Matthijs De Ligt (born 12 August 1999) is a professional football player from Netherland. Of all the football centre-back stars that have dominated the entertaining world of soccer in recent years, very few have dominated the centre-back position like De Ligt. A player of mammoth eminence decorated with fame and records due to his talent and agility, he is a remarkable young defender who creates intimidation and peril to opposition attackers on the pitch and a threat to set pieces. In this Matthijs De Ligt Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth and Personal Life, we echo this young star’s success who is one of the most promising prospects in the football world, from Europe and beyond.
Table of Contents
Matthijs De Ligt Biography Facts, Age, Info
- Full Name: Matthijs De Ligt
- Nickname: The Total Defender
- Date of Birth: 12 August 1999
- Age: 25 years
- Place of Birth: Leiderdorp, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.89 m)
- Weight: 70 kg
- Father: Frank De Ligt
- Mother: Vivian De Ligt
- Siblings: Fleur and Wouter De Light (brothers)
- Marital Status: Single
- Girlfriend: Annekee Molenaar
- Occupation: Footballer
- Strong Foot: Right
- Playing Position: Center-back
- Current Club/Team: Juventus FC; Netherlands National Team
- Jersey/Kit Number: 4
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
Matthijs De Ligt Childhood/Early Life, Junior/Youth Career
Matthijs De Ligt was the first of three children born on 12 August 1999, in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, to his mother Vivian and father, Frank De Ligt followed by a set of male twins, Fleur De Ligt and Wouter De Ligt; each and every one of them growing together to make the De Ligt family.
At age 5, young De Ligt never considered playing football but instead engaged in playing tennis and was, in fact, good at it. At age 9, he joined Ajax youth academy. Although, during his early days the coaches were somehow sceptical because of his lack of speed but gave a chance for him to develop and progress through the academy. With time, De Ligt was able to demonstrate his worth.
Matthijs De Ligt Profile & Professional Football Career
Ajax (2016–2019)
When De Light clocked 9, he made the switch from the local football club, Abcoude to the top-flight Dutch side, Ajax. At Ajax, the coaches felt De Ligt physical development was slow and he was in no shape to play football. But after he was given a trial in the club’s academy, their opinion quickly changed. As a young boy in Ajax, De Lit was privileged to meet one of football greatest stars, Luis Suarez who De Ligt admired. In an Eerste Divisie match against FC Emme in August 2016, De Ligt made his debut for Jong Ajax. He went on to feature for the side in 17 matches.
In September 2016, he made his debut for Ajax senior side. In his debut match, De Ligt scored a corner, and thus became Ajax’s second-youngest goal scorer. Via microblogging platform, Twitter, De Light declared to the world that he secured promotion to the club’s first team in October after his debut. He established himself as a great player for Ajax and thus became a regular player for the team. In the 2017 Europa League final against Manchester United, he set the record for being the youngest player to play in a major European club football final at just the age of 17.
Following the sale of Davinson Sánchez, De Ligt became a regular starter for Ajax and was named club captain in March 2018, making him the youngest player to hold the position in the club. De Ligt’s performance increased significantly, which attracted offers from top European clubs. In December 2018, for his outstanding performance, De Light was awarded the European Golden Boy award.
In February 2019, at the age of 19, De Ligt became the youngest captain to lead his side to the knockout stage of the Champions League. In April 2019, De Ligt proved his worth again by scoring the winning goal which eliminated Juventus and led Ajax to the semifinal of the Champions League for the first time since the 1996/97 season. He also became the youngest Dutch player to score a goal in the elimination round of the UEFA Champions League.
Juventus (2019–date)
After a wonderful outing in the Champions League, De Ligt secured a move to Serie A club, Juventus for €75 million, the fee was agreed to be paid in instalments annually for 5 years. He signed a five year deal with the club and debuted in the Serie A against Napoli in August. In November 2019, he grabbed his first goal for Juventus in a game against Turin rivals, Torino.
Matthijs De Ligt National Team Career
In March 2017, De Ligt became the youngest player to play for the Dutch national side since the year 1931, in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Bulgaria which they lost. He featured in the 2019 UEFA Nations League, playing in all group games and the final.
Matthijs De Ligt Net Worth, Sponsorships & Salary
De Ligt receives as much as €460,000 weekly from Serie A side, Juventus. Though a fixed estimate as to his net worth has not been ascertained, De Ligt’s net worth is projected to be about £1 million. De Ligt is sponsored by renowned sports brand, Adidas.
Matthijs De Ligt Personal Life, Girlfriend, Trivia
Matthijs De Ligt has been in a relationship right before he became a football sensation with Annekee Molenaar, a stunning, attractive lady who plays hockey and is on the books of HC Athena in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Annick and Matthijs seem to have a smooth and love painted love life together.
On a much bigger platform, Matthijs De Ligt’s inamorata is as well into the celebrity publicities of acting since her advancement from a youth theatre institute in Amsterdam.
De Ligt engrosses himself in various leisure activities such as playing FIFA and watching Netflix.
Despite his mother effortlessly trying to get De Ligt to secure a driving license, the young star has constantly evaded getting his license, citing a tight schedule would prevent him from taking driving lessons.
SEE MORE: Biography facts and profiles of famous footballers
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