Who is Tijjani Reijnders?

Early Life and Background

Tijjani Reijnders was born on July 29, 1998, in the city of Zwolle, located in the northeastern part of the Netherlands. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of sports, largely influenced by his father, Martin Reynders, a former professional footballer who played for various Dutch clubs in the 1990s. Growing up in a football-centric household, Tijjani was naturally drawn to the game and began playing at a very early age.

Interestingly, he was named after Tijjani Babangida, the Nigerian winger who made a name for himself in European football, particularly in the Netherlands. This naming reflected the family’s deep passion for the sport and may have served as an early source of inspiration for Tijjani’s career path.

Youth Career

Reijnders’ formal football training began at the grassroots level. His journey through youth football clubs helped shape his technical abilities and on-field intelligence.

• WWF Zwolle (2003–2007)
  His first club, where he took his initial steps into organized football. These early years were focused on foundational skills and nurturing his natural talent.
• PEC Zwolle Youth (2007–2011)
  Tijjani joined the youth setup of PEC Zwolle, his hometown club. This period allowed him to train in a more structured environment and compete with other promising young players.
• FC Twente Academy (2011–2015)
  He later moved to FC Twente’s youth academy, known for producing top-level Dutch talent. Here, Reijnders further refined his technique and began to stand out as a versatile midfielder.
• SWR ’28 (2015–2016)
  A brief return to a local Zwolle-based amateur club allowed Reijnders to play more competitively and maintain form while evaluating future professional opportunities.
• PEC Zwolle (2016–2017)
  His final youth stint was back at PEC Zwolle, setting the stage for his promotion to the first team. His development in these formative years showcased his technical ability, field vision, and composure on the ball—hallmarks of his game today.

Professional Career

PEC Zwolle (2017–2020)

Tijjani Reijnders made his professional debut for PEC Zwolle’s senior team on August 13, 2017, during a league match. Although he didn’t immediately become a regular starter, his potential was evident. The club recognized his tactical maturity and composure, and he gradually earned more minutes on the pitch.

In 2019, he was loaned to RKC Waalwijk, a club competing in the Dutch Eredivisie. This loan move was aimed at giving him regular first-team football. While at RKC, Reijnders gained valuable match experience and showcased his playmaking ability in midfield.

AZ Alkmaar (2021–2023)

Reijnders’ true breakthrough came after he joined AZ Alkmaar in 2021. At AZ, he quickly developed into one of the most exciting midfielders in the Eredivisie. He earned a reputation for his:

• Exceptional dribbling skills
• Quick ball control under pressure
• Explosive bursts and directional changes
• Ability to penetrate defensive lines

He often dictated the tempo in midfield and was praised for his intelligence and discipline. His vision and ability to deliver precise passes led to a high number of key passes and assists, and he also contributed several goals from midfield. Statistically, he was among the top midfielders in the league in terms of pass completion rate and successful final-third entries.

Reijnders’ performances drew national attention and admiration from football pundits and fans alike. His all-around midfield play made him a sought-after player on the transfer market.

AC Milan (2023–Present)

On July 19, 2023, Reijnders made a high-profile move to AC Milan, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs. The transfer fee was reported to be €19 million, not including potential bonuses.

At first, there was some skepticism among the club’s supporters about whether the Dutch midfielder could adapt to Serie A and live up to the club’s high expectations. However, Reijnders quickly silenced his critics with a string of impressive performances. In his debut season, he scored 3 goals and became a consistent presence in Milan’s midfield.

He earned praise for his work rate, vision, and balance between defensive and attacking responsibilities. His ability to intercept passes and launch counterattacks made him one of the club’s most effective midfielders. Currently, he is considered a first-choice starter, with his contract running until 2028.

Due to his growing influence and performances, Reijnders’ market value has surged to around €30 million, making him one of the most valuable Dutch midfielders in Europe.

International Career – Team Oranje

Reijnders has represented the Netherlands at the under-20 level, making three appearances without scoring. Owing to his maternal heritage, he was also eligible to play for Indonesia, but in 2022, he declined an offer from the Asian Football Confederation, choosing instead to focus on representing the Netherlands.

He was later called up to the senior Dutch national team and included in the squad for UEFA Euro 2024. With Frenkie de Jong ruled out due to injury before the tournament, Reijnders was given a chance to step up—and he did so with remarkable maturity and composure. He played a crucial role in midfield, helping the Dutch side progress through the group stage and all the way to the semi-finals, where they faced England.

His standout performances throughout the tournament earned him praise as one of the best midfielders of the competition.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Tijjani Reijnders leads a stable family life. He is married to Marina Gurgis, a successful digital influencer and entrepreneur. Before they met, Marina was already a well-known YouTuber and fashion blogger, with over 200,000 subscribers. She is known for promoting her own line of clothing and lifestyle content. The couple has one child together.

Reijnders often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showcasing a grounded and supportive home environment, which he credits for his focus and motivation on the pitch.

Rumors of transfer to Manchester City

Tijjani Reijnders, currently playing for AC Milan, has recently been linked with a potential move to Manchester City. The English champions are reportedly in the market for midfield reinforcements, especially with uncertainty surrounding the future of key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Reijnders is seen as a dynamic, modern midfielder who could fit seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s tactical system.

Reijnders, 26, has had a standout season with AC Milan in 2024–25, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him a vital player for the Rossoneri, as well as a regular in the Dutch national team. Despite his impressive performances, Milan endured a disappointing campaign overall, which could prompt key players to consider their futures at the club.

Reijnders is under contract with Milan until 2030, and the Italian club views him as a cornerstone of their long-term project. However, with Milan undergoing internal restructuring and City potentially offering a significant transfer fee, the situation may evolve rapidly. Guardiola is said to admire Reijnders’ composure on the ball, his tactical intelligence, and his versatility, which would make him a valuable addition to City’s already deep squad.

City’s interest is reportedly part of a broader squad refresh, with players like Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva potentially on their way out. Whether or not Reijnders will make the switch to the Premier League will likely depend on multiple factors: the player’s own ambitions, Milan’s stance, and the competitiveness of City’s offer.

As of now, no official statement has been made by either club, and the move remains in the realm of speculation. However, it is a rumor worth watching as the summer transfer window approaches.

Transfermarkt

Tijjani Reijnders on TransferMarkt

Legacy and Future

Still in the early stages of his international and club-level peak, Tijjani Reijnders continues to grow in stature. With his unique combination of athleticism, intelligence, and technical finesse, he is expected to be a key figure for the Dutch national team for years to come.

Whether it’s controlling the midfield in the Serie A or wearing the oranje jersey in major international tournaments, Reijnders is proving to be one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Netherlands in recent years.