Matthijs de Ligt

Professional footballer (centre-back)

Dutch Leiderdorp, Netherlands Leo 189 cm

Quick Info

ProfessionProfessional footballer (centre-back)
NationalityDutch
Date of Birth12/08/1999
Age27 years
BirthplaceLeiderdorp, Netherlands
Zodiac SignLeo

Latest News about Matthijs de Ligt

21/10/2026

After nearly 11 months out with a back injury, De Ligt was named in the starting lineup for Manchester United's match against Como. The return marks his first start since the injury, as he works to reclaim his place in the centre of the defence under Michael Carrick.

15/05/2026

Matthijs de Ligt underwent surgery on a persistent back problem, which ended his season with Manchester United and his hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands. He had only recently returned to light training before the operation was required.

Do you like Matthijs de Ligt?

You can vote only once.

74% like · 26% dislike

Bio/Wiki

SummaryDutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Manchester United and the Netherlands national team. Known for his aggressive tackling, aerial ability, leadership and strength. Raised in nearby Abcoude, he joined the Ajax youth academy in 2009 after starting at local club FC Abcoude.
Early CareerInitially preferred tennis before taking up football at age nine.

Physical Stats & More

Height189 cm
Weight89 kg
Preferred FootRight
PositionCentre-back

Career

Ajax
Senior DebutSeptember 2016
CaptaincyBecame the club's youngest captain at age 18 in 2018
HonoursEredivisie and KNVB Cup in 2018-19
Juventus
JoinedSummer 2019
HonoursSerie A title in 2019-20
Bayern Munich
JoinedJuly 2022
Manchester United
JoinedAugust 2024
Squad Number4
Injury StatusSidelined with a back injury from late November 2025; underwent back surgery in May 2026 and has been working back to fitness under manager Michael Carrick
International
Netherlands Senior Debut25/03/2017 versus Bulgaria, becoming the youngest player to appear for the Netherlands at the time
HonoursRunners-up at the 2019 UEFA Nations League
Awards
European Golden Boy2018
Dutch Footballer of the Year2019
Kopa Trophy2019

Style Quotient

Playing StyleKnown for strength, leadership, strong tackling and the ability to win balls in the air.

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Became the youngest player to appear in a major European final when he played in the 2017 Europa League final against Manchester United.
2. Was made Ajax captain by exception after the original captain was injured, having been promoted to the first team at 17.

Also born on 12 August

Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top