Biography
Who is Maarten Stekelenburg?
Early life and career beginnings
Maarten Stekelenburg started playing football at Zandvoort seventy-five and later joined VV Schoten. When he was fifteen years old, he moved to the youth system at Ajax in Amsterdam. He made his official debut for the senior Ajax team on February twenty-fourth, two thousand two, in a match against NAC Breda. At the start of the following season, he won his first silverware when his club secured the Johan Cruyff Shield.
During his first spell at Ajax, Maarten established himself as a key player. He won the Eredivisie title in two thousand four after playing ten matches that season. He became the undisputed first choice goalkeeper during the two thousand five through two thousand six campaign, winning his first KNVB Cup. He earned the Ajax player of the year award for the two thousand seven through two thousand eight season.
Career highlights and international success
Maarten transferred to Italian club AS Roma on August first, two thousand eleven, for a fee of over six million euros. This move made him the first Dutch footballer to play for the Italian club. He later played in the English Premier League for Fulham, Southampton, and Everton. With Everton, he saved two penalties in a match against Manchester City in October two thousand sixteen. He eventually returned to Ajax before retiring from professional football in May two thousand twenty-three.
On the international stage, Maarten earned sixty-three caps for the Netherlands national team. He made his senior debut against Liechtenstein on September third, two thousand four. After serving as understudy to Edwin van der Sar during the two thousand six World Cup and Euro two thousand eight, he became the first choice goalkeeper under manager Bert van Marwijk. He played every match during the run to the two thousand ten FIFA World Cup final in South Africa, where his team finished as runners-up to Spain after extra time.
Personal life and physical attributes
Maarten was born in Haarlem in the Netherlands and holds Dutch nationality. Standing one hundred ninety-seven centimeters tall, his height provided a significant physical presence in the penalty area throughout his career as a goalkeeper. When he joined Roma, he specifically selected the number twenty-four shirt because it represented the day his son was born.
His career was occasionally interrupted by injuries, including a finger injury at Ajax and groin issues during his time at Everton. Despite these setbacks, he continued to play at a high level into his late thirties. He officially announced his retirement from international football in August two thousand twenty-one following the team's exit from Euro two thousand twenty, and concluded his club career two years later.
Birthday and age
Maarten Stekelenburg was born on September 22, 1982, which makes Maarten 44 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Maarten shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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