Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt: Stats, Age, Height, Girlfriend, Parents, Salary, Net Worth and Football Career.
Check Matthijs de Ligt’s football journey to Manchester United. Explore his stats, biography, age, height, family, girlfriend, salary, net worth, injury updates, and more.
Profile Summary
- Full Name: Matthijs de Ligt
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1999
- Place of Birth: Leiderdorp, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Position: Center-Back
- Current Club: Manchester United
- Jersey Number: 4
- National Team: Netherlands
- Market Value: €45 million
- Salary: €12 million (annual, as of 2024)
- Instagram: @mdeligt_
- Girlfriend: Annekee Molenaar
Matthijs de Ligt Early Life
Matthijs de Ligt was born on August 12, 1999, in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, and raised in Abcoude, near Amsterdam. From an early age, he displayed remarkable athletic abilities. Initially starting as a tennis player, he transitioned to football at nine years old when he joined Ajax’s youth academy.
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De Ligt’s journey through Ajax’s ranks was rapid. His physical attributes, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities soon saw him move from a midfielder to a center-back. Even as a teenager, de Ligt was recognized for his maturity and tactical awareness, which would shape his professional career.
Matthijs de Ligt Club Career
Matthijs de Ligt made his professional debut with Ajax in 2016 at just 17 years old. His leadership was soon apparent, as he became Ajax’s youngest-ever captain in 2018. That year, he led Ajax to a domestic double and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, drawing global attention.
In 2019, Juventus signed him for €75 million, where he helped secure the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana. He made a significant impact on the Italian football scene with his defensive skills and on-field leadership.
In 2022, Bayern Munich acquired him for €67 million. His time at Bayern was marked by winning the Bundesliga title in his debut season, continuing to prove himself as one of the best defenders in Europe.
In 2024, de Ligt transferred to Manchester United in a £38.5 million deal, with add-ons of £4.3 million. His leadership qualities and defensive prowess have made him a key figure at Old Trafford.
Matthijs de Ligt International Career
De Ligt made his international debut for the Netherlands at just 18 in 2017. He quickly became a cornerstone of the national team, contributing significantly to their campaigns in the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Known for his solid defense, de Ligt has been a consistent performer, helping the Dutch team reach the quarter-finals in both tournaments. He continues to be a pivotal figure in the Netherlands’ 2024 European Championship and World Cup qualification campaigns.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Playing Style
Matthijs de Ligt is widely regarded for his dominant presence as a center-back. His playing style combines physical strength, aerial dominance, and calmness on the ball. His strong tackling, excellent interceptions, and tactical intelligence make him one of the best defenders in modern football. De Ligt is also known for his leadership on the field, organizing his team’s defensive line with precision and authority.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Family Life
Father: Frank de Ligt
Frank de Ligt, Matthijs’ father, has been an influential figure in his son’s career, providing support and guidance. Though not often in the public eye, Frank played a crucial role in Matthijs’ decision to move from Ajax to Juventus in 2019, serving as a voice of reason in his son’s development.
Mother: Vivian de Ligt
Vivian de Ligt has been a nurturing force in Matthijs’ life. She supported his decision to pursue football and instilled values of discipline and humility in him. Her influence is evident in de Ligt’s grounded personality, despite his rapid rise to fame.
Siblings: Fleur and Wouter de Ligt
Matthijs has a younger sister, Fleur, and a brother, Wouter. While Wouter played football during his youth, he didn’t pursue a professional career like Matthijs. Nevertheless, they share a strong bond, with family playing a central role in Matthijs’ life and career.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Personal Life and Girlfriend
Matthijs de Ligt has been in a long-term relationship with Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model and social media influencer. The couple began dating in their teenage years while living in Amsterdam. They got married in June 2024, solidifying their long-term relationship. Annekee has always been a supportive presence in Matthijs’ life, frequently seen attending his matches and cheering him on.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Market Value and Salary
As of 2024, Matthijs de Ligt’s market value is estimated at €45 million. His transfer to Manchester United in 2024 was worth £38.5 million, with additional performance-based bonuses of £4.3 million.
His annual salary is approximately €12 million, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in European football. Apart from his salary, de Ligt earns through endorsements and sponsorship deals, contributing to his overall net worth.
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Injury History
Like many top-level footballers, de Ligt has had his share of injuries. While at Juventus, he dealt with shoulder issues that required surgery in 2020. He also experienced minor muscle injuries during his time at Bayern Munich, but none have significantly hindered his overall career trajectory.
Matthijs de Ligt FAQs
1. How old is Matthijs de Ligt?
Matthijs de Ligt was born on August 12, 1999, making him 25 years old in 2024.
2. What position does Matthijs de Ligt play?
Matthijs de Ligt plays as a center-back for Manchester United and the Netherlands national team.
3. How tall is Matthijs de Ligt?
Matthijs de Ligt is 1.89 meters tall (6 ft 2 in).
4. What is Matthijs de Ligt’s salary?
As of 2024, Matthijs de Ligt earns approximately €12 million annually.
5. Who is Matthijs de Ligt’s girlfriend?
Matthijs de Ligt is married to Dutch model and influencer, Annekee Molenaar.
6. What is Matthijs de Ligt’s market value?
As of 2024, Matthijs de Ligt’s market value is estimated at €45 million.
7. Which clubs has Matthijs de Ligt played for?
Matthijs de Ligt has played for Ajax, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and currently, Manchester United.
8. Has Matthijs de Ligt ever been injured?
Yes, de Ligt has had injuries, including a shoulder injury in 2020 that required surgery.
9. What number does Matthijs de Ligt wear at Manchester United?
Matthijs de Ligt wears jersey number 4 at Manchester United.
10. How many siblings does Matthijs de Ligt have?
Matthijs de Ligt has two siblings: a sister named Fleur and a brother named Wouter.
Conclusion
Matthijs de Ligt’s football career is a testament to his talent, leadership, and dedication. Rising from Ajax’s youth academy to captaining the team, he has enjoyed success across multiple European leagues. Now, with Manchester United, de Ligt continues to cement his legacy as one of the world’s premier defenders. Off the pitch, he maintains a balanced life with his family and wife, Annekee Molenaar, while earning significant accolades and endorsements. His journey is far from over, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this Dutch football prodigy.
