Overview of Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben, a globally recognized footballer, is the subject of the following brief profile:
| Name | Arjen Hans Robben |
| Country of Origin | Netherlands |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Groningen, Northern Netherlands |
| Sport Type | Football |
| Current Club | FC Groningen |
| Position | Right Winger |
| Player Number | 10 |
Arjen Robben’s Personal Life
Arjen Robben grew up in a family that cherished football. His father, Hans Robben, was an avid football supporter and later became his son’s agent. Recognizing Robben’s passion for the sport, his parents enrolled him in the best football academy in their neighborhood.
His mother, a well-known local figure in the Netherlands, provided him with significant support throughout his career. After establishing himself in the world of football, Robben married Bernadien Eilert in 2007, a former high school classmate, after years of dating. Their wedding took place in their hometown of Bedum, Groningen.
Robben is a devoted father to three children: Luka, Kai, and Lynn. Luka, his eldest, shares a particularly close bond with him. Robben values family above all, considering it more important than his football career. He prioritizes a serene life with his loved ones away from the demands of professional sports.
Arjen Robben’s Professional Journey
Robben’s football journey began in childhood, participating in numerous tournaments and competitions throughout his formative years, detailed as follows:
Clubs Where Arjen Robben Played
Throughout his professional career, Robben represented various clubs, including:
- Groningen Youth Academy
This refers to his participation in youth teams under the age of 20, as players cannot join men’s teams before reaching that age. Robben began with Groningen’s youth squad and advanced to the men’s team.
- FC Groningen (Men’s Team)
Robben played for the men’s team of FC Groningen from 2001 to 2003. During his tenure, the club competed in the Eredivisie, and Robben’s commendable performances attracted attention from top-tier clubs.
- PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Eredivisie, signed