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{{Short description|Dutch footballer (born 1999)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{short description|Dutch footballer}}
{{family name hatnote|de Ligt|Ligt|lang=Dutch}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Dutch name|de Ligt|Ligt}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Matthijs de Ligt
| name = Matthijs de Ligt
| image = 2022-07-30 Fußball, Männer, DFL-Supercup, RB Leipzig - FC Bayern München Matthijs de Ligt (cropped).jpg
| fullname = Matthijs de Ligt
| caption = De Ligt with [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] in 2022
| image = [[File:Matthijs de Ligt 2018.jpg|200px]]
| full_name = Matthijs de Ligt<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4110099 |title=2024/25 Premier League squad lists |publisher=Premier League |date=13 September 2024 |access-date=14 September 2024}}</ref>
| caption = De Ligt in training with [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in 2018
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|8|12|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fdp.fifa.org/assetspublic/ce44/pdf/SquadLists-English.pdf |title=Squad List: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Netherlands (NED) |publisher=FIFA |page=20 |date=18 December 2022 |access-date=4 October 2024}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1999|8|12}}
| birth_place = [[Leiderdorp]], Netherlands
| birth_place = [[Leiderdorp]], Netherlands
| height = 1.89 m<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/teams/ajax-1/selectie/speler/matthijs-de-ligt.htm|title=Matthijs de Ligt|publisher=Ajax.nl}}</ref>
| height = 1.87 m<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/20226/Matthijs-de-Ligt/overview |title=Matthijs de Ligt: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=4 October 2024}}</ref>
| position = [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|Centre back]]
| position = [[Centre-back]]
| currentclub = [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
| currentclub = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| clubnumber = 4
| clubnumber = 4
| youthyears1 = 2008–2016
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
| youthclubs1 = Abcoude
| youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}–2016
| youthclubs2 = [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
| years1 = 2016–2017
| years1 = 2016–2017
| clubs1 = [[Jong Ajax]]
| clubs1 = [[Jong Ajax]]
| caps1 = 17
| caps1 = 17
| goals1 = 1
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2016–
| years2 = 2016–2019
| clubs2 = [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
| clubs2 = [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
| caps2 = 77
| caps2 = 77
| goals2 = 8|
| goals2 = 8
| caps3 = -
| years3 = 2019–2022
| clubs3 = [[Juventus FC|Juventus]]
| goals3 = -
| caps3 = 87
| nationalyears1 = 2014–2015
| goals3 = 8
| years4 = 2022–2024
| clubs4 = [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]]
| caps4 = 53
| goals4 = 5
| years5 = 2024–
| clubs5 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| caps5 = 13
| goals5 = 1
| nationalyears1 = 2014
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalteam1 = [[Netherlands national under-17 football team|Netherlands U15]]
| nationalteam1 = Netherlands U15
| nationalyears2 = 2014–2015
| nationalyears2 = 2014–2015
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalteam2 = [[Netherlands national under-17 football team|Netherlands U16]]
| nationalteam2 = [[Netherlands national under-16 football team|Netherlands U16]]
| nationalyears3 = 2015–2016
| nationalyears3 = 2015–2016
| nationalcaps3 = 14
| nationalcaps3 = 14
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalteam3 = [[Netherlands national under-17 football team|Netherlands U17]]
| nationalteam3 = [[Netherlands national under-17 football team|Netherlands U17]]
| nationalyears4 = 2016–
| nationalyears4 = 2016
| nationalcaps4 = 6
| nationalcaps4 = 6
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalteam4 = [[Netherlands national under-19 football team|Netherlands U19]]
| nationalteam4 = [[Netherlands national under-19 football team|Netherlands U19]]
| nationalyears5 = 2017–
| nationalyears5 = 2017–
| nationalcaps5 = 15
| nationalcaps5 = 49
| nationalgoals5 = 1
| nationalgoals5 = 2
| nationalteam5 = [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]
| nationalteam5 = [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
| club-update = 10:36, 16 May 2019 (UTC)
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|NED}}}}
| nationalteam-update = 21:59, 24 March 2019 (UTC)
{{Medal|Comp|[[UEFA Nations League]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2019 UEFA Nations League Finals|2019 Portugal]]|}}|
| club-update = 15:28, 1 December 2024 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 23:56, 19 November 2024 (UTC)
}}
}}
'''Matthijs de Ligt''' (born 12 August 1999) is a Dutch professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[centre-back]] for [[Premier League]] club [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands national team]]. He is known for his strength, leadership, aggressiveness and tackling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthijs de Ligt: The Emergence of Bayern Munich's New Defensive Rock |url=https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/matthijs-de-ligt-the-emergence-of-bayern-munichs-new-defensive-rock/ |access-date=19 February 2023 |website=Breaking The Lines}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 March 2022 |title=New stat reveals why De Ligt might be the best defender in Serie A |url=https://www.juvefc.com/new-stat-reveals-why-de-ligt-might-be-the-best-defender-in-serie-a/ |access-date=19 February 2023 |website=Juvefc.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Matt |title=Leonardo Bonucci: Matthijs de Ligt 'Will Become the Best Defender in the World' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859607-leonardo-bonucci-matthijs-de-ligt-will-become-the-best-defender-in-the-world |access-date=19 February 2023 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>


De Ligt made his debut for [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]'s senior team in September 2016 in a cup game against [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]. He scored from a corner after 25 minutes, making him the club's second-youngest goalscorer ever behind [[Clarence Seedorf]].<ref name=":0" /> On 24 May 2017, De Ligt became the youngest ever player (aged 17 years and 285 days) to appear in a considerable European final when he started against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the [[2017 UEFA Europa League final|Europa League final]].<ref name=":1" /> In December 2018, he won the [[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]] award given to the year's best footballer in Europe under the age of 21, becoming the first defender to do so.<ref name=":2" /> The [[2018–19 AFC Ajax season|following season]], De Ligt helped Ajax capture a [[Double (association football)|domestic double]] and reach the semi-finals of the [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].
'''Matthijs de Ligt''' ({{IPA-nl|ˈmɑˈtɛi̯s ˈdə ˈlɪxt}}; born 12 August 1999) is a Dutch professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]] for [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]], who he captains, and the [[Netherlands national football team]].<ref name="soccerway">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/|title=Netherlands – M. de Ligt – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway|publisher=soccerway.com|accessdate=8 August 2016}}</ref>


De Ligt's performances earned him a move to [[Serie A]] club [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] in 2019, shortly before being awarded the [[Kopa Trophy]] for world's best under-21 player of the year. He would go on to help the Turin side retain the [[2019–20 Serie A|league title]] in his first season and reclaim the [[2020–21 Coppa Italia|Italian Cup]] in his second. After three years in Italy, De Ligt would then join Bundesliga champions [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] in 2022, again capturing a [[2022–23 Bundesliga|league title]] in his commencement campaign.
On 21 September 2016, de Ligt made his debut for Ajax's senior team in a cup game against [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]. He scored from a corner after 25 minutes, making him the second-youngest goalscorer ever behind [[Clarence Seedorf]].<ref name=":0" /> On 24 May, he became the youngest player ever (17 years and 285 days old) to play in a major European final when he started against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the [[2017 UEFA Europa League Final]].<ref name=":1" /> On 17 December 2018, de Ligt won the [[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]] award, becoming the first defender to win the award.<ref name=":2" />


In 2017, de Ligt made his debut for the Netherlands at the age of 17, making him the youngest player to start for the national team since 1931.<ref name=":3" />
In 2017, De Ligt made his debut for the Netherlands at the age of 17, making him the youngest player to start for the national team since 1931.<ref name=":3" /> He featured for the side at [[UEFA Euro 2020]] and the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]].


==Club career==
==Club career==
===Ajax===
===Ajax===
[[File:Matthijs_de_Ligt.jpg|thumb|De Ligt in training with [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in 2016
De Ligt joined the Ajax youth academy when he was 9 years old from his local club in [[Abcoude]], just outside of [[Amsterdam]]. At first the coaches at the youth academy thought he was too slow and out of shape, but he was given a chance to develop in the academy and went on to prove his quality.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/netherlands/449/blog/post/3700379/matthijs-de-ligt-frenkie-de-jong-are-stars-on-the-radar-of-barcelona-manchester-city-juventus| title = Believe the hype: Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong are next big stars on radar of Barca, Man City | publisher = espn.com| accessdate = 11 December 2018}}</ref>
|left|225x225px]]


De Ligt joined the Ajax youth academy when he was nine years old from his local club in [[Abcoude]], just outside of [[Amsterdam]]. At first, the coaches at the youth academy thought he was too slow and out of shape, but he was given a chance to develop in the academy and went on to prove his quality.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/netherlands/449/blog/post/3700379/matthijs-de-ligt-frenkie-de-jong-are-stars-on-the-radar-of-barcelona-manchester-city-juventus| title = Believe the hype: Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong are next big stars on radar of Barca, Man City | date = 14 November 2018 | publisher = ESPN | access-date = 11 December 2018}}</ref>
====2016–17: Jong Ajax and development====
He made his debut for Jong Ajax on 8 August 2016 in an [[Eerste Divisie]] game against [[FC Emmen]], playing the full game.<ref name="soccerway2">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/08/08/netherlands/eerste-divisie/jong-ajax/fc-emmen/2240573/|title=Jong Ajax vs. Emmen – 8 August 2016 – Soccerway|publisher=soccerway.com|accessdate=8 August 2016}}</ref> During the season, de Ligt played in 17 matches for Jong Ajax.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/ | title = matthijs-de-ligt career | publisher = uk.soccerway.com| accessdate = 11 December 2018}}</ref>


