10 fun facts about Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt was born in Leiderdorp, Netherlands on August 12, 1999, and began his youth career at the prestigious Ajax academy. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut for the first team at the young age of 17. De Ligt is known for his exceptional defensive abilities and composed ball control. Standing…
De Ligt was born in Leiderdorp, Netherlands on August 12, 1999, and began his youth career at the prestigious Ajax academy. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut for the first team at the young age of 17. De Ligt is known for his exceptional defensive abilities and composed ball control.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he possesses great physical strength and dominates in the air, making him a formidable presence in both penalty areas. Despite his young age, his positional awareness and ability to read the game are truly remarkable. Not only is De Ligt solid in defense, but he also displays comfort and finesse with the ball at his feet.
His exceptional passing range and distribution skills often initiate attacks from the back, whether through accurate long balls or by carrying the ball forward himself. This ability to contribute to the team’s buildup play has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest ball-playing center-backs of the past.
De Ligt’s leadership qualities are evident both on and off the pitch. Despite his youth, he captained Ajax during their impressive journey to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-2019 season. His maturity, confidence, and ability to organize the defense have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
In July 2019, De Ligt made a high-profile move to the renowned Italian club Juventus, where he continued to showcase his defensive skills in the competitive Serie A league. With his exceptional performances, he has solidified his standing as one of the most talented young center-backs globally, capturing the attention of renowned clubs throughout Europe. Consequently, this led to his transfer to the esteemed Bundesliga powerhouse, Bayern Munich, in 2022. Here are some fun facts about him.
1. He was once a tennis player
It is quite impressive to witness De Ligt’s exceptional performance on the field, but what truly highlights his athletic prowess is the fact that he initially pursued tennis before transitioning to football. At the tender age of five, De Ligt embarked on his tennis journey, completely oblivious to the world of football.
However, it wasn’t until he reached the age of six that he first laid his hands on a football. Remarkably, when De Ligt turned eight, his local club in Abcoude, a town near Amsterdam, informed Ajax about his remarkable talent, beginning the start of his football journey.
2. He stood up for bullied children at school and didn’t want to get a drivers licence
During an interview with AjaxShowTime, Frank de Ligt, the father of Matthijs de Ligt, shared a heartwarming anecdote about his son’s character. Frank mentioned how Matthijs would always stand up for children who were being bullied, demonstrating his strong sense of empathy and integrity.
Unlike his peers, Matthijs didn’t follow the crowd but instead chose to support the victims of bullying. Frank also highlighted that Matthijs matured at a faster pace compared to other boys his age, as acknowledged by his high school teachers. In the same interview, Frank recalled another incident where Matthijs displayed his unique mindset.
Despite being of driving age, Matthijs had no interest in obtaining a driver’s license or owning a car. He prioritized his focus and stated that it didn’t align with his current schedule. Frank had to encourage him to enroll in a driving school, as Matthijs preferred to let things unfold naturally.
3. He could have been a midfielder
De Ligt, now widely recognized as one of the top center-backs in the sport, could have easily pursued a different path, potentially partnering with Gravenberch in the midfield for both his club and the national team. He said, “Until I was 15, I was an attacking midfielder. I played a lot in midfield, I scored some goals, gave some assists, and then suddenly they said to me it would be better for my career to go one position back, to centre-back.”
“At the beginning, I was thinking: ‘I don’t like being a defender,’ but now I’m starting to realise that the way I was brought up like a midfielder is helping me. So I’m really happy that this was the development I had to go through.”
4. First defender to win the Golden Boy award
De Ligt achieved a significant milestone in 2018 by winning the highly regarded Golden Boy award, surpassing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Justin Kluivert. This notable accomplishment established him as the first-ever defender to receive this esteemed recognition.
He said, “I’m really happy and also very proud to have won this trophy, particularly when I look at who has won it before me. It’s almost incredible to see my name added to a list that includes Pogba, Mbappe, Messi and van der Vaart. Amazing.”
“I’m delighted to become the first defender to win this prize, and knowing that only forwards or midfielders have won it so far makes it all the more special. Usually, you see forwards or midfielders in the photos so this means a lot for me since I play a different role.”
5. Youngest captain in a UEFA Champions League knockout game in 2019
At the young age of 19 years and 186 days, De Ligt took on the captaincy role in a significant match against the renowned European team, Real Madrid, in February 2019. This extraordinary achievement not only made him the youngest player to ever lead Ajax but also granted him the privilege of captaining a team in a UEFA Champions League knockout match.
6. Youngest Ajax player in history to play 100th game
On February 27, 2019, De Ligt made history as the youngest player ever to reach his 100th official game for Ajax. It was a remarkable achievement for the talented youngster, who played a crucial role in Ajax’s 3-0 triumph over Feyenoord in the Dutch Cup.
7. Youngest debutant for Netherlands
At just 17 years old, De Ligt marked his entrance onto the international stage with a sensational senior debut for the Netherlands. It was during a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bulgaria that he showcased his immense talent. Not only did he become the youngest player to represent the country since 1931, but he also earned the title of Oranje’s youngest full debutant.
8. His role model is Cristiano Ronaldo
During his formative years, De Ligt held Cristiano Ronaldo in high regard, and fate would bring them together as teammates at Juventus for a span of two seasons. In a recent interview with Dutch publication VI, the 23-year-old recounted a childhood anecdote.
“I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we were playing football in the garden. That was especially in his time when he played at Manchester United. My first football shirt also belonged to him from that time.”
9. Why he has been nicknamed ‘Fatty’
De Ligt earned the moniker ‘Fatty’ owing to his towering height (6ft 2in) and robust build. Additionally, during his time at Ajax, there were rumors linking him to Manchester United. However, a Daily Mirror report revealed that a scout had cautioned the Red Devils against signing De Ligt, citing concerns about his potential weight gain in the future, similar to his father.
10. He learned from the best
De Ligt’s deliberate blend of traditional and contemporary styles is evident in Ajax’s tendency to play young players in different positions. This is not a random occurrence, as confirmed by his recent teammates. De Ligt not only teams up with Virgil van Dijk for the national team, but also plays alongside the respected Italian duo of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at Juventus. These influential figures offer De Ligt a valuable learning opportunity, which he acknowledges himself.
