PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tijjani Martinus Jan Reijnders |
| Date of Birth | 29/07/1998 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Zwolle, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Height | 1.78–1.85 m / 5 ft 10 in–6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 73–77 kg |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #4 (Manchester City) |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Previous Clubs | PEC Zwolle, AZ Alkmaar, RKC Waalwijk (loan), AC Milan |
| International Caps | 35 |
| International Goals | 7 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | €60M–€68M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America represented the pinnacle of Tijjani Reijnders’ meteoric rise. At 27 years old, the Manchester City midfielder had evolved into the “true tactical metronome” of Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad—the player bridging the gap between a rugged defence and a dynamic frontline. He was named in the Dutch 26-man squad for the tournament on May 27, 2026.
The Netherlands, drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia, entered the tournament as firm favourites. Reijnders started all three group stage matches, playing 201 minutes of World Cup football. He recorded an assist and maintained a pass completion rate of 82.3%. His individual ratings reflected consistent performances—6.2 against Japan, 5.9 against Sweden, and 7.2 against Tunisia.
The Dutch navigated the group stage unbeaten, but their campaign ended in the knockout rounds. Reijnders was relegated to the bench for the match against Morocco, watching from the sidelines as his team was eliminated. Despite the disappointment, his World Cup debut cemented his status as one of the Netherlands’ most important players.
Origins
Born on July 29, 1998, in Zwolle, Netherlands, Tijjani Martinus Jan Reijnders was raised in a footballing family. His father, Martin Reijnders, was a former professional footballer who played for PEC Zwolle across two separate spells between 1990 and 2008, making 181 appearances and scoring 31 goals. His mother, Angelina Lekatompessy, is of Moluccan-Indonesian descent, giving Tijjani and his brother Eliano Indonesian heritage.
Reijnders’ football journey began in his hometown, progressing through the youth ranks at PEC Zwolle before moving to FC Twente’s academy. In 2017, he signed with AZ Alkmaar, beginning a six-year association with the club that would define his development as a player. His early professional career featured loan spells, including time at RKC Waalwijk, where he gained valuable Eredivisie experience.
The European Forge
AZ Alkmaar (2017-2023)
Reijnders’ senior career flourished at AZ Alkmaar. After joining the club’s U21 setup in 2017, he gradually integrated into the first team. The 2019-20 season saw him gain Eredivisie minutes, featuring in matches for both AZ and RKC Waalwijk.
His breakthrough came in the 2021-22 season, when he made 36 appearances (24 starts) and scored four goals. The following season, 2022-23, was his crowning achievement at AZ. He made 34 Eredivisie appearances, starting every match, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. His performances in the UEFA Conference League were also notable—he made 18 appearances and scored four goals. The Eredivisie campaign earned him a WhoScored rating of 7.26, reflecting his emergence as one of the league’s most complete midfielders.
AC Milan (2023-2025)
On July 1, 2023, Reijnders made the step up to Serie A giants AC Milan for a reported fee of €24.80 million. His debut season was highly productive—he made 36 Serie A appearances (33 starts), scoring three goals and providing three assists. His pass completion rate of 91.7% and average rating of 6.85 demonstrated his immediate adaptation to Italian football.
The 2024-25 season was his finest in a Milan shirt. He made 37 Serie A appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists. His performances in the UEFA Champions League were equally impressive—10 appearances, three goals. Milan finished as Serie A runners-up and reached the Coppa Italia final. Reijnders won the Supercoppa Italiana in 2024, adding silverware to his collection.
Across two seasons at Milan, he established himself as one of the most dynamic box-to-box midfielders in European football.
Manchester City (2025-Present)
On July 1, 2025, Reijnders completed a blockbuster move to Premier League champions Manchester City for a reported fee of €54.90 million. The transfer reunited him with the pressure of competing for trophies at the highest level. He signed a long-term contract through 2030.
His debut Premier League season has been impressive. In 28 appearances (25 starts), he has scored five goals and provided two assists. He has recorded a pass completion rate of 89.1%. In the UEFA Champions League, he has made 10 appearances and provided three assists. His ability to contribute goals, create chances, and maintain defensive discipline has made him a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s midfield rotation.
International Career
Reijnders’ international journey began with the Netherlands U20 side, where he made 15 appearances between 2018 and 2019. Despite his Indonesian heritage through his mother, he rejected an approach from the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) in early 2022.