====2014–15: Jong Ajax and development====
On 21 September, de Ligt made his debut for Ajax's senior team in a cup game against [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]. He scored from a corner after 25 minutes, making him the second-youngest goalscorer ever behind [[Clarence Seedorf]]; Ajax won the game 5–0.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/de-ligt-jongste-scorende-ajacied-na-seedorf.htm|title=De Ligt jongste scorende Ajacied na Seedorf|publisher=Ajax.nl}}</ref> On 24 October, Ajax announced through [[Twitter]] that de Ligt had been promoted to the senior squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/de-ligt.htm|title=Mooi nieuws voor Matthijs de Ligt: Peter Bosz heeft de verdediger per direct aan de A-selectie toegevoegd.|publisher=Ajax.nl}}</ref>
He made his debut for [[Jong Ajax]] on 8 August 2014 in an [[Eerste Divisie]] game against [[FC Emmen|Emmen]], playing the full game.<ref name="soccerway2">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/08/08/netherlands/eerste-divisie/jong-ajax/fc-emmen/2240573/|title=Jong Ajax vs. Emmen – 8 August 2016 – Soccerway|publisher=soccerway.com|access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref> During the season, De Ligt played in 17 matches for Jong Ajax.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/ | title = matthijs-de-ligt career | publisher = uk.soccerway.com| access-date = 11 December 2018}}</ref>


On 21 September, De Ligt made his debut for Ajax's senior team in a cup game against [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]. He scored from a corner after 25 minutes, making him the second-youngest goalscorer ever behind [[Clarence Seedorf]]; Ajax won the game 5–0.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/de-ligt-jongste-scorende-ajacied-na-seedorf.htm|title=De Ligt jongste scorende Ajacied na Seedorf|publisher=Ajax.nl}}</ref> On 24 October, Ajax announced through [[Twitter]] that De Ligt had been promoted to the senior squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/de-ligt.htm|title=Mooi nieuws voor Matthijs de Ligt: Peter Bosz heeft de verdediger per direct aan de A-selectie toegevoegd.|publisher=Ajax.nl}}</ref>
De Ligt quickly established himself in the first team after being promoted and went on to play in 11 league matches and nine in the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/ | title = matthijs-de-ligt career | publisher = uk.soccerway.com | accessdate = 11 December 2018}}</ref> On 24 May, he became the youngest player ever (17 years and 285 days old) to play in a major European final when he started against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the [[2017 UEFA Europa League Final]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/867520414821621760/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E867520414821621760&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uefa.com%2Fuefaeuropaleague%2Fhistory%2Fseason%3D2017%2Fmatches%2Fround%3D2000797%2Fmatch%3D2019702%2Fevents%2Findex.html | title = Youngest player to ever play a European final: Matthijs de Ligt. | publisher = twitter.com | accessdate = 12 December 2018}}</ref>

De Ligt quickly entrenched himself in the first team after being promoted and went on to play in 11 league matches and nine in the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]].<ref name="matthijs-de-ligt career">{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/ | title = matthijs-de-ligt career | publisher = uk.soccerway.com | access-date = 11 December 2018}}</ref> On 24 May, he became the youngest player ever (17 years and 285 days old) to play in a major European final when he started against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the [[2017 UEFA Europa League Final]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/867520414821621760/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E867520414821621760&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uefa.com%2Fuefaeuropaleague%2Fhistory%2Fseason%3D2017%2Fmatches%2Fround%3D2000797%2Fmatch%3D2019702%2Fevents%2Findex.html | title = Youngest player to ever play a European final: Matthijs de Ligt. | via = Twitter | access-date = 12 December 2018}}</ref>


====2017–19: Breakthrough and captaincy====
====2017–19: Breakthrough and captaincy====
[[File:Matthijs de Ligt 2018.jpg|thumb|254x254px|De Ligt in training with Ajax in 2018]]
After the sale of [[Davinson Sánchez]] to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in August 2017, de Ligt became a first team starter. He was named the youngest captain of Ajax in March 2018 after injury to club captain [[Joel Veltman]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/de-ligt-als-de-nieuwe-norm-bij-ajax~a3400a69/ | title = De Ligt als de nieuwe norm bij Ajax | publisher = Algemeen Dagblad | accessdate = 11 December 2018|language=Dutch}}</ref>
After the sale of [[Davinson Sánchez]] to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in August 2017, De Ligt became a first-team starter. He was named the youngest [[Captain (association football)|captain]] of Ajax in March 2018 after injury to club captain [[Joël Veltman]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/de-ligt-als-de-nieuwe-norm-bij-ajax~a3400a69/ | title = De Ligt als de nieuwe norm bij Ajax | publisher = Algemeen Dagblad | access-date = 11 December 2018|language=nl}}</ref>


De Ligt appeared in 37 matches in all competitions and scored three goals. He started in all of his 31 league matches and played 90 minutes in all but one of them (he was substituted in the 33rd minute against [[Vitesse Arnhem]] due to an injury).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/ | title = matthijs-de-ligt career | publisher = uk.soccerway.com | accessdate = 11 December 2018}}</ref> Due to de Ligt's performances for Ajax, he was linked with many of Europe's top clubs.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.skysports.com/football/news/21476/11207573/matthijs-de-ligt-profile-how-good-is-the-teenage-ajax-defender | title = Matthijs de Ligt profile: How good is the teenage Ajax defender? | publisher = skysports.com | accessdate = 11 December 2018}}</ref>
De Ligt appeared in 37 matches in all competitions and scored three goals. He started in all of his 31 league matches and played 90 minutes in all but one of them (he was substituted in the 33rd minute against [[SBV Vitesse|Vitesse]] due to an injury).<ref name="matthijs-de-ligt career"/> Due to De Ligt's performances for Ajax, he was linked with many of Europe's top clubs.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.skysports.com/football/news/21476/11207573/matthijs-de-ligt-profile-how-good-is-the-teenage-ajax-defender | title = Matthijs de Ligt profile: How good is the teenage Ajax defender? | website = Sky sports | access-date = 11 December 2018}}</ref>


On 17 December 2018, de Ligt won the [[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]] award, becoming the first defender to win the award.<ref name=":2">{{cite web | url = http://global.espn.com/soccer/ajax-amsterdam/story/3730377/ajaxs-matthijs-de-ligt-beats-trent-alexander-arnold-to-golden-boy-award | title = Ajax's Matthijs De Ligt beats Trent Alexander-Arnold to Golden Boy award | publisher = soccernet.com | accessdate = 17 December 2018}}</ref> On 13 February 2019, de Ligt became the youngest ever captain in a [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] knockout game at 19 years and 186 days old, in a game against [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-matthijs-de-ligt-becomes-the-youngest-captain-in-a-ucl-knockout-game-20190213 | title = Matthijs de Ligt Becomes The Youngest Captain In A Champions League Knockout Game | publisher = sportbible.com}}</ref> On 27 February 2019, he played his 100th official game for Ajax in a 0–3 [[Klassieker]] win against [[Feyenoord]] in the [[KNVB Cup|Dutch national cup]], becoming the youngest Ajax player ever to reach this milestone.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/bijzaken-en-geruchten/119856/de-ligt-jongste-speler-ooit-in-club-van-100 | title = De Ligt jongste speler ooit in Club van 100 | publisher = ajaxshowtime.com}}</ref>
On 17 December 2018, De Ligt won the [[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]] award, becoming the first defender to win the award.<ref name=":2">{{cite web | url = http://global.espn.com/soccer/ajax-amsterdam/story/3730377/ajaxs-matthijs-de-ligt-beats-trent-alexander-arnold-to-golden-boy-award | title = Ajax's Matthijs De Ligt beats Trent Alexander-Arnold to Golden Boy award | date = 17 December 2018 | publisher = soccernet.com | access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> On 13 February 2019, De Ligt became the youngest ever captain in a [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] knockout game at 19 years and 186 days old, in a game against [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-matthijs-de-ligt-becomes-the-youngest-captain-in-a-ucl-knockout-game-20190213 | title = Matthijs de Ligt Becomes The Youngest Captain In A Champions League Knockout Game | publisher = sportbible.com | date = 13 February 2019 }}</ref> On 27 February 2019, he played his 100th official game for Ajax in a 0–3 [[Klassieker]] win against [[Feyenoord]] in the [[KNVB Cup|Dutch national cup]], becoming the youngest Ajax player ever to reach this milestone.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/bijzaken-en-geruchten/119856/de-ligt-jongste-speler-ooit-in-club-van-100 | title = De Ligt jongste speler ooit in Club van 100 | date = 28 February 2019 | publisher = ajaxshowtime.com}}</ref>


On 16 April 2019, De Ligt scored the winning goal in the Champions League quarter-final against [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]] to send Ajax on to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since the [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League|1996–97]] edition of the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Stuart |title=Matthijs de Ligt strikes decisive header for Ajax to overcome Juventus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/16/juventus-ajax-champions-league-match-report |accessdate=16 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ajax eliminate Ronaldo's Juve with scintillating display |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-champions-juv-aja-report/ajax-eliminate-ronaldos-juve-with-scintillating-display-idUKKCN1RS299 |website=Reuters |accessdate=16 April 2019 |date=16 April 2019}}</ref> His goal also saw him become the youngest Dutch player to score in the knockout stages since [[Nordin Wooter]] in 1996 and the second-youngest ever defender to score after [[Joël Matip]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/were-not-satisfied-de-ligt-claims-ajax-arent-done-chasing/ef6yejq10e1p17uvb0sjkgaah|title='We're not satisfied' - De Ligt claims Ajax aren't done chasing Champions League dream|publisher=Goal|last=Dorman|first=Matt|date=17 April 2019|accessdate=17 April 2019}}</ref>
On 16 April 2019, De Ligt scored the winning goal in the Champions League quarter-final against [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] to send Ajax on to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since the [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League|1996–97]] edition of the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Stuart |title=Matthijs de Ligt strikes decisive header for Ajax to overcome Juventus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/16/juventus-ajax-champions-league-match-report |access-date=16 April 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ajax eliminate Ronaldo's Juve with scintillating display |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-champions-juv-aja-report/ajax-eliminate-ronaldos-juve-with-scintillating-display-idUKKCN1RS299 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416215652/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-champions-juv-aja-report/ajax-eliminate-ronaldos-juve-with-scintillating-display-idUKKCN1RS299 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2019 |website=Reuters |access-date=16 April 2019 |date=16 April 2019}}</ref> His goal also saw him become the youngest Dutch player to score in the knockout stages since [[Nordin Wooter]] in 1996 and the second-youngest ever defender to score after [[Joël Matip]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/were-not-satisfied-de-ligt-claims-ajax-arent-done-chasing/ef6yejq10e1p17uvb0sjkgaah|title='We're not satisfied' - De Ligt claims Ajax aren't done chasing Champions League dream|website=Goal.com |last=Dorman|first=Matt|date=17 April 2019|access-date=17 April 2019}}</ref>

