as someone who could take a bullet for his younger siblings. Based on reports, one of his teachers once revealed that whenever someone in De Ligt’s class or his siblings gets bullied, the defender doesn’t run away, he stands up to the bully instead.
How Matthijs De Ligt’s Early Career Begun
What most people don’t know about the Dutch center-back was that he didn’t desire to play football. He was involved with the ball, but it was with his hands and not his feet.
When he was 5, the young boy started playing tennis. And he played pretty well. Despite his interest in playing tennis, it was difficult for him to settle. So, he turned his attention to other areas.
The opportunity came when a friend of his not only introduced him to football but invited him to train. At the end of the training, his desire for football was kindled and he started playing.
After 12 months, he settled into the game. And enlisted into FC Abcoude, where he got the opportunity to prove his worth and talent. One thing though, his younger brother Wouter always tags along with him to club activities.
While with the local club, the desire to take his soccer to a professional level began to burn. He spent three years at the club shaping and developing his abilities.
When De Ligt was 9 years old, Ajax scouts picked an unlikely interest in the youngster for two reasons. First, for being the best player of his age, and secondly for his remarkable development.
But they became doubtful as time went on. They were skeptical about his growing weight which they consider unfit for the game. Nevertheless, they took the risk and discovered there is a burning desire in him.
His Senior Club Career Exploits
His trial at the Ajax reserve team was successful. He went through the club’s youth teams winning the award of player of the tournament at the under-17 and under-19 levels. Because of his performance and quality, he was promoted to the first team when he was about 17.
After gaining promotion to Ajax senior team, he made his first appearance for the club in a match against FC Emmen on 8th August 2016. He made a statement to Ajax fans by netting a goal. At the end of the game, the young defender became the second youngest goalscorer after Clarence Seedorf.
His first season at the club was more of a development. He went to form a formidable defensive cover for Ajax with Davinson Sanchez at the time.
He helped Ajax to reach the Europa League final at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to ever play in a European final. He received praise for his performance against Manchester United.
In 2019, Juventus paid a total of €85.5 million which included his transfer fee and other additional costs. The contract was supposed to keep him at the club for 5 years, but he moved to Bayern Munich in July 2022 in a €77 million 5-year contract.
See Also- Dominic Calvert-Lewin is Everton’s Goal Machine- See His Biography and 7 Facts
How He Faired At The International Level
The defender made his debut for the Netherlands national team on 25th March 2017 in a 2-0 away loss to Bulgaria in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification tie. Even though he only started two league games for Ajax, the national team coach, Danny Blind invited him. He made history as the youngest player to feature for the national team at the age of 17 in 1931.
He was handed a regular feature, playing the full 90 minutes in all 4 group matches of the UEFA Nations League.
De Ligt was red-carded for a handball in the 2020 UEFA Euro round of 16 against the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, the Dutch national team was knocked out of the competition after conceding two goals.
De Ligt Is Dating Dutch Model, Annekee Molenaar
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Just like every other footballer, De Ligt is in a relationship with a beautiful Dutch model. She goes by the name of Annekee Molenaar. It is not exactly clear when the relationship began.
On the other hand, there are reports showing that he once dated Annick Diekman who plays hockey for HC Athena in Amsterdam. Their relationship became public in 2014 when they began dating. However, there is no information suggesting how or when the relationship ended.
Matthijs De Ligt Has A Net Worth Of $5 Million
De Ligt’s net worth could be above $5 million. He made the fortune from his soccer career through contracts, match allowances, and endorsement deals.
He receives a weekly salary of £250,000 at Bayern Munich, while he was earning £214,000 every week during his time at Juventus.
Furthermore, his value in the transfer market is €70 million as of September 2022, while his highest was €75 million in June 2019.
His Height And Body Measurements
The Dutch defender is quite tall. He stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.89m) tall. His body weighs 89kg (196lbs).
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