From supermarket aisles to global stardom: the meteoric rise of Tijjani Reijnders
In short: Before commanding multi-million pound transfers in Italy and England, Tijjani Reijnders was working shifts at a local Aldi. His journey from a Dutch youth prospect to a Premier League winner and Saudi Pro League star is a masterclass in rapid professional evolution.
Born on 29 July 1998, Tijjani Reijnders' ascent through the ranks of Dutch football was remarkably swift. After developing in the Twente and PEC Zwolle youth systems, his career accelerated in 2017. While training in Zwolle, he balanced his footballing ambitions with employment at an Aldi supermarket, before moving to AZ, where he became a mainstay of the first team.
His tactical versatility and mobility as a central midfielder—often playing as a 'mezzala' in a 4-3-3 formation—made him a highly sought-after talent. In July 2023, he moved to AC Milan, where he flourished. During the 2024–25 season, he was recognized as the Serie A Best Midfielder and earned a place in the league's Team of the Season. His time in Italy was marked by significant milestones, including a contract extension that committed him to the club until June 2030.
The summer of 2025 saw a major shift as Reijnders joined Manchester City on a five-year deal worth approximately £46.5m. His single season in England was highly decorated, yielding both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, including a Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal in March 2026. By August 2026, his career took him to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Qadsiah in a transfer reported at £52m.
Beyond the pitch, Reijnders' identity is a tapestry of international connections. Though eligible to represent Indonesia through his Moluccan mother, he chose to represent the Netherlands, making his senior debut in September 2023. Interestingly, his name serves as a tribute to the former Nigerian and Ajax forward Tijani Babangida.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tijjani Reijnders
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-tijjani-reijnders.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Languages · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