===Juventus===
[[File:Deligt-juventus-2019 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|De Ligt playing for [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] in 2019]]

On 18 July 2019, De Ligt signed for [[Serie A]] champions [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] on a five-year contract for a fee of €75&nbsp;million, to be paid in five annual installments, with additional costs of €10.5&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2019/de-ligt-is-bianconero.php |title=De Ligt is Bianconero! |publisher=Juventus F.C. |date=18 July 2019 |access-date=27 July 2019}}</ref> He made his official debut for the club in a 4–3 home win over [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]] in Serie A on 31 August.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49537181 |title=Juventus–Napoli 4–3 |website=BBC Sport |last1=Begley |first1=Emlyn |date=31 August 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019 }}</ref> On 3 November, he scored his first for the club in a 1–0 away win over cross-city rivals [[Torino F.C.|Torino]] in the ''[[Derby della Mole]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50274974 |title=Torino 0–1 Juventus |website=BBC Sport |date=2 November 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142474 |title=Torino 0 - 1 Juventus |publisher=Football Italia |date=2 November 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019 }}</ref>

===Bayern Munich===
On 19 July 2022, De Ligt signed for [[Bundesliga]] champions [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] on five-year contract for a reported initial fee of €67&nbsp;million, potentially rising to €77&nbsp;million in add-ons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2022/07/fc-bayern-complete-transfer-of-matthijs-de-ligt |title=FC Bayern complete transfer of Matthijs de Ligt |publisher=FC Bayern Munich |date=19 July 2022 |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4702921/bayern-munich-complete-signing-of-matthijs-de-ligt-from-juventus |title=Bayern Munich complete signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus |publisher=ESPN |date=19 July 2022 |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref> On 21 August, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 7–0 away win over [[VfL Bochum|Bochum]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/bochum-bayern-munich-live-team-news-match-stats-mane-de-ligt-sane-muller-20934 |title=Sadio Mane at the double for irresistible Bayern Munich in Bochum |publisher=Bundesliga |date=21 August 2022 }}</ref>

On 8 March 2023, at the [[2022–23 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] round of 16 second leg, he made a goal-line clearance against [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]], after goalkeeper [[Yann Sommer]] lost the ball under pressure, to keep the goalless draw and scoreline at 1–0 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vurley |first=Callum |url=https://talksport.com/football/1356029/bayern-munich-sommer-matthijs-de-ligt-goal-clearance-champions-league/ |title=Matthijs de Ligt celebrates goal-line clearance with roar after Yann Sommer's moment of madness in Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain |work=talkSPORT |date=8 March 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hunsley |first=James |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/watch-matthijs-de-ligt-bayern-munich-goal-line-clearance-yann-sommer-psg/blt933c07c3a0013838 |title=WATCH: Matthijs de Ligt to the rescue! Bayern Munich star makes STUNNING goal-line clearance to save Yann Sommer's blushes against PSG |work=Goal.com |date=8 March 2023 }}</ref> The match ended in a 2–0 victory and qualification to the quarter-final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Da Silva |first=Michael |url=https://www.dw.com/en/bayern-munich-expose-psg-as-messi-departs-the-stage/a-64917074 |title=Bayern Munich expose PSG as Messi departs the stage |work=DW |date=9 March 2023 }}</ref> On 8 April, he scored the only goal from {{convert|25|yd}} in a 1–0 away win over [[SC Freiburg|Freiburg]], four days after a 2–1 defeat against the same opponent in the [[2022–23 DFB-Pokal|DFB-Pokal]] quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65221423 |title=SC Freiburg 0–1 Bayern Munich |work=BBC Sport |date=8 April 2023 }}</ref> That strike was voted Bayern's goal of the month in the Bundesliga.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2023/05/april-goal-of-the-month |title=FC Bayern April Goal of the Month {{!}} Matthijs de Ligt |work=FC Bayern Munich |date=14 May 2023 }}</ref> He was also voted player of the month in both March and April.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2023/05/matthijs-de-ligt-named-fc-bayern-player-of-the-month-for-april-2023 |title=Matthijs de Ligt named Player of the Month for April 2023 |work=FC Bayern Munich |date=May 2023 }}</ref>

In the first half of the [[2023–24 FC Bayern Munich season|2023–24 season]], he sustained recurring injuries in his right knee, which led to him being surpassed by [[Dayot Upamecano]] and [[Kim Min-jae (footballer)|Kim Min-jae]] in the starting lineup under coach [[Thomas Tuchel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/de-ligt-unhappy-bayern-tuchel/blt852ddda91a216b85 |title=Matthijs De Ligt is not happy with Thomas Tuchel! Dutchman furious over playing time under new manager |work=Goal.com |date=22 September 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/bundesliga/articles/major-matthijs-de-ligt-injury-blow-for-bayern-munich-2023-11-02 |title=Major Matthijs de Ligt injury blow for Bayern Munich |work=beIN SPORTS |date=2 November 2023 }}</ref> During the latter part of the season, de Ligt forged a robust partnership with newly acquired [[Eric Dier]], contributing significantly to the club's advancement in the [[2023–24 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sport.sky.de/fussball/artikel/eric-dier-und-matthijs-de-ligt-ueberzeugen-in-der-abwehr-des-bayern/13088302/33896 |title=Das Überraschungs-Traumpaar in Bayerns Defensive |work=Sky Sport |language=de |date=6 March 2024 }}</ref>

=== Manchester United ===
In the 2024 summer [[transfer window]], De Ligt attracted substantial interest from several top European clubs, particularly [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]. On 9 July 2024, it was reported that De Ligt had agreed personal terms with the Manchester side and a transfer looked likely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luckhurst |first=Samuel |date=9 July 2024 |title=Matthijs de Ligt agrees personal terms with Manchester United |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/matthijs-de-ligt-agrees-personal-29502564 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=Manchester Evening News }}</ref> It was reported a transfer worth an initial €45&nbsp;million plus €5&nbsp;million in bonuses was agreed between the two clubs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ornstein |first=David |title=Man United reach agreement to sign De Ligt |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5692487/2024/08/10/manchester-united-de-ligt-transfer/ |date=10 August 2024 |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 13 August, Manchester United confirmed the transfer, with De Ligt signing a five-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Manchester United complete the signing of Matthijs de Ligt |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-complete-signing-of-defender-matthijs-de-ligt-from-bayern-munich |date=13 August 2024 |access-date=13 August 2024 |publisher=Manchester United }}</ref> On 16 August, he made his debut for the club in a 1–0 win, as a substitute, against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] in the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/match-report-for-man-utd-v-fulham-in-the-premier-league-16-august-2024 |title=Match report: United 1 Fulham 0|website=manutd.com|date=16 August 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stone |first1=Simon |title=Man Utd 1–0 Fulham: Zirkzee scores late winner on debut as Man Utd beat Fulham in opener |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cr40634rz5wt |website=BBC Sport |access-date=17 August 2024 |date=16 August 2024}}</ref> On 14 September, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–0 win against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] at [[St Mary's Stadium]] in the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/match-report-southampton-v-man-utd-14-september-2024 |title=Match report: Southampton 0 United 3 |website=manutd.com |date=14 September 2024 |last1=Carney |first1=Sam }}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
De Ligt played youth international football for the Netherlands at under-15,<ref>{{cite web |title=Uitslagen |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185192/uitslagen |website=onsoranje.nl |access-date=14 September 2024}}</ref> [[Netherlands national under-16 football team|under-16]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Matthijs de Ligt Jeugd mannen onder 16 |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185191/speler/302 |website=onsoranje.nl |access-date=14 September 2024}}</ref> [[Netherlands national under-17 football team|under-17]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Matthijs de Ligt Jeugd mannen onder 17 |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/184965/speler/302 |website=onsoranje.nl |access-date=14 September 2024}}</ref> and [[Netherlands national under-19 football team|under-19]] levels.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matthijs de Ligt Jeugd mannen onder 19 |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185189/speler/302 |website=onsoranje.nl |access-date=14 September 2024}}</ref>
On 25 March 2017, de Ligt made his debut for the [[Netherlands national football team|Dutch national team]] in a 2–0 away defeat to [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] in a [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group A|2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]] match. National team coach, [[Danny Blind]], called de Ligt up for the national team despite having only started two league games for Ajax. At the age of 17, he became the youngest player to start for the national team since 1931.<ref name=":3">{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/25/holland-bulgaria-matthis-de-ligt-nightmare-debut | title = Matthijs de Ligt suffers nightmare debut as Holland are stunned by Bulgaria | publisher = theguardian.com | accessdate = 12 December 2018}}</ref>

On 25 March 2017, De Ligt made his debut for the senior [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands national team]] in a 2–0 away defeat to [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] during [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group A|2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]]. At the age of 17, he became the youngest player to start for the national team since 1931.<ref name=":3">{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/25/holland-bulgaria-matthis-de-ligt-nightmare-debut | title = Matthijs de Ligt suffers nightmare debut as Holland are stunned by Bulgaria | newspaper = The Guardian | access-date = 12 December 2018}}</ref> He was sent off in his second appearance – a 2–1 friendly win over [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] on 17 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/report?gameId=475659|title=Netherlands vs. Germany - Football Match Report - March 24, 2019|date=24 March 2019|access-date=7 June 2024|website=ESPN}}</ref>

During the group stage of the [[2018–19 UEFA Nations League A|2018–19 UEFA Nations League]], De Ligt started and played 90 minutes in all four matches against [[Germany national football team|Germany]] and [[France national football team|France]].

