Full Name: Matthijs de Ligt
Date of Birth: 12 August 1999
Place of Birth: Leiderdorp, Netherlands
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s): Centre-back
Current Team: Manchester United
Jersey Number: 4
Matthijs de Ligt: Top 10 Fascinating Facts
In the world of football, talent, determination, and resilience are crucial for reaching the top. Matthijs de Ligt, who has displayed these qualities since childhood, currently plays for Manchester United, having joined in August 2024.
Renowned for his top defensive skills and leadership, de Ligt has become one of Europe’s top defenders. His career began at Ajax and includes spells at Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Here Are 10 Career Facts About the Towering Dutchman, Matthijs de Ligt
1. He Began his Career at Local Club Abcoude Before Joining Ajax Academy
Matthijs de Ligt's football journey started at Abcoude, a small club near Amsterdam. From a young age, he showed exceptional promise, catching the eye of scouts.
In 2008, at nine years old, de Ligt moved to the Ajax Academy, a significant step up from his local club. Initial concerns about his speed and fitness did not deter him. Instead, he used these challenges to fuel his development, quickly proving his abilities and securing a place in Ajax's youth teams.
2. He Scored 25 Minutes Into His Senior Debut
On September 21, 2016, De Ligt made a memorable debut for Ajax's senior team in a Dutch Cup match against Willem II. At just 17 years old, he scored a goal from a corner kick only 25 minutes into the game.
This early impact showcased his ability to perform under pressure and contributed to Ajax’s commanding 5-0 victory. De Ligt's goal demonstrated his promise and potential, marking the start of a career that would soon see him become one of the most highly regarded young defenders in European football.
3. De Ligt Became the Second-Youngest Goalscorer For Ajax
Matthijs de Ligt’s debut goal for Ajax on September 21, 2016, secured his place in the club’s history as the second-youngest goalscorer. At age 17, he scored from a corner against Willem II in the Dutch Cup.
This accomplishment placed him just behind Clarence Seedorf, the only player younger than de Ligt to have scored for Ajax’s senior team. His early success highlighted his potential and set the stage for his rapid ascent in football, signalling to fans and scouts alike that he was a young talent with a bright future.
4. He is the Youngest Captain in Ajax’s History
The 6 foot 2 inches de Ligt made history in March 2018 by becoming Ajax’s youngest captain. At 18 years old, he was named skipper following an injury to the regular captain, Joël Veltman. De Ligt’s appointment was a proof of his maturity and leadership skills, qualities that belied his age.
Under his captaincy, Ajax achieved notable success domestically and in European competitions. His leadership during this period demonstrated his ability to inspire and manage a team as his reputation elevated to one of the most promising young talents in the football world.
5. He Became the Youngest Player in A Major European Final in 2017
On May 24, 2017, Matthijs de Ligt made history by becoming the youngest player to participate in a major European final. At 17 years and 285 days old, he started for Ajax in the UEFA Europa League Final against Manchester United.
Although Ajax lost 2-0 to Jose Mourinho's Red Devils, de Ligt’s presence in the final was a remarkable attainment, highlighting his burgeoning talent and potential. His performance in such a high-stakes match demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
6. De Ligt is the First Defender to win the Golden Boy Award
In December 2018, Matthijs de Ligt made history by becoming the first defender to win the esteemed Golden Boy award. This accolade, awarded by *Tuttosport* to the best young player in Europe under 21, recognised de Ligt’s outstanding performances throughout the year. His leadership, defensive skills and crucial goals for Ajax and the Dutch national team set him apart from other nominees. Winning the Golden Boy award placed de Ligt among the elite young talents in football at the time.
7. De Ligt Became the Youngest Captain in A Champions League Knockout Tie in 2019
On February 13, 2019, Matthijs de Ligt achieved another milestone by becoming the youngest captain in a Champions League knockout match. At 19 years and 186 days old, he led Ajax against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Despite Ajax’s 2-1 defeat, de Ligt’s leadership and defensive acumen were evident. His appointment as captain in such a crucial game underscored his maturity and readiness for high-pressure situations.
8. He Became the Youngest Ajax Player Ever to Reach the 100-game Milestone
Matthijs de Ligt reached a significant career milestone on February 27, 2019, by becoming the youngest Ajax player to make 100 official appearances. This landmark conquest came during a Dutch Cup match against Feyenoord, known as De Klassieker, where Ajax won 3-0. At 19 years old, de Ligt's rapid rise through the ranks and consistent performances were noteworthy. His 100th game underscored his durability and importance to the team.
9. He is the Youngest Dutch to Score in the Champions League Knockout Stages Since Nordin Wooter
On April 16, 2019, De Ligt became the youngest Dutch player to score in the Champions League knockout stages since Nordin Wooter in 1996. His crucial goal came in the quarter-final match against Juventus, where he scored the decisive header to secure Ajax’s place in the semi-finals. At 19 years and 225 days old, de Ligt’s performance was instrumental in Ajax’s successful campaign.
10. He is the Youngest Debutant for the Dutch National Team Since 1945
The Leiderdorp-born defender debuted for the Dutch national team on March 25, 2017, in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, becoming the youngest Dutch debutant since 1945. At 17 years old, his inclusion in the squad was a clear indication of his extraordinary talent and the high regard in which he was held.
Despite the Netherlands’ 2-0 loss, de Ligt’s debut marked the start of a promising international career. His early entry into the national team highlighted his readiness to compete at the highest level and foreshadowed his significant role in Dutch football's future.
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