Making his professional debut at age 16 and 148 days, Georginio Wijnaldum became the youngest player to ever represent Feyenoord. Born in Rotterdam in 1990, the midfielder emerged from the club's youth academy to establish a career across top-tier European leagues, eventually securing major trophies in both the Netherlands and England while accumulating over 90 international caps for the Dutch senior team.
Early Development in Rotterdam
Raised in Rotterdam by his grandmother following his parents' divorce, Wijnaldum initially pursued gymnastics and acrobatics. His interest in association football began after attending an opening day event at Sparta Rotterdam, where he later joined the youth academy. After seven seasons with Sparta, he moved to Feyenoord, seeking further professional development. He quickly gained recognition as an exceptional talent, joining the first team for training in Turkey in early 2007.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Domestic Success and PSV Tenure
Wijnaldum made his competitive debut against Groningen in April 2007. During his time at Feyenoord, he won the KNVB Cup in 2008 and eventually moved to PSV in 2011 for a reported €5 million fee. At PSV, he transitioned into a leadership role, becoming captain in 2013. Despite a back injury limiting his appearances that season, he regained fitness to lead the squad to the Eredivisie title in 2015, earning the Dutch Footballer of the Year award.
Premier League and European Triumphs
In 2015, Newcastle United signed Wijnaldum for £14.5 million. He moved to Liverpool a year later for £23 million, where he adapted to a deeper midfield position. His tenure at Anfield included scoring two goals during the Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona in 2019, followed by a victory in the final. During the 2019–20 season, he played a central role in securing the club's first Premier League title in 30 years, along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
International and Late Career Path
Wijnaldum made his senior debut for the Netherlands in 2011. He contributed to the 2014 FIFA World Cup third-place finish and a runner-up spot in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League. Since departing Liverpool in 2021, his career path included stints at Paris Saint-Germain, a loan to Roma, and subsequent moves to the Saudi Pro League, where he joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 and Al-Ittihad in 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 1990, Rotterdam
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Professional debut: 2007, Feyenoord
- International debut: 2011
- Former club (England): Newcastle United, Liverpool
- Former club (France): Paris Saint-Germain
- Current status: Active player
Questions readers ask
Did Wijnaldum play for any other clubs besides those in the Netherlands and England?
Yes, he played for Paris Saint-Germain in France, Roma in Italy, and Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Which position did he play at Liverpool?
He transitioned into a role deeper in the midfield than he had occupied at his previous clubs.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
.jpg)