On 24 March 2019, De Ligt scored his first goal for the Netherlands in a 3–2 loss to [[Germany national football team|Germany]] during [[UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/19692/11674221/netherlands-2-3-germany-germany-leave-it-late-in-five-goal-thriller|title=Netherlands 2-3 Germany: Germany leave it late in five-goal thriller|date=24 March 2019|access-date=7 June 2024|website=Sky Sports}}</ref>

In May 2019, De Ligt was named in the Netherlands' squad for [[2019 UEFA Nations League Finals|the inaugural Nations League Finals]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/international/europe/uefa-nations-league/20182019/league-a/r45718/ | title = UEFA Nations League | publisher = uk.soccerway.com | access-date = 12 December 2018}}</ref> On 5 June 2019, he scored a header in a 3–1 win against [[England national football team|England]] at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Atkin |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2024420--netherlands-vs-england/postmatch/report/ |title=Netherlands 3-1 England: Nations League at a glance |publisher=UEFA |location=Estádio D. Afonso Henriques |date=6 June 2019 |access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> Four days later, he started alongside captain [[Virgil van Dijk]] in central defence as the Netherlands were defeated 1–0 by hosts [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in [[2019 UEFA Nations League Final|the final]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |author-link=Daniel Taylor (journalist) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/09/portugal-netherlands-nations-league-final-match-report |title=Portugal win Nations League as Gonçalo Guedes does for the Netherlands |newspaper=The Guardian |location=Estádio do Dragão |date=9 June 2019 |access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>

De Ligt was a member of the Netherlands' squad for [[UEFA Euro 2020]]. After missing the team's opening match against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]], he made his tournament debut against [[Austria national football team|Austria]] on 17 June 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/18/matthijs-de-ligt-cool-and-powerful-shows-netherlands-the-way-forward|title=Matthijs de Ligt cool and powerful shows Netherlands the way forward|date=18 June 2021|access-date=7 June 2024|website=The Guardian}}</ref> He was sent off for handball in the Netherlands' 2–0 loss to the [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]] at the round of 16 stage on 27 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57632560 |title=Matthijs de Ligt: Netherlands lost to Czech Republic 'because of what I did' |website=BBC Sport |date=27 June 2021 }}</ref>

On 14 June 2022, De Ligt captained the Netherlands for the first time in a 3–2 win over [[Wales national football team|Wales]] in the [[2022–23 UEFA Nations League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2NV1YE|title= Depay nets late winner as Netherlands beat Wales 3-2 |date=15 June 2022|access-date=7 June 2024|website=Reuters}}</ref>

In November 2022, he was named in the Dutch squad for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], where he started the team's opening match against [[Senegal national football team|Senegal]] and appeared as a substitute in a 3–1 win over the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] in the round of 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3965317/2022/12/03/matthijs-de-ligt-netherlands/|title= Matthijs de Ligt ‘did not expect’ to be starting for Netherlands at World Cup|date=3 December 2022|access-date=7 June 2024|website=The New York Times}}</ref>

After being initially named in the Netherlands' squad for the [[2023 UEFA Nations League Finals]], De Ligt was forced to withdraw due to a calf injury and was replaced by [[Daley Blind]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/calf-injury-knocks-de-ligt-out-nations-league-finals-2023-06-12/|title=Calf injury knocks De Ligt out of Nations League finals|date=12 June 2023|access-date=7 June 2024|website=Reuters}}</ref>

On 29 May 2024, De Ligt was named in the Netherlands' squad for [[UEFA Euro 2024]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5526712/2024/05/29/netherlands-euro-2024-squad-confirmed/|title=Example Title|date=29 May 2024|access-date=7 June 2024|website=The New York Times}}</ref> However, he did not feature in any match throughout the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last=Walsh |first=Sean |url=https://www.90min.com/man-utd-movement-matthijs-de-ligt-following-euro-2024-exit |title=Man Utd make 'movement' for Matthijs de Ligt following Euro 2024 exit |publisher=90min.com |date=11 July 2024 }}</ref>

==Style of play==
De Ligt was considered by pundits to be among the most highly regarded young prospects in world football, as demonstrated by his victory in the 2018 [[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]] award, which is assigned to the most impressive young player in European football.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/21476/11207573/matthijs-de-ligt-profile-how-good-is-the-teenage-ajax-defender|title=Matthijs de Ligt profile: How good is the teenage Ajax defender?|website=Sky Sports|language=en|date=18 January 2018|access-date=8 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/ajax-amsterdam/story/3730377/ajaxs-matthijs-de-ligt-beats-trent-alexander-arnold-to-golden-boy-award|title=De Ligt beats Alexander-Arnold to Golden Boy|publisher=ESPN |date=17 December 2018|access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref>

Having played as an [[attacking midfielder|attacking-midfielder]] in his youth,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025d-0f5b60e3717e-ed6ebf96b8a9-1000--de-ligt-on-the-art-of-defending/ |title=Juventus' Matthijs De Ligt on the art of defending |publisher=UEFA |date=8 May 2020 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref> De Ligt is both a physical and technically gifted right-footed [[centre-back]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/04/28/football/1588100630_027145.html |title=De Boer says De Ligt sprung a surprise by choosing Juventus |publisher=AS.com |date=28 April 2020 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref><ref name="pianetamilan1">{{cite web |url=https://www.pianetamilan.it/calciomercato/calciomercato-milan-mezza-europa-su-de-ligt-ci-sono-anche-i-rossoneri/ |title=Mezza Europa su de Ligt: c'è anche il Milan |publisher=Pianeta Milan |language=it |last1=Triolo |first1=Daniele |date=23 October 2018 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref> who is known for his clean tackling, anticipation, marking, height, strength, speed and accurate passing, which enables him to start attacking plays from the back. His height allows him to be a major threat from [[Set piece (football)|set piece]]s, while his strength means that he is unlikely to be pushed off the ball, particularly in aerial duels.<ref name="pianetamilan1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/matthijs-de-ligt-ajax-tactical-analysis-statistics|title=Tactical analysis: Matthijs de Ligt & his statistics|website=Total Football Analysis Magazine|language=en-GB|date=28 September 2018|access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://outsideoftheboot.com/2017/05/01/scout-report-matthijs-de-ligt/|title=Scout Report: Matthijs De Ligt {{!}} Ajax's Accomplished Defender|website=Outside of the Boot|language=en-US|last=Bremen|first=Griffin O'Neill|date=30 April 2017|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.generazioneditalenti.it/matthijs-de-ligt-1999-olanda/ |title=Matthijs de Ligt: 1999 – Olanda |publisher=Generazione Talenti |language=it |last1=Palma |first1=Massimiliano |date=18 May 2016 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref> His playing style is often compared to that of [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] defender [[Gerard Piqué]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/de-ligt-i-am-similar-to-pique-and-ajaxs-style-is-like-barcelonas-7177657|title=De Ligt: I am similar to Pique... and Ajax's style is like Barcelona's|website=sport|language=en|date=1 December 2018|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/i-am-similar-to-pique-de-ligt-compares-himself-to-spanish/1ld7hq7gfqttq166lx2qsnut99|title=Barcelona news: 'I am similar to Pique' - De Ligt compares himself to Spanish defender amid transfer links |website=Goal.com |date=1 December 2018|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref> he has also been likened to [[Jan Vertonghen]], due to his "similar forward surges, a propensity to create an extra man in midfield, and calmness on the ball," and to compatriot [[Ronald Koeman]], courtesy of his "powerful shot and body strength."<ref name="How brilliant is"/>

A 2019 ''[[UEFA]].com'' profile described De Ligt as a "natural leader [who] is an elegant two-footed central defender. Dominant in the air, he is blessed with strength, fine distribution and composure, and is able to play out from the back thanks to his confidence in possession, while his intelligent positioning helps him deny pacy forwards. With his ability to read the game, he could even play in midfield. His leadership also stands him out: he was 18 when he was made Ajax skipper."<ref name="How brilliant is"/> That same year, Paul Wilkes of ''[[The Independent]]'' wrote that "De Ligt's ability to play out from the back and organise his fellow teammates are valuable commodities in a time when the lack of quality defenders has been highlighted."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ajax-vs-juventus-matthijs-de-ligt-interview-best-young-defender-champions-league-dutch-football-a8862111.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/ajax-vs-juventus-matthijs-de-ligt-interview-best-young-defender-champions-league-dutch-football-a8862111.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Ajax vs Juventus: Meet Matthijs de Ligt, the best young defender on the planet and the future of Dutch football |newspaper=The Independent |last1=Wilkes |first1=Paul |date=10 April 2019 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref>