His senior debut for the Netherlands came on September 7, 2023, in a 3-0 victory over Greece in Euro 2024 qualifying. He made six appearances in the qualifying campaign. His first international goal followed on March 22, 2024, scoring in a 4-0 friendly victory over Scotland at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Reijnders was named in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, making six appearances, including five starts. He featured in the tournament, helping the Oranje reach the semi-finals before their elimination by England.
The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League saw him make seven appearances, scoring three goals. He was a regular in the Netherlands’ flawless 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, making seven appearances and scoring two goals. His consistency earned him a place in Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
As of June 2026, Reijnders has 35 caps and seven goals for the Netherlands.
The Anatomy of His Game
Reijnders is a right-footed central midfielder defined by his composure on the ball, passing range, and ability to contribute goals from midfield. At 1.78–1.85 metres and approximately 75 kg, he possesses a balanced physical profile suited to the demands of modern midfield play.
In Possession
Reijnders’ technical ability is his defining attribute. Statistically, he stands out as “meticulous in distribution (89% pass accuracy) and heavily involved in play (60 touches/90).” His pass completion rate at Manchester City stands at 89.1% in the Premier League and 90.2% in the Champions League.
His goalscoring output is exceptional for a midfielder. He recorded 10 goals in Serie A during the 2024-25 season and has scored five Premier League goals for Manchester City in 2025-26. He averages 2.7 shots per 90 minutes, making him a constant goal threat. His ability to arrive in the box late and finish chances makes him a valuable asset in attacking phases.
His creative contributions are equally notable. He has recorded three assists in the Champions League and two in the Premier League for Manchester City in 2025-26. His expected assists (xA) stand at 2.09 in the Premier League, reflecting his ability to create high-quality chances for teammates.
Out of Possession
Defensively, Reijnders contributes effectively to pressing structures. At Manchester City, his tackling numbers have been modest, but his positional intelligence allows him to cut passing lanes and support defensive transitions. His 0.60 tackles per 90 in the Premier League reflects a player whose primary value lies in possession rather than pure destruction.
His versatility is a significant asset. He is capable of operating in central midfield, defensive midfield, attacking midfield, and even on the wings. His career appearance distribution shows 236 appearances in central midfield (63% of his career), 53 in defensive midfield, and 52 in attacking midfield. This tactical flexibility makes him a valuable asset for Guardiola’s ever-changing systems.
Psychological Edge
Reijnders’ career is defined by his rapid ascent through European football. From AZ Alkmaar to AC Milan to Manchester City, he has consistently stepped up to each new challenge. His rejection of Indonesia’s approach in favour of the Netherlands demonstrates a clear-eyed focus on his international ambitions.
His performances on the biggest stages—the Champions League, the Euro, and the World Cup—confirm his ability to perform under pressure. His 2026 World Cup group stage performances, including a 7.2 rating against Tunisia, demonstrated his composure on football’s grandest stage.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 28 (25/3) | 1,640 | 5 | 2 | 6.65–7.05 |
| UEFA Champions League | 10 (9/1) | 579 | 0 | 3 | 6.97 |
| EFL Cup | 4 (4/0) | 221 | 1 | 1 | 7.13 |
| FA Cup | 5 (4/1) | 374 | 1 | 1 | — |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 3 (3/0) | 270 | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 (3/0) | 201 | 0 | 1 | 6.93 |
| TOTAL | 53 | 3,285+ | 7 | 8 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017/18 | PEC Zwolle / AZ Alkmaar | Eredivisie | 1 (PEC) | 0 |
| 2018/19 | Jong AZ | Eerste Divisie | 8 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | AZ / RKC Waalwijk | Eredivisie | 11+ | 0 |
| 2020/21 | AZ Alkmaar | Eredivisie | 30 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | AZ Alkmaar | Eredivisie | 36 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | AZ Alkmaar | Eredivisie | 34 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | AC Milan | Serie A | 36 | 3 |
| 2024/25 | AC Milan | Serie A | 37 | 10 |
| 2025/26 | Manchester City | Premier League | 28 | 5 |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~221 | 25 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | Group Stage |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | 6 | 0 | Semi-Final |
| UEFA Nations League | 7+ | 3 | — |
| Euro 2024 Qualifying | 6 | 0 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | 7 | 2 | — |
| Netherlands Senior Career | 35 | 7 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Professional Debut | Signed for AZ Alkmaar U21 |
| 2020 | Eredivisie Debut | First appearances for AZ |
| 2022 | Breakthrough Season | 36 appearances for AZ |
| 2023 | AC Milan Move | €24.80 million transfer |
| 2023 | Senior Debut | Netherlands vs Greece |
| 2024 | First International Goal | Scored against Scotland |
| 2024 | Euro 2024 | Semi-finalist with Netherlands |
| 2025 | Manchester City Move | €54.90 million transfer |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | Started all group matches |
Trophy Haul
Reijnders’ career includes significant silverware:
AC Milan:
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2024
Individual:
- Serie A Runners-Up: 2023–24
- Coppa Italia Finalist: 2024–25
The Present Tense
Tijjani Reijnders is 27 years old and at the peak of his powers. He is a key midfielder for Manchester City, a World Cup squad member, and one of the Netherlands’ most important players.
