Maarten Stekelenburg began his professional goalkeeping career at Ajax, where he developed from a youth recruit into a two-time club player of the year. Over a career spanning two decades, he established himself as a fixture in Dutch football, accumulating 63 international caps and serving as the primary goalkeeper for the national team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
Early Development and Ajax Success
Born in Haarlem in 1982, Stekelenburg progressed through the youth ranks at Zandvoort '75 and VV Schoten before moving to Ajax at age 15. He made his official debut on 24 February 2002 against NAC Breda. During his initial nine-season stint in Amsterdam, he secured nine major honors, including two Eredivisie titles, and earned the club's player of the year award in both 2008 and 2011.
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Stekelenburg made his international debut for the Netherlands on 3 September 2004 against Liechtenstein. He initially served as the understudy to Edwin van der Sar during the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008. By the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he transitioned into the first-choice goalkeeper, helping the squad reach the tournament final. He continued representing his country at Euro 2012 and Euro 2020.
European Club Tenure
In 2011, Stekelenburg transferred to Roma for €6.325 million, becoming the first Dutch player to represent the club. His subsequent career included a stint at Fulham, where he signed a four-year deal in 2013, followed by a loan to Monaco for the 2014–15 season. He also spent time on loan at Southampton before joining Everton in 2016, where he remained until 2020.
Return and Retirement
Following the expiry of his contract at Everton, Stekelenburg returned to Ajax in 2020. He reclaimed a starting position in February 2021 after teammate André Onana received a suspension. He extended his contract in May 2021 and remained with the club until announcing his formal retirement from professional football on 18 May 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Haarlem
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Professional Debut: 24 February 2002
- International Caps: 63
- Ajax Player of the Year: 2008, 2011
- Retirement Date: 18 May 2023
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournament did Stekelenburg help his team reach the final of?
He was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Netherlands during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
What was the transfer fee for his move to Roma?
The transfer was completed for €6.325 million.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