Former [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] and [[England national football team|England]] defender [[Jamie Carragher]] praised De Ligt for his "physical attributes" and "leadership qualities". Carragher also said he plays "like he's 24 or 25" indicating maturity and strength.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/29327/11735758/virgil-van-dijk-and-matthijs-de-ligt-jamie-carragher-analyses-brilliant-netherlands-pair|title=Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt: Jamie Carragher analyses brilliant Netherlands pair|website=Sky Sports |date=13 June 2019|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jamie-carragher-reveals-what-saw-16269673|title=Carragher explains what he saw De Ligt do that really impressed him|newspaper=Daily Mirror|last=Polden|first=Jake|date=6 June 2019|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/06/06/liverpool-carragher-on-de-ligt-top-class/|title=Jamie Carragher shares honest opinion of reported Liverpool target Matthijs de Ligt|website=HITC|last=Labellarte|first=Giuseppe|language=en|date=6 June 2019|access-date=13 June 2019}}</ref> Of De Ligt, former Netherlands centre-back [[Jaap Stam]] said: "He's got composure on the ball, he's aggressive tactically, he sees the game, he reads the game well and he's got that driving force for himself as well in what you need to achieve and where you want to go to."<ref name="How brilliant is">{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0e99cefa43d0-8d411600d71f-1000--how-brilliant-is-new-juventus-signing-matthijs-de-ligt/ |title=How brilliant is new Juventus signing Matthijs de Ligt? |publisher=UEFA |last1=Mohamed |first1=Majid |date=19 July 2019 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref> Upon signing with Juventus, [[Marcello Lippi]], one of the club's former managers, said of the defender's precocious performances: "I've seen plenty of greats, like [[Alessandro Nesta]], [[Franco Baresi]], [[Paolo Maldini]], [[Ciro Ferrara]], [[Fabio Cannavaro]], and [[Marco Materazzi]]. I've never seen anyone like that at his age."<ref name="How brilliant is"/>

In 2019, Giacomo Chiuchiolo described De Ligt as a "complete" and talented young defender, saying that although he is not exceptionally quick, he possesses excellent positioning and an ability to read the game, among his other technical and physical qualities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/de-ligt-juventus-chi-e-come-gioca-calciomercato |title=De Ligt, dal tennis al tetto d'Europa: storia del talento che ha stregato la Juve |publisher=Gianluca di Marzio |language=it |last=Chiuchiolo |first=Giacomo |date=23 June 2019 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref> Despite his talent, he has at times come under criticism in the media for being inconsistent due to his tendency to commit occasional lapses or errors. In October 2019, his [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] defensive teammate [[Leonardo Bonucci]] said he believes that De Ligt will overcome these weaknesses with time, as he matures and gains more experience with age, and successfully adapts to the team's new defensive strategy under manager [[Maurizio Sarri]], who uses a [[zonal marking]] system rather than [[man-to-man marking]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859607-leonardo-bonucci-matthijs-de-ligt-will-become-the-best-defender-in-the-world |title=Leonardo Bonucci: Matthijs de Ligt 'Will Become the Best Defender in the World' |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Jones |first1=Matt |date=24 October 2019 |access-date=23 June 2020 }}</ref>


==Personal life==
During the [[2018–19 UEFA Nations League A|UEFA Nations League]], de Ligt started and played 90 minutes in all four group matches against [[German national football team|Germany]] and [[France national football team|France]] as the Netherlands won the group and qualified for the [[2019 UEFA Nations League Finals|Nations League Finals]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://uk.soccerway.com/international/europe/uefa-nations-league/20182019/league-a/r45718/ | title = UEFA Nations League | publisher = uk.soccerway.com | accessdate = 12 December 2018}}</ref>
On 7 June 2024, De Ligt married his long time girlfriend, Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model and daughter of [[Keje Molenaar]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 December 2020|title=Annekee: "Io e Matthijs conquistati da Torino e dalle colline delle Langhe"|url=https://torino.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/12/08/news/annekee_io_e_matthijs_conquistati_da_torino_e_dalle_colline_delle_langhe_-277475230/|access-date=2 February 2021|newspaper=la Repubblica|language=it}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==
===Club===
===Club===
{{updated|match played 16 May 2019}}<ref name="sw">{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768// |title=Nederland - M. de Ligt - Profile with news, career statistics and history |website=Soccerway |accessdate=4 July 2017}}</ref>
{{updated|match played 1 December 2024}}<ref name="soccerway">{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/matthijs-de-ligt/399768/ |title=M. De Ligt: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=28 November 2024}}</ref>


{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[KNVB Cup]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[DFB-Pokal]]}}
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Europe<sup>1</sup>
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Jong Ajax]]
|[[Jong Ajax]]
|[[2016–17 Eerste Divisie|2016–17]]
|[[2016–17 Eerste Divisie|2016–17]]
|[[Eerste Divisie]]
|[[Eerste Divisie]]
|17||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||1
|17||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||1
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
!colspan="2"|Total
!17!!1!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!17!!1
|-
|rowspan="4" |[[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
|[[2016–17 AFC Ajax season|2016–17]]
|[[2016–17 AFC Ajax season|2016–17]]
|[[Eredivisie]]
|[[Eredivisie]]
|11||2||3||1||9||0||colspan="2"|—||23||3
|11||2||3||1||colspan="2"|—||9{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||23||3
|-
|-
|[[2017–18 AFC Ajax season|2017–18]]
|[[2017–18 AFC Ajax season|2017–18]]
|Eredivisie
|Eredivisie
|33||3||2||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||39||3
|33||3||2||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Two appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]], two appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||39||3
|-
|-
|[[2018–19 AFC Ajax season|2018–19]]
|[[2018–19 AFC Ajax season|2018–19]]
|Eredivisie
|Eredivisie
|33||3||5||1||17||3|| colspan="2" |—||55||7
|33||3||5||1||colspan="2"|—||17{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}||3||colspan="2"|—||55||7
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!colspan="2"|Total
!77!!8!!10!!2!!30!!2!!0!!0!!117!!13
!77!!8!!10!!2!!colspan="2"|—!!30!!3!!0!!0!!117!!13
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Juventus FC|Juventus]]
|[[2019–20 Juventus FC season|2019–20]]
|[[Serie A]]
|29||4||4||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||39||4
|-
|[[2020–21 Juventus FC season|2020–21]]
|Serie A
|27||1||4||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||36||1
|-
|[[2021–22 Juventus FC season|2021–22]]
|Serie A
|31||3||4||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||42||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!87!!8!!12!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!18!!0!!0!!0!!117!!8
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]]
|[[2022–23 FC Bayern Munich season|2022–23]]
|[[Bundesliga]]
|31||3||4||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=DFL|Appearance in [[DFL-Supercup]]}}||0||43||3
|-
|[[2023–24 FC Bayern Munich season|2023–24]]
|Bundesliga
|22||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=DFL}}||0||30||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!53!!5!!5!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!13!!0!!2!!0!!73!!5
|-
|[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|[[2024–25 Manchester United F.C. season|2024–25]]
|[[Premier League]]
|13||1||0||0||2||0||3{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||18||1
|-
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!colspan="3"|Career total
!94!!9!!10!!2!!30!!2!!0!!0!!134!!14
!247!!23!!27!!2!!2!!0!!64!!3!!2!!0!!342!!28
|}
|}
{{notelist}}

<small><sup>1</sup> Includes [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[UEFA Europa League]] matches.</small>


===International===
===International===
<!-- NOTE: when updating stats, update the infobox too! -->
<!-- NOTE: when updating stats, update the infobox too! -->
{{updated|match played 19 November 2024}}<ref name="internationalstats">{{cite web |title=Matthijs de Ligt Internationals |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/matthijs-de-ligt/4/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=21 November 2024}}</ref>
{{updated|match played 16 April 2019}}<ref name="sw"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]
|rowspan="7"|[[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]
|2017||3||0
|2017||3||0
|-
|-
|2018||10||0
|2018||10||0
|-
|-
|2019||2||1
|2019||10||2
|-
|-
|2021||10||0
!colspan="2"|Total!!15!!1
|-
|2022||7||0
|-
|2023||3||0
|-
|2024||6||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!49!!2
|}
|}


{{updated|match played 19 November 2024}}
===International goals===
{{Updated|match played 16 April 2019. Netherlands score listed first, score column indicates score after each de Ligt goal.}}
:''Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each De Ligt goal.''<ref name="internationalstats"/>


{| class=wikitable style="text-align: left;" align=center
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Matthijs de Ligt
! Goal !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Cap
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
| align=center|1. || 24 March 2019 || [[Johan Cruyff Arena]], [[Amsterdam]], Netherlands || {{fb|GER}} ||align=center| 1–2 ||align=center| 2–3 ||[[UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying Group C|UEFA Euro 2020 qualification]]
| align="center"| 1 || 24 March 2019 || [[Johan Cruyff Arena]], Amsterdam, Netherlands || align="center"| 15 || {{fb|GER}} || align="center"| 1–2 || align="center"| 2–3 || [[UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying]] || align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2019/03/24/europe/european-championship-qualification/netherlands/germany/2942781/ |title=Netherlands vs. Germany 2–3: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"| 2 || 6 June 2019 || [[Estádio D. Afonso Henriques]], Guimarães, Portugal || align="center"| 16 || {{fb|ENG}} || align="center"| 1–1 || align="center"| 3–1 {{aet}} || [[2019 UEFA Nations League Finals]] || align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2019/06/06/europe/uefa-nations-league/netherlands/england/2724465/ |title=Netherlands vs. England 3–1: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref>
|}
|}


==Honours==
==Honours==

===Club===
'''Ajax'''
'''Ajax'''
*[[Eredivisie]]: [[2018–19 Eredivisie|2018–19]]
*[[Eredivisie]]: [[2018–19 Eredivisie|2018–19]]<ref name="soccerway"/>
*[[KNVB Cup]]: [[2018–19 KNVB Cup|2018–19]]
*[[KNVB Cup]]: [[2018–19 KNVB Cup|2018–19]]<ref name="soccerway"/>
*[[UEFA Europa League]]: runners-up [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2017/overview/index.html|title=2016/17: United win it for Manchester|publisher=UEFA|date=30 May 2017}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Europa League]] runner-up: [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2017/overview/index.html|title=2016/17: United win it for Manchester|publisher=UEFA|date=30 May 2017}}</ref>


