Biography
Who is Jonathan de Guzmán?
Early life and background
Jonathan Alexander de Guzmán was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. His parents moved to Canada from the Philippines and Jamaica when they were ten years old. He grew up with an older brother, Julian de Guzman, who also became a professional football player. During his childhood, his father initially encouraged the brothers to play basketball, but they eventually shifted their focus entirely to football. Jonathan attended St. Rose of Lima during his early years in Canada.
Jonathan began his youth football development at the North Scarborough Soccer Club. He trained frequently to refine his skills. Eventually, his older brother Julian joined the youth academy of Olympique Marseille in France. Two years later, at age 12, Jonathan moved to Europe to join the Feyenoord youth academy in the Netherlands. He lived with a club employee for three years upon arriving in Rotterdam before moving into a dormitory at age 15.
Rise at Feyenoord
Jonathan de Guzmán started playing for the Feyenoord first team shortly after turning 18. He made his official Eredivisie debut on September 18, 2005, during a match against SC Heerenveen. He scored his first professional goal on September 30, 2005, against Willem II. Following his debut, he established himself as a regular starter in the midfield. On December 11, 2005, he received recognition for his performance against PSV.
The 2006-2007 season proved challenging for the club, which finished in seventh place. Jonathan faced significant pressure as a young player during this period. In subsequent seasons, the team added experienced players like Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Roy Makaay. Jonathan played on the right wing under manager Bert van Marwijk during the 2007-2008 campaign, making 33 Eredivisie appearances and scoring nine goals.
Injuries and later career
Physical setbacks hampered the midfielder's progress during his final years at Feyenoord. He struggled with groin, thigh, and knee issues, culminating in meniscus surgery in January 2009. These injuries limited his participation significantly. He eventually made his return to the pitch, though he suffered further cartilage damage in his right knee in October 2009. He played his final match for Feyenoord in the KNVB Cup final against Ajax in May 2010.
In July 2010, Jonathan signed a three-year contract with RCD Mallorca in Spain. He made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid in August 2010. During his time in Spain, he also played for Villarreal. Internationally, he chose to represent the Netherlands after gaining citizenship in 2008. He played for the Dutch U21 team, including participation in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He later made 14 appearances for the senior Netherlands national team between 2013 and 2015.
Birthday and age
Jonathan de Guzmán was born on September 13, 1987, which makes Jonathan 39 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Jonathan shares the date with 54 other famous people.
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