When we look at Frenkie de Jong, it's easy to see talent. But what we may not know is that his journey began in a small Dutch town called Arkel. From a young age, we can see how much love he had for football.

He joined Willem II’s youth team in 2004 and stayed there for over a decade, sharpening his dribbling, passing, and reading of the game. Even as a teen, we could already feel his unique style—calm under pressure, smooth with the ball, and always thinking ahead.

The Willem II Debut

In 2015, De Jong made his professional debut for Willem II. While he only played one match that season, it was the beginning of his professional journey. That same year, he transferred to Ajax, one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious clubs. Though he was briefly loaned back to Willem II, it was clear that bigger things were coming.

Shining at Ajax

At Ajax, we saw De Jong go from a promising youngster to a star. During the 2016/17 season, he was named the Best Young Talent in the second division. He got his big break when promoted to the senior team, even playing in the Europa League final in 2017. By the 2018/19 season, he had become the heartbeat of Ajax's midfield. That year, Ajax won the Dutch league and the national cup, and reached the Champions League semi-finals. His performance against Real Madrid—especially outshining Luka Modrić—put him on the map in Europe.

A Big Move to Barcelona

In 2019, De Jong made a high-profile move to Barcelona for €75 million. As fans, we were excited to see him wear the number 21 shirt and join legends of the club. His ability to carry the ball, create space, and link defense to attack fits Barcelona’s style perfectly. He became the 20th Dutch player to represent the club, continuing a rich legacy of Dutch talent in Catalonia.

Taking Charge in the National Team

De Jong also became a key player for the Dutch national team. He made his debut in 2018 and quickly became a regular. Whether it was assisting Memphis Depay in a match against Peru or bossing the midfield against France, his presence was felt. In the 2019 UEFA Nations League, he played every minute of the final rounds and was named the tournament's Best Young Player. In 2022, he was part of the Dutch squad for the World Cup, and even though he was selected for Euro 2024, an unfortunate ankle injury forced him to withdraw.

Playing Style That Inspires

What makes De Jong special? As we watch him, we notice that he's not just a passer or a dribbler—he's a complete midfielder. Comfortable as a defensive midfielder, center-back, or even as a box-to-box player, he’s flexible and reliable. His ability to move the ball forward with ease and precision makes him essential for any team. Even football stars like Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, and Marc Overmars have praised him for his vision, calmness, and control.

A Calm Leader on and off the Ball

We admire how De Jong plays without panic. Whether surrounded by defenders or starting a counter-attack from deep, he keeps his cool. His footwork is smooth, and his positioning shows maturity beyond his years. Watching him play reminds us of legends like Xavi and Iniesta—intelligent, unselfish, and effective. He’s a quiet leader, letting his performance do the talking.

Overcoming Challenges and Growing Stronger

Despite injuries and intense competition in top-level football, De Jong has continued to push forward. From switching positions at Ajax to adapting to a more demanding role in Barcelona, he’s grown in both skill and mindset. When the Dutch national team needed someone to build from the back and control the tempo, De Jong was the go-to guy.

What’s Next for Frenkie?

Now in his late 20s, De Jong is entering the prime of his career. With experience in both domestic leagues and international tournaments, we can expect more highlights ahead. Will he lead Barcelona back to European glory? Can he help the Netherlands win a major title? Time will tell—but we’ll surely be watching.

Let’s Celebrate Genius, Together

To all Lykkers out there—what excites you most about Frenkie de Jong's style? Is it the way he glides past opponents, delivers precise passes, or leads from deep with quiet confidence? Let’s keep celebrating players like him who turn every match into something special.

We’ll be watching every step of his journey. Will you join us?