'''Juventus'''
===Individual===
*[[Serie A]]: [[2019–20 Serie A|2019–20]]<ref name="soccerway"/>
*Best player of [[Future Cup|ABN AMRO Future Cup]]: 2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/bijzaken-en-geruchten/87042/future-cup-de-ligt-speler-van-het-toernooi|title=Future Cup: De Ligt speler van het toernooi|language=Dutch|publisher=Ajax Showtime|website=ajaxshowtime.com}}</ref>
*[[Coppa Italia]]: [[2020–21 Coppa Italia|2020–21]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/170906/coppa-juventus-end-atalanta-dream|title=Coppa: Juventus end Atalanta dream|website=Football Italia|date=19 May 2021}}</ref> runner-up: [[2019–20 Coppa Italia|2019–20]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/154624/coppa-napoli-beat-juventus-penalties|title=Coppa: Napoli beat Juventus on penalties|website=Football Italia|date=17 June 2020}}</ref> [[2021–22 Coppa Italia|2021–22]]<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Juventus 2–4 Inter: Ivan Persic strikes twice in extra time as Inter win Coppa Italia in thrilling Derby d'Italia final |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/coppa-italia/2021-2022/coppa-italia-final-juventus-v-inter-live_sto8917857/story.shtml |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
*Best player of [[Copa Amsterdam]]: 2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/ajax-contracteert-matthijs-de-ligt.htm|title=Ajax contracteert Matthijs de Ligt|language=Dutch|publisher=AFC Ajax|website=ajax.nl}}</ref>
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[2020 Supercoppa Italiana|2020]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Proch |first=Daniele |title=Juventus Wins Italian Super Cup As Serie A Makes The Most Of An Event Battered By Covid-19 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danieleproch/2021/01/21/the-value-of-the-italian-super-cup-between-juventus-and-napoli/ |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=Forbes}}</ref>
*[[List_of_AFC_Ajax_records_and_statistics#AFC_Ajax_prize_winners|Ajax Talent of the Future (Sjaak Swart Award)]]: 2016<ref name=TOF>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/matthijs-de-ligt-verkozen-tot-talent-van-de-toekomst.htm|title=Matthijs de Ligt verkozen tot Talent van de Toekomst|language=Dutch|publisher=AFC Ajax|website=ajax.nl}}</ref>

*[[List_of_AFC_Ajax_records_and_statistics#AFC_Ajax_prize_winners|Ajax Talent of the Year (Marco van Basten Award)]]: 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parool.nl/sport/matthijs-de-ligt-ajax-talent-van-het-jaar~a4320299/|title=Matthijs de Ligt Ajax-talent van het jaar|language=Dutch|publisher=Parool.nl|website=Parool.nl}}</ref>
'''Bayern Munich'''
*[[UEFA Europa League]] Squad of the Season: [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League#Squad of the Season|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite web|title=UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2471052.html|publisher=UEFA|date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League]] Squad of the Season: [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League#Squad of the season|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite web |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2607890.html |work=UEFA.com |date=2 June 2019}}</ref>
* [[Bundesliga]]: [[2022–23 Bundesliga|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Dortmund draw gifts Bayern title on thrilling final day |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65714772 |access-date=27 May 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527160105/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65714772 |archive-date=27 May 2023}}</ref>
* [[DFL-Supercup]]: [[2022 DFL-Supercup|2022]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2022 |title=Sadio Mane debut goal helps Bayern Munich to Supercup win over RB Leipzig |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/rb-leipzig-bayern-munich-live-supercup-team-news-match-stats-mane-de-ligt-20652 |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=Bundesliga |language=}}</ref>
*[[Eredivisie]] Team of the Year: [[2017–18 Eredivisie|2017–18]],<ref>{{cite web|title=ELFTAL VAN HET SEIZOEN 2017/2018 BEKEND |url=https://eredivisie.nl/en-us/uitgelicht/elftal-van-het-seizoen-20172018-bekend |publisher=Eredivisie |language=Dutch |accessdate=13 February 2019}}</ref> [[2018–19 Eredivisie|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Frenkie de Jong Eredivisiespeler van het seizoen 2018/2019|url=https://eredivisie.nl/nl-nl/uitgelicht/frenkie-de-jong-eredivisiespeler-van-het-seizoen-20182019 |publisher=Eredivisie |language=Dutch |accessdate=24 May 2019}}</ref>

*[[Dutch Footballer of the Year#Dutch Football Talent of the Year|Dutch Football Talent of the Year]]: 2017–18<ref>{{cite web|title=De Jong named Eredivisie talent of the year|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/sport/voetbal/artikel/4712941/de-jong-wint-prijs-talent-van-het-jaar|publisher=RTL Nieuws|accessdate=3 June 2019}}</ref>
'''Netherlands'''
*[[Dutch Footballer of the Year]]: 2018–19<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/3601526/toch-triple-voor-matthijs-de-ligt|title=Toch triple voor Matthijs de Ligt|language=Dutch|publisher=De Telegraaf|website=telegraaf.nl|accessdate=24 May 2019}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Nations League]] runner-up: [[2019 UEFA Nations League Finals|2019]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/jun/09/portugal-v-netherlands-nations-league-final-live|title=Portugal 1–0 The Netherlands|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Smyth|first=Rob|date=9 June 2019|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref>
*[[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]]: 2018<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/132139/de-ligt-wins-2018-golden-boy|title=De Ligt wins 2018 Golden Boy|date=17 December 2018 |publisher=Football Italia|accessdate=17 December 2018}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[Future Cup|ABN AMRO Future Cup]] Best Player: 2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/bijzaken-en-geruchten/87042/future-cup-de-ligt-speler-van-het-toernooi|title=Future Cup: De Ligt speler van het toernooi|language=nl|publisher=Ajax Showtime|website=ajaxshowtime.com|date=6 April 2015 }}</ref>
*[[Copa Amsterdam]] Best Player: 2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/ajax-contracteert-matthijs-de-ligt.htm|title=Ajax contracteert Matthijs de Ligt|language=nl|publisher=AFC Aja}}</ref>
*[[List of AFC Ajax records and statistics#AFC Ajax prize winners|Ajax Talent of the Future (Sjaak Swart Award)]]: 2016<ref name=TOF>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajax.nl/streams/ajax-actueel/matthijs-de-ligt-verkozen-tot-talent-van-de-toekomst.htm|title=Matthijs de Ligt verkozen tot Talent van de Toekomst|language=nl|publisher=AFC Ajax}}</ref>
*[[UEFA European Under-17 Championship]] Team of the Tournament: [[2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship#Team of the Tournament|2016]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under17/season=2016/technical-report/uefa-technical-team/index.html|title=[Under-17] The UEFA technical team – Team of the Tournament|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=17 April 2018}}</ref>
*[[List of AFC Ajax records and statistics#AFC Ajax prize winners|Ajax Talent of the Year (Marco van Basten Award)]]: 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parool.nl/sport/matthijs-de-ligt-ajax-talent-van-het-jaar~a4320299/|title=Matthijs de Ligt Ajax-talent van het jaar|date=14 June 2016 |language=nl|publisher=Parool.nl}}</ref>
*UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League#Squad of the season|2016–17]]<ref>{{cite web|title=UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2471052.html|publisher=UEFA|date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League]] Squad of the Season: [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League#Squad of the season|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite web |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2607890.html |publisher=UEFA |date=2 June 2019}}</ref>
*Eredivisie Team of the Year: [[2017–18 Eredivisie|2017–18]],<ref>{{cite web|title=ELFTAL VAN HET SEIZOEN 2017/2018 BEKEND |url=https://eredivisie.nl/en-us/uitgelicht/elftal-van-het-seizoen-20172018-bekend |publisher=Eredivisie |language=nl |access-date=13 February 2019}}</ref> [[2018–19 Eredivisie|2018–19]]<ref name="POTS">{{cite web|date=16 May 2019|title=Frenkie de Jong Eredivisie Player of the Season 2018/2019|url=https://eredivisie.eu/news/frenkie-de-jong-eredivisie-player-of-the-season-2018-2019/|access-date=31 August 2021|publisher=Eredivisie}}</ref>
*[[Johan Cruyff Trophy]]: 2017–18<ref>{{cite web|title=De Jong named Eredivisie talent of the year|date=15 May 2019 |url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/sport/voetbal/artikel/4712941/de-jong-wint-prijs-talent-van-het-jaar|publisher=RTL Nieuws|access-date=3 June 2019}}</ref>
*[[Dutch Footballer of the Year]]: 2018–19<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/3601526/toch-triple-voor-matthijs-de-ligt|title=Toch triple voor Matthijs de Ligt|language=nl|newspaper=De Telegraaf|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref>
*[[Golden Boy (award)|Golden Boy]]: 2018<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/132139/de-ligt-wins-2018-golden-boy|title=De Ligt wins 2018 Golden Boy|date=17 December 2018 |website=Football Italia|access-date=17 December 2018}}</ref>
*[[FIFPro#FIFA FIFPro Men's World11|FIFA FIFPro World11]]: [[The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019#FIFA FIFPro Men's World11|2019]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fifpro.org/news/fifa-fifpro-men-s-world-11-2018-2019/en/|title=VAN DIJK AMONG FOUR DEBUTANTS IN MEN'S WORLD 11|publisher=FIFPRO World Players' Union |date=23 September 2019}}</ref>
*[[International Federation of Football History & Statistics#IFFHS Men's World Team|IFFHS Men's World Team]]: 2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://iffhs.de/iffhs-awards-the-iffhs-men-world-team-of-the-year-2019/ |title=IFFHS AWARDS 2019 – THE IFFHS MEN WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR 2019 |publisher=International Federation of Football History & Statistics |date=30 November 2019 |access-date=30 November 2019}}</ref>
*[[Kopa Trophy]]: [[2019 Ballon d'Or#Kopa Trophy|2019]]<ref>{{cite news |title=De Ligt wint Kopa Trophy voor 's werelds beste speler tot 21 jaar |url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6015102/de-ligt-wint-kopa-trophy-voor-s-werelds-beste-speler-tot-21-jaar.html |website=NU.nl |date=2 December 2019 |access-date=2 December 2019 |language=nl}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Team of the Year]]: [[UEFA Team of the Year#Team of the Year 2019|2019]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2637433.html |title=UEFA.com fans' Team of the Year 2019 revealed |publisher=UEFA |date=15 January 2020 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
*[[Bundesliga]] Rookie of the Month: [[2022–23 Bundesliga#Monthly awards|April 2023]]<ref>{{cite news |date=11 May 2023 |title=Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt named April Rookie of the Month |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/rookie-of-the-month-award-2022-23-best-young-player-sorare-22571 |access-date=12 May 2023 |publisher=Bundesliga}}</ref>
*Bundesliga Team of the Season: [[2022–23 Bundesliga#Team of the season|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite news|title=The official Bundesliga Team of the Season 2022/23|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/team-of-the-season-2022-23-vote-fifa-ea-sports-fut23-23319|date=13 May 2023|access-date=18 May 2023|publisher=Bundesliga}}</ref>
*[[Vereinigung der Vertragsfußballspieler#Team of the Season|VDV Bundesliga Team of the Season]]: [[2022–23 Bundesliga|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spielergewerkschaft.de/de/VDV/Aktuelles/Detail/1625/Aktuelles-%7C-VDV-11-%7C-2022%2F2023.htm|title=Jude Bellingham ist VDV-Spieler der Saison|publisher=VDV|language=de|date=7 June 2023|access-date=7 June 2023}}</ref>
*[[Bundesliga Awards|Bundesliga Goal of the Season]]: [[2022–23 Bundesliga#Annual awards|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Die Top-Tore der Saison 2022/23|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/top-tore-saison-2022-23-monat-treffer-schonste-21345|date=19 June 2023|access-date=19 June 2023|publisher=Bundesliga|language=de}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 178: Line 311:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Soccerway|matthijs-de-ligt/399768}}
* [https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/matthijs-de-ligt Profile] at the Manchester United F.C. website
* [https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185184/speler/302 Profile] at the Royal Dutch Football Association website (in Dutch)
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}


