Tijjani Martinus Jan Reijnders (born 29 July 1998) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for City and the Netherlands national team. A late bloomer who worked in a supermarket while his peers were making names for themselves, Reijnders has defied every expectation to become one of Europe's most complete midfielders. From the youth pitches of Zwolle to starring for AC Milan and earning a record-breaking move to Manchester City, his journey is a testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the power of never giving up on a dream.
Early Life and Roots in Zwolle
Reijnders was born on 29 July 1998 in Zwolle, a historic city in the eastern Netherlands. He was raised by his mother, Angelina Reijnders, and his father, Martin Reijnders, a former professional footballer. He has two siblings: a younger brother, Eliano Reijnders, who also became a professional footballer, and a sister, Syane Reijnders.
His unique first name, Tijjani, came from former Nigeria and Ajax forward Tijani Babangida, who was starring for the Dutch club when Reijnders was born. His father is Dutch, while his mother has Indonesian heritage, giving him a rich multicultural background.
Football was a constant presence in the Reijnders household. His father's professional career meant the sport was always part of family life, and Tijjani began playing at a very young age, joining local side WVF Zwolle in 2003 at just five years old.
Youth Career and Early Struggles
Reijnders progressed through several youth academies in the Netherlands. He spent time at FC Zwolle's youth setup from 2007 to 2011, followed by a spell at FC Twente's academy between 2011 and 2015. He then moved to CSV '28 in 2015 before returning to his hometown club PEC Zwolle in 2016, where he joined the Under-19 team.
Despite his obvious talent, Reijnders's path to professional football was far from smooth. At the age of 19, while players like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland were making their names in European football, Reijnders was working at an Aldi supermarket. After school, he would ride his bike to the store, stock shelves and scan products for hours every day. It was a humbling experience that shaped his character and gave him a perspective on life that many of his peers never had.
PEC Zwolle: The First Step
Reijnders made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in 2017, making just one appearance for the first team before moving on. It was a brief spell, but it marked the beginning of his professional career. His potential was clear, and in August 2017, he made the move to AZ Alkmaar.
AZ Alkmaar: Finding His Feet
Reijnders joined AZ Alkmaar in the 2017-18 season, initially featuring for Jong AZ, the club's reserve team. He made 92 appearances for Jong AZ, scoring 19 goals, before establishing himself in the first team.
Between 2018 and 2023, Reijnders made 96 appearances for AZ's senior side, scoring nine goals. He spent a brief period on loan at RKC Waalwijk in 2020, making eight appearances, before returning to AZ as a key player. In total, he made 128 appearances for AZ in all competitions, contributing 13 goals and 15 assists.
His performances during the 2022-23 season were particularly impressive. He was named in the Eredivisie Team of the Month in September 2022 and again in April 2023. His consistent displays caught the attention of clubs across Europe, and it was clear that he was ready for a bigger challenge.
AC Milan: The Breakthrough
In July 2023, Reijnders made the move to Serie A giants AC Milan. It was a significant step up, and he adapted seamlessly to Italian football. His technical ability, tactical intelligence, and work rate made him an instant success.
During his time at Milan, Reijnders made 104 appearances, contributing 19 goals and nine assists. He was part of the side that won the 2024-25 Supercoppa Italiana. His standout campaign came in the 2024-25 season, when he scored 15 goals in all competitions. His performances earned him a place in the Serie A Team of the Season as well as the award for Serie A Best Midfielder of the Season. He also performed an astonishing 229 line-breaking passes in Italy's top flight that campaign, a skill that would prove invaluable in his next move.
Manchester City: A New Challenge
In June 2025, Reijnders completed a transfer to Manchester City for a reported fee in the region of £46-50 million. He signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, becoming their fourth summer arrival. The move came as Kevin De Bruyne departed the club, and Reijnders was expected to play a key creative role in Pep Guardiola's side.
Speaking about the move, Reijnders described it as a dream come true, particularly the chance to play in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of the great Dutch players who had come before him. His first match for City came in the FIFA Club World Cup, and he quickly established himself as a key figure in the midfield.
By the 2025-26 season, Reijnders had made a significant impact. He featured primarily in an advanced midfield position, playing in the half-spaces with athleticism that made him a key figure in both boxes. His passing success rate of 89 per cent demonstrated his composure in possession, while his dynamism and energy levels allowed him to run the midfield. He was described as the perfect example of a true modern-day midfielder, capable in both defensive and attacking phases of play.
International Career: Representing the Netherlands
Reijnders represented the Netherlands at Under-20 level, making 15 appearances between 2018 and 2019. His form for AZ earned him a call-up to the senior national team, and he made his debut for the Netherlands in 2023.
He was part of the Dutch squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024. By 2026, Reijnders had earned over 23 caps for his country, scoring four goals. He was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting matches and playing a key role for the Netherlands as they progressed through the tournament. Dutch media praised his performances as he steadily found his feet on the world stage.
Style of Play and Personality
Reijnders is the embodiment of the modern midfielder. Standing at 1.85m (6ft 1in), he possesses the physical presence to compete in the most demanding matches, yet combines this with exceptional technical ability and tactical intelligence.
His game is defined by versatility. He can perform comfortably in all central areas, predominantly as a number eight, but is also effective as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper role. He is tidy in possession, with excellent passing range and the ability to break lines with his passing. His dribbling ability allows him to carry the ball forward and create chances for teammates. He is also a counter-attack threat and contributes to set-piece situations.
Defensively, he works tirelessly, covering ground and making timely tackles. His athleticism makes him a key figure in both boxes, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Off the pitch, Reijnders is known for his humility and grounded nature. His time working in a supermarket while pursuing his football dream gave him a perspective that has stayed with him. He credits his family for their support and remains deeply connected to his roots in Zwolle. He is married to his wife, Marina, and is described as a quiet, hardworking professional who leads by example.
Career Statistics and Honours
Club senior appearances (as of 2026):
- PEC Zwolle: 1 appearance
- Jong AZ: 92 appearances, 19 goals
- AZ Alkmaar: 96 appearances, 9 goals
- RKC Waalwijk (loan): 8 appearances
- AC Milan: 104 appearances, 19 goals
- Manchester City: 30+ appearances
International appearances (as of 2026):
- Netherlands U20: 15 appearances
- Netherlands Senior: 23+ caps, 4 goals
Major Honours:
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2024-25 (AC Milan)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2025 (Manchester City)
- Serie A Team of the Season: 2024-25
- Serie A Best Midfielder of the Season: 2024-25
- UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-finalist (Netherlands)
Tijjani Reijnders's career is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the belief that it is never too late to achieve greatness. From stocking shelves at Aldi to starring for AC Milan and Manchester City, he has proven that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle. At just 27 years old, he is at the peak of his powers, and his best years lie ahead. With his technical excellence, versatility, and unrelenting work rate, Reijnders is poised to become one of the defining midfielders of his generation.