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Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Manchester United and the Netherlands national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Matthijs de Ligt is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Manchester United and the Netherlands FC. Born in 1999 in Leiderdorp, he came through Ajax’s youth system. He has also played for Juventus and Bayern Munich, and has been a senior international for the Netherlands since 2017.

Early life and youth career

De Ligt was born in Leiderdorp and began playing football at FC Abcoude before joining Ajax’s youth setup. He developed through Ajax’s academy system before reaching the first team.

Club career

He made his senior breakthrough at Ajax and later played for Juventus and Bayern Munich before moving to Manchester United in 2024. His transfer to Manchester United followed his spell in the Bundesliga with Bayern.

International career

De Ligt became a senior Netherlands international in 2017. He has been selected for major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

Playing style

He is a central defender known for aggressive tackling, aerial strength, physicality and leadership. Sources also list him as right-footed.

Key facts

  • He plays primarily as a centre-back.
  • He joined Manchester United in August 2024.
  • He has represented the Netherlands at senior international level since 2017.
  • His club career has included Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
  • He is widely noted for strength, aerial ability and leadership.
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Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is evident beyond general interest among Canadian soccer readers.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Matthijs de Ligt play?
He plays as a centre-back, or central defender.
Which club does Matthijs de Ligt currently play for?
He plays for Manchester United.
When was Matthijs de Ligt born?
He was born on 12 August 1999.
Which national team does he represent?
He represents the Netherlands national team.
Which clubs has he played for?
His senior club career has included Ajax, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
When did he become a senior international?
He has been a full Netherlands international since 2017.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthijs_de_Ligt
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, position, current club, and general career overview.
  2. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.com/matthijs-de-ligt/profil/spieler/326031
    Supports: Date of birth, place of birth, height, position, current club, joined date, contract, youth clubs.
  3. Manchester United — https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/matthijs-de-ligt
    Supports: Current club, position, nationality, date of birth, joined date, and debut information.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/239349/matthijs-de-ligt
    Supports: Player profile, club, position, nationality, and physical details.