{{Manchester United F.C. squad}}
{{Navboxes
{{Navboxes
| title = Netherlands squads
|bg=gold
| bg = #F1771D
|fg=navy
|title= Awards
| fg = white
| bordercolor = #21468B
|list1=
| list1 =
{{Dutch Footballer of the Year}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{Netherlands squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
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{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
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| list1 =
{{Kopa Trophy}}
{{Golden Boy award winners}}
{{Golden Boy award winners}}
{{Dutch Footballer of the Year}}
{{2019 UEFA Team of the Year}}
{{2019 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}
{{2020 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}
{{2022–23 kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season}}
{{AFC Ajax Talent of the Future}}
{{AFC Ajax Talent of the Future}}
{{AFC Ajax Talent of the Year}}
{{AFC Ajax Talent of the Year}}
{{Dutch Football Talent of the Year}}
{{Dutch Football Talent of the Year}}
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{{AFC Ajax squad}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ligt, Matthijs de}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ligt, Matthijs de}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1999 births]]
[[Category:1999 births]]
[[Category:People from Leiderdorp]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Association football defenders]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Leiderdorp]]
[[Category:Dutch footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from South Holland]]
[[Category:Netherlands international footballers]]
[[Category:Dutch men's footballers]]
[[Category:Netherlands youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football central defenders]]
[[Category:AFC Ajax players]]
[[Category:Jong Ajax players]]
[[Category:Jong Ajax players]]
[[Category:AFC Ajax players]]
[[Category:Juventus FC players]]
[[Category:FC Bayern Munich footballers]]
[[Category:Manchester United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Eerste Divisie players]]
[[Category:Eerste Divisie players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Bundesliga players]]
<!--[[Category:Premier League players]]-->
[[Category:Netherlands men's youth international footballers]]
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[[Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players]]
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[[Category:Golden Boy winners]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Germany]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:21st-century Dutch sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 15:25, 1 December 2024

In this Dutch name, the surname is de Ligt, not Ligt.
Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt with Bayern Munich in 2022
Personal information
Full name Matthijs de Ligt[1]
Date of birth (1999-08-12) 12 August 1999 (age 25)[2]
Place of birth Leiderdorp, Netherlands
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)[3]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 Manchester United
Number 4
Youth career
Abcoude
0000–2016 Ajax
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2017 Jong Ajax 17 (1)
2016–2019 Ajax 77 (8)
2019–2022 Juventus 87 (8)
2022–2024 Bayern Munich 53 (5)
2024– Manchester United 13 (1)
International career‡
2014 Netherlands U15 5 (0)
2014–2015 Netherlands U16 8 (0)
2015–2016 Netherlands U17 14 (1)
2016 Netherlands U19 6 (0)
2017– Netherlands 49 (2)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Netherlands
UEFA Nations League
Runner-up 2019 Portugal
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:28, 1 December 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:56, 19 November 2024 (UTC)

Matthijs de Ligt (born 12 August 1999) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the Netherlands national team. He is known for his strength, leadership, aggressiveness and tackling.[4][5][6]

De Ligt made his debut for Ajax's senior team in September 2016 in a cup game against Willem II. He scored from a corner after 25 minutes, making him the club's second-youngest goalscorer ever behind Clarence Seedorf.[7] On 24 May 2017, De Ligt became the youngest ever player (aged 17 years and 285 days) to appear in a considerable European final when he started against Manchester United in the Europa League final.[8] In December 2018, he won the Golden Boy award given to the year's best footballer in Europe under the age of 21, becoming the first defender to do so.[9] The following season, De Ligt helped Ajax capture a domestic double and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

De Ligt's performances earned him a move to Serie A club Juventus in 2019, shortly before being awarded the Kopa Trophy for world's best under-21 player of the year. He would go on to help the Turin side retain the league title in his first season and reclaim the Italian Cup in his second. After three years in Italy, De Ligt would then join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in 2022, again capturing a league title in his commencement campaign.

In 2017, De Ligt made his debut for the Netherlands at the age of 17, making him the youngest player to start for the national team since 1931.[10] He featured for the side at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

[edit]

Ajax

[edit]
De Ligt in training with Ajax in 2016

De Ligt joined the Ajax youth academy when he was nine years old from his local club in Abcoude, just outside of Amsterdam. At first, the coaches at the youth academy thought he was too slow and out of shape, but he was given a chance to develop in the academy and went on to prove his quality.[11]

2014–15: Jong Ajax and development

[edit]

He made his debut for Jong Ajax on 8 August 2014 in an Eerste Divisie game against Emmen, playing the full game.[12] During the season, De Ligt played in 17 matches for Jong Ajax.[13]

On 21 September, De Ligt made his debut for Ajax's senior team in a cup game against Willem II. He scored from a corner after 25 minutes, making him the second-youngest goalscorer ever behind Clarence Seedorf; Ajax won the game 5–0.[7] On 24 October, Ajax announced through Twitter that De Ligt had been promoted to the senior squad.[14]

De Ligt quickly entrenched himself in the first team after being promoted and went on to play in 11 league matches and nine in the Europa League.[15] On 24 May, he became the youngest player ever (17 years and 285 days old) to play in a major European final when he started against Manchester United in the 2017 UEFA Europa League Final.[8]

2017–19: Breakthrough and captaincy

[edit]
De Ligt in training with Ajax in 2018

After the sale of Davinson Sánchez to Tottenham Hotspur in August 2017, De Ligt became a first-team starter. He was named the youngest captain of Ajax in March 2018 after injury to club captain Joël Veltman.[16]

De Ligt appeared in 37 matches in all competitions and scored three goals. He started in all of his 31 league matches and played 90 minutes in all but one of them (he was substituted in the 33rd minute against Vitesse due to an injury).[15] Due to De Ligt's performances for Ajax, he was linked with many of Europe's top clubs.[17]

On 17 December 2018, De Ligt won the Golden Boy award, becoming the first defender to win the award.[9] On 13 February 2019, De Ligt became the youngest ever captain in a Champions League knockout game at 19 years and 186 days old, in a game against Real Madrid.[18] On 27 February 2019, he played his 100th official game for Ajax in a 0–3 Klassieker win against Feyenoord in the Dutch national cup, becoming the youngest Ajax player ever to reach this milestone.[19]

On 16 April 2019, De Ligt scored the winning goal in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus to send Ajax on to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since the 1996–97 edition of the tournament.[20][21] His goal also saw him become the youngest Dutch player to score in the knockout stages since Nordin Wooter in 1996 and the second-youngest ever defender to score after Joël Matip.[22]

Juventus

[edit]
De Ligt playing for Juventus in 2019

On 18 July 2019, De Ligt signed for Serie A champions Juventus on a five-year contract for a fee of €75 million, to be paid in five annual installments, with additional costs of €10.5 million.[23] He made his official debut for the club in a 4–3 home win over Napoli in Serie A on 31 August.[24] On 3 November, he scored his first for the club in a 1–0 away win over cross-city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole.[25][26]

