Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong, born on May 12, 1997, is a prominent Dutch professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona and the Netherlands national team. His journey in professional football began at Willem II in 2015, where he showcased his potential before making a significant move to Ajax a year later for a symbolic fee of one euro, which was offset by a sell-on clause.

At Ajax, De Jong quickly established himself as one of Europe's most talented young midfielders. His remarkable performances contributed to the club's domestic double, winning both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup. Notably, he played a crucial role in Ajax's memorable run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, marking the club's first appearance at that stage in 22 years during the 2018–19 season.

In January 2019, during his breakthrough season, De Jong agreed to join Barcelona, with the transfer finalized in July for a fee of seventy-five million euros. His exceptional skills earned him a spot in the 2019 FIFA FIFPro World11, making him one of three Dutch players to be recognized in this prestigious selection for the first time in five years.

On the international stage, De Jong made his senior debut for the Netherlands in September 2018. He quickly became a key player for the national team, starting in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, where the Netherlands finished as runners-up. He also represented his country at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, further solidifying his status as a vital asset to Dutch football.