Matthijs de Ligt, born on August 12, 1999, is a Dutch professional football player who plays for his national team, the Netherlands, and his club, Manchester United. He plays as a center-back. He is recognized as one of the world’s top defenders for his physical prowess, agility, leadership, toughness, and aerial prowess.
De Ligt, who was just 19 years old, guided Ajax to the verge of European success, an accomplishment that demonstrated not only his talents on the field but also his maturity and leadership abilities.
De Ligt has made a name for himself as one of Europe’s best defenders, despite his youth.
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Matthijs De Ligt Early Life
A young Matthijs de Ligt with Luis Suárez.
Born in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, on August 12, 1999, Matthijs de Ligt grew up in Abcoude, which is close to Amsterdam. He was born to his parents, Vivian de Ligt and Frank de Ligt. He began playing football at an early age, and at nine years old, he joined Ajax’s youth academy. He started out as a tennis player, but in the end, he decided to play football.
With rapid advancement through the Ajax youth systems, De Ligt has shown his skill as a defender. Although he began his career as a midfielder, his physical qualities and tactical understanding convinced him to go to center back. He was acknowledged for his maturity and leadership abilities well beyond his years.
Matthijs De Ligt Education
Matthijs de Ligt attended school and advanced through the Ajax youth system, balancing his academic pursuits with his football career. Like many young players in the top football schools, his academic schedule was modified to fit his rigorous practice and game schedule.
Even though specifics regarding his academic accomplishments are not as widely known, de Ligt has frequently discussed the value of education and striking a balance between his studies and sports. He received assistance to make sure his academic demands were satisfied while pursuing his professional career, despite his early concentration on football.
Matthijs de Ligt Father
Matthijs de Ligt with his family (his father is in the middle)
Frank de Ligt, the father of Matthijs de Ligt, is a positive role model and supporter of his son. Frank has not been very visible to the public, but he has been quite important behind the scenes, notably in helping Matthijs manage his career in the beginning.
It has been said that Frank de Ligt has a cool-headed and pragmatic approach, which has helped him mentor his son through the difficulties of playing professional football.
He had a proactive role in Matthijs’s growth and decision-making, especially at pivotal times such as his 2019 move from Ajax to Juventus.
Frank frequently served as a counselor, considering what would be best for his son’s development as a person and as a player.
Frank de Ligt’s career and personal life are not well documented, but it is evident that he has dedicated his life to helping his son realize his goals and making sure Matthijs stayed grounded even as he rose to international prominence.
Matthijs De Ligt Mother
Matthijs de Ligt with his mother.
Vivian de Ligt, Matthijs de Ligt’s mother, is renowned for being a devoted and encouraging figure in his life.
She has been instrumental in giving Matthijs a secure and encouraging atmosphere while he pursued his football career at an early age.
It is said that Vivian is a kind and family-oriented person who made sure Matthijs maintained his composure and concentration during his quick ascent to football fame.
Despite Vivian’s propensity to remain anonymous, she has had a big impact on Matthijs’s personality.
She imparted principles that have become defining characteristics of Matthijs’s character both on and off the field, such as discipline, hard work, and humility. Like many devoted moms of athletes, Vivian was there to encourage her son during his highs and lows by going to his games and lending her support.
Matthijs De Ligt Siblings
Matthijs de Ligt and his family, the two young kids sitting in the front, are the player’s brother and sister.
Matthijs de Ligt has two siblings: one sister named Fleur de Ligt and a brother named Wouter de Ligt.
Matthijs’s younger brother Wouter participates in sports even though he does not have the same level of public recognition as his well-known sibling. Wouter played football as a young player, but not as professionally as Matthijs. The two brothers have a strong relationship, and Matthijs has talked extensively about the value of family in his life.
Fleur de Ligt is the younger sister of Matthijs. While she stays out of the spotlight, she is also an important part of Matthijs’s family life. Matthijs has mentioned that his family keeps him grounded, and Fleur plays a key role in the close-knit support system that surrounds him.
Matthijs De Ligt Club Career
Matthijs de Ligt during his time at Bayern Munich.
At Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt made his club debut in 2016 and soon after became their youngest-ever captain. In 2018–19, he guided Ajax to a semi-final appearance in the Champions League and a league and cup double. After spending €75 million to join Juventus in 2019, he established himself as one of the best defenders in the world and helped the team win the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana.
De Ligt transferred to Bayern Munich in 2022 for a reported €67 million. He developed into a vital defensive player for Bayern, helping the team win the Bundesliga in his debut year. De Ligt, who is well-known for his power, leadership, and tactical acumen, is still thriving at the top levels of European football.
In a double swoop, Matthijs de Ligt joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024.
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Matthijs De Ligt Transfer to Manchester United
Matthijs de Ligt has officially joined Manchester United, subject to registration. The club is pleased to announce this. The Netherlands international has agreed to a deal that runs until June 2029 with a one-year option to extend.
De Ligt, who is 25 years old, has already won league titles with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich in three different nations.
Matthijs de Ligt expressed his delight about the chance to take on a fresh challenge at such a storied club as soon as he learned that Manchester United was interested in him. I was impressed by the football leadership’s vision and the part they saw for me in it during the conversations that followed.
De Ligt signed a five-year contract with a one-year option for £38.5 million and potential add-ons of £4.3 million.
Matthijs De Ligt International Career
Matthijs de Ligt made his debut for the Netherlands national team in 2017, just 18 years old, to start his international career. He rose to prominence fast and was regarded for his leadership and skill on defense. De Ligt was a key player in the Netherlands’ run to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team also made it that far. He became known as one of Europe’s best young defenders as a result of his achievements. He is still a key member of the national squad in 2024, making a substantial contribution in both qualification and championship games.
Matthijs De Ligt Girlfriend
Matthijs de Ligt with his girlfriend.
Annekee Molenaar and Matthijs de Ligt are a couple. The social media influencer and model from the Netherlands, Annekee, has helped De Ligt with his football career. After dating for a while, the couple frequently posts glimpses of their love on social media.
In 2018, the couple moved to Amsterdam and started dating as teenagers.
At the time, AnneKee was a rising model, and De Ligt was working his way up at Ajax.
After a few transfers and five years, through Turin and Bavaria, he proposed to her in 2023.They got married on June 7, 2024.
Being a model and an influencer, she is active on social media platforms, especially Instagram. She has around 435k followers. This is the Instagram account of Annekee Molenaar is annekeedeligt
Matthijs De Ligt Playing Style
As a center-back, Matthijs de Ligt is renowned for his dominant presence. He combines calmness on the ball with physical strength, aerial skill, and superb positioning. Strong tackling, wise interceptions, and defensive organization are all hallmarks of his game. De Ligt contributes to build-up play with accurate passing, makes critical clearances, and is skilled at reading the game. He is a dependable defender because of his outstanding decision-making and capacity to bear pressure. His leadership abilities and outspokenness on the field are also essential to his function on both club and international teams.
Matthijs De Ligt Personal Lifestyle
Matthijs de Ligt in his car.
De Ligt is well-known for his passion for video games and for frequently posting about them on social media. In order to relax and discover other cultures, he also likes to travel and explore new locations. He also loves to take pictures, and he frequently does it while traveling.
De Ligt enjoys driving expensive cars and has a number of them. Models from Audi and other luxury automakers are part of his collection, which reflects his passion for elegant and potent vehicles.
Outside of sports, Matthijs keeps a low profile, concentrating on his hobbies and spending time with his loved ones, including his partner Annekee Molenaar. In addition, he engages in philanthropic endeavors and leverages his influence to endorse several causes. He enjoys his time off the field and leads a modest lifestyle, despite his notoriety.
Matthijs De Ligt Salary
According to reports as of 2024, Matthijs de Ligt makes approximately €12 million a year from Bayern Munich. This sum comprises his base pay as well as performance-based bonuses. Being one of the best players in his position is reflected in his salary, which is among the highest for defenders in European football. De Ligt receives compensation from clubs in addition to endorsements and sponsorships, which add to his total earnings.