Bayern Munich

[edit]

On 19 July 2022, De Ligt signed for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on five-year contract for a reported initial fee of €67 million, potentially rising to €77 million in add-ons.[27][28] On 21 August, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 7–0 away win over Bochum.[29]

On 8 March 2023, at the Champions League round of 16 second leg, he made a goal-line clearance against Paris Saint-Germain, after goalkeeper Yann Sommer lost the ball under pressure, to keep the goalless draw and scoreline at 1–0 on aggregate.[30][31] The match ended in a 2–0 victory and qualification to the quarter-final.[32] On 8 April, he scored the only goal from 25 yards (23 m) in a 1–0 away win over Freiburg, four days after a 2–1 defeat against the same opponent in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals.[33] That strike was voted Bayern's goal of the month in the Bundesliga.[34] He was also voted player of the month in both March and April.[35]

In the first half of the 2023–24 season, he sustained recurring injuries in his right knee, which led to him being surpassed by Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae in the starting lineup under coach Thomas Tuchel.[36][37] During the latter part of the season, de Ligt forged a robust partnership with newly acquired Eric Dier, contributing significantly to the club's advancement in the Champions League.[38]

Manchester United

[edit]

In the 2024 summer transfer window, De Ligt attracted substantial interest from several top European clubs, particularly Manchester United. On 9 July 2024, it was reported that De Ligt had agreed personal terms with the Manchester side and a transfer looked likely.[39] It was reported a transfer worth an initial €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses was agreed between the two clubs.[40] On 13 August, Manchester United confirmed the transfer, with De Ligt signing a five-year contract.[41] On 16 August, he made his debut for the club in a 1–0 win, as a substitute, against Fulham in the league.[42][43] On 14 September, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–0 win against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium in the league.[44]

International career

[edit]

De Ligt played youth international football for the Netherlands at under-15,[45] under-16,[46] under-17,[47] and under-19 levels.[48]

On 25 March 2017, De Ligt made his debut for the senior Netherlands national team in a 2–0 away defeat to Bulgaria during 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. At the age of 17, he became the youngest player to start for the national team since 1931.[10] He was sent off in his second appearance – a 2–1 friendly win over Morocco on 17 May.[49]

During the group stage of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, De Ligt started and played 90 minutes in all four matches against Germany and France.

On 24 March 2019, De Ligt scored his first goal for the Netherlands in a 3–2 loss to Germany during UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.[50]

In May 2019, De Ligt was named in the Netherlands' squad for the inaugural Nations League Finals.[51] On 5 June 2019, he scored a header in a 3–1 win against England at the semi-final stage.[52] Four days later, he started alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence as the Netherlands were defeated 1–0 by hosts Portugal in the final.[53]

De Ligt was a member of the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2020. After missing the team's opening match against Ukraine, he made his tournament debut against Austria on 17 June 2021.[54] He was sent off for handball in the Netherlands' 2–0 loss to the Czech Republic at the round of 16 stage on 27 June.[55]

On 14 June 2022, De Ligt captained the Netherlands for the first time in a 3–2 win over Wales in the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League.[56]

In November 2022, he was named in the Dutch squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he started the team's opening match against Senegal and appeared as a substitute in a 3–1 win over the United States in the round of 16.[57]

After being initially named in the Netherlands' squad for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, De Ligt was forced to withdraw due to a calf injury and was replaced by Daley Blind.[58]

On 29 May 2024, De Ligt was named in the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024.[59] However, he did not feature in any match throughout the tournament.[60]

Style of play

[edit]

De Ligt was considered by pundits to be among the most highly regarded young prospects in world football, as demonstrated by his victory in the 2018 Golden Boy award, which is assigned to the most impressive young player in European football.[61][62]

Having played as an attacking-midfielder in his youth,[63] De Ligt is both a physical and technically gifted right-footed centre-back,[64][65] who is known for his clean tackling, anticipation, marking, height, strength, speed and accurate passing, which enables him to start attacking plays from the back. His height allows him to be a major threat from set pieces, while his strength means that he is unlikely to be pushed off the ball, particularly in aerial duels.[65][66][67][68] His playing style is often compared to that of Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué;[69][70] he has also been likened to Jan Vertonghen, due to his "similar forward surges, a propensity to create an extra man in midfield, and calmness on the ball," and to compatriot Ronald Koeman, courtesy of his "powerful shot and body strength."[71]

A 2019 UEFA.com profile described De Ligt as a "natural leader [who] is an elegant two-footed central defender. Dominant in the air, he is blessed with strength, fine distribution and composure, and is able to play out from the back thanks to his confidence in possession, while his intelligent positioning helps him deny pacy forwards. With his ability to read the game, he could even play in midfield. His leadership also stands him out: he was 18 when he was made Ajax skipper."[71] That same year, Paul Wilkes of The Independent wrote that "De Ligt's ability to play out from the back and organise his fellow teammates are valuable commodities in a time when the lack of quality defenders has been highlighted."[72]

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher praised De Ligt for his "physical attributes" and "leadership qualities". Carragher also said he plays "like he's 24 or 25" indicating maturity and strength.[73][74][75] Of De Ligt, former Netherlands centre-back Jaap Stam said: "He's got composure on the ball, he's aggressive tactically, he sees the game, he reads the game well and he's got that driving force for himself as well in what you need to achieve and where you want to go to."[71] Upon signing with Juventus, Marcello Lippi, one of the club's former managers, said of the defender's precocious performances: "I've seen plenty of greats, like Alessandro Nesta, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Ciro Ferrara, Fabio Cannavaro, and Marco Materazzi. I've never seen anyone like that at his age."[71]

In 2019, Giacomo Chiuchiolo described De Ligt as a "complete" and talented young defender, saying that although he is not exceptionally quick, he possesses excellent positioning and an ability to read the game, among his other technical and physical qualities.[76] Despite his talent, he has at times come under criticism in the media for being inconsistent due to his tendency to commit occasional lapses or errors. In October 2019, his Juventus defensive teammate Leonardo Bonucci said he believes that De Ligt will overcome these weaknesses with time, as he matures and gains more experience with age, and successfully adapts to the team's new defensive strategy under manager Maurizio Sarri, who uses a zonal marking system rather than man-to-man marking.[77]

Personal life

[edit]

On 7 June 2024, De Ligt married his long time girlfriend, Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model and daughter of Keje Molenaar.[78]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 1 December 2024[79]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Jong Ajax 2016–17 Eerste Divisie 17 1 — — — — 17 1
Ajax 2016–17 Eredivisie 11 2 3 1 — 9[b] 0 — 23 3
2017–18 Eredivisie 33 3 2 0 — 4[c] 0 — 39 3
2018–19 Eredivisie 33 3 5 1 — 17[d] 3 — 55 7
Total 77 8 10 2 — 30 3 0 0 117 13
Juventus 2019–20 Serie A 29 4 4 0 — 6[d] 0 0 0 39 4
2020–21 Serie A 27 1 4 0 — 5[d] 0 0 0 36 1
2021–22 Serie A 31 3 4 0 — 7[d] 0 0 0 42 3
Total 87 8 12 0 — 18 0 0 0 117 8
Bayern Munich 2022–23 Bundesliga 31 3 4 0 — 7[d] 0 1[e] 0 43 3
2023–24 Bundesliga 22 2 1 0 — 6[d] 0 1[e] 0 30 2
Total 53 5 5 0 — 13 0 2 0 73 5
Manchester United 2024–25 Premier League 13 1 0 0 2 0 3[b] 0 — 18 1
Career total 247 23 27 2 2 0 64 3 2 0 342 28
  1. ^ Includes KNVB Cup, Coppa Italia, DFB-Pokal
  2. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ a b Appearance in DFL-Supercup

International

[edit]
As of match played 19 November 2024[80]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 2017 3 0
2018 10 0
2019 10 2
2021 10 0
2022 7 0
2023 3 0
2024 6 0
Total 49 2
As of match played 19 November 2024
Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each De Ligt goal.[80]
List of international goals scored by Matthijs de Ligt
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 24 March 2019 Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 15  Germany 1–2 2–3 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying [81]
2 6 June 2019 Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Guimarães, Portugal 16  England 1–1 3–1 (a.e.t.) 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals [82]

Honours

[edit]

Ajax

Juventus

Bayern Munich

Netherlands

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2024/25 Premier League squad lists". Premier League. 13 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Squad List: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Netherlands (NED)" (PDF). FIFA. 18 December 2022. p. 20. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Matthijs de Ligt: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Matthijs de Ligt: The Emergence of Bayern Munich's New Defensive Rock". Breaking The Lines. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  5. ^ "New stat reveals why De Ligt might be the best defender in Serie A". Juvefc.com. 8 March 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  6. ^ Jones, Matt. "Leonardo Bonucci: Matthijs de Ligt 'Will Become the Best Defender in the World'". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  7. ^ a b "De Ligt jongste scorende Ajacied na Seedorf". Ajax.nl.
  8. ^ a b "Youngest player to ever play a European final: Matthijs de Ligt". Retrieved 12 December 2018 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b "Ajax's Matthijs De Ligt beats Trent Alexander-Arnold to Golden Boy award". soccernet.com. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  10. ^ a b "Matthijs de Ligt suffers nightmare debut as Holland are stunned by Bulgaria". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
  11. ^ "Believe the hype: Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong are next big stars on radar of Barca, Man City". ESPN. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
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  13. ^ "matthijs-de-ligt career". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  14. ^ "Mooi nieuws voor Matthijs de Ligt: Peter Bosz heeft de verdediger per direct aan de A-selectie toegevoegd". Ajax.nl.
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  18. ^ "Matthijs de Ligt Becomes The Youngest Captain In A Champions League Knockout Game". sportbible.com. 13 February 2019.
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