The Manchester City Story
Reijnders joined Manchester City in July 2025 for €54.90 million and has established himself as a key figure in the squad. In the 2025-26 season, he has made 28 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists. His performances in the Champions League—10 appearances, three assists—demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level.
He is under contract with Manchester City until 2030, earning a market value estimated at €60M–€68M. His versatility and tactical intelligence make him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system.
The World Cup Campaign
Reijnders was named in Ronald Koeman’s 26-man Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup. He started all three group stage matches, playing 201 minutes and recording one assist. His pass completion rate of 82.3% reflected his composure on the ball. He was relegated to the bench for the match against Morocco, watching from the sidelines as his team was eliminated.
International Record
Reijnders has 35 caps for the Netherlands and has scored seven international goals. He has represented the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, and was a regular in the Oranje’s flawless World Cup qualifying campaign.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Reijnders is defined by his multicultural heritage and his family’s footballing tradition. His father, Martin Reijnders, was a professional footballer for PEC Zwolle, and his brother Eliano Reijnders plays for the Indonesian national team at the ASEAN Cup. His mother is of Moluccan-Indonesian descent, giving him Indonesian heritage.
Reijnders rejected an approach from the Indonesian Football Association in early 2022, choosing instead to pursue his international career with the Netherlands. He has spoken positively about his brother’s performances for Indonesia, watching the ASEAN Cup and praising Eliano’s contributions: “Eliano also plays an important role with an assist, and that is certainly very good.”
His journey from AZ Alkmaar to Manchester City reflects his determination and ambition. His performances at the highest level—including his 10-goal season for Milan and his role as the Netherlands’ “tactical metronome”—have made him one of the most respected midfielders in European football.
The Verdict from the Camp
Ronald Koeman, Netherlands head coach:
Koeman selected Reijnders for the World Cup squad and made him a key figure in the midfield, starting him in all three group matches.
Cape Times (World Cup Guide):
“Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders has evolved into the team’s true tactical metronome, bridging the gap between a rugged defence and a dynamic frontline.”
WhoScored:
Reijnders has maintained a consistent rating of 6.65–7.05 in the Premier League, demonstrating his reliability and importance to Manchester City.
Where Next?
Tijjani Reijnders is 27 years old and under contract with Manchester City until 2030. His immediate future lies at the Premier League champions, where he has established himself as a key figure in Guardiola’s midfield.
Club Outlook
Reijnders’ long-term contract with Manchester City reflects the club’s belief in his importance. His 2025-26 performances—five Premier League goals, three Champions League assists—demonstrate his value to the side. He will look to continue his development and compete for Premier League and Champions League titles.
International Outlook
At 27, Reijnders is in his prime. His World Cup experience will be invaluable for future tournaments. The Euro 2028 qualification campaign will be a significant opportunity for him to add to his 35 caps and seven international goals. His role as the Netherlands’ “tactical metronome” makes him a key figure for the Oranje.
The Journey Continues
From Zwolle to the World Cup, from AZ Alkmaar to Manchester City, Tijjani Reijnders’ journey is one of talent, determination, and rapid ascent. The boy who rejected Indonesia for the Netherlands is now a Premier League midfielder and a World Cup squad member for the Oranje. His story is far from complete, and the next chapter promises to be as compelling as the journey that brought him here.
