Some careers explode at 18. Tijjani Reijnders had to wait.
From Zwolle’s quiet pitches to AZ Alkmaar’s steady rise, he took the long road. A player once overlooked, now considered by Pep Guardiola as “one of the best signings in Manchester City’s history.” His journey is proof that patience, persistence, and quiet belief can outshine early hype.
At 24, he was still in the Eredivisie, learning his craft. At 25, he was running AC Milan’s midfield. By 26, he was the heartbeat of the Netherlands at Euro 2024. And now, at 27, he is the latest jewel in City’s glittering midfield, thriving under Guardiola’s demanding system.
Reijnders isn’t loud. He isn’t flashy. But his football speaks volumes.
What the Football World Is Saying
🗣️ Pep Guardiola: “He is one of the best signings in the club’s history.”
🗣️ Stefano Pioli: “A total midfielder… capable of inserting himself into the spaces that the opposing defenses allow.”
🗣️ Pascal Jansen: “Among the best in the world… he ran everywhere without losing clarity or quality.”
🗣️ Nathan Aké: “He could be very important… you see the quality he has.”
Player Profile
Full Name: Tijjani Martinus Jan Reijnders Lekatompessy
Date of Birth: July 29, 1998 (27)
Place of Birth: Zwolle, Netherlands
Nationality: Netherlands
Height: 1.85m
Preferred Foot: Right
Position:Defensive Midfielder / Central Midfielder
Club: Manchester City
What Makes Reijnders Special
🔹 Ball Progression & Verticality: Carries the ball with intent, turning defense into attack with long strides.
🔹 Technical Class: Receives under pressure, pivots quickly, and drives forward with control.
🔹 Passing & Creativity: Unlocks defenses with vision and precision; consistently delivers key passes.
🔹 Goal Threat: Strikes cleanly from distance and times late box arrivals like a shadow striker.
🔹 Physical Attributes: Tall, lean, and tireless, combining agility with stamina for full-pitch dominance.
Achievements
Supercoppa Italiana – 2024–25
Serie A Team of the Season – 2024–25
Serie A Best Midfielder – 2024–25
The Athletic Serie A Team of the Season – 2024–25
Final Words
He’s gone from being overlooked in Zwolle to commanding respect in Manchester. A reminder that in football, as in life, timing is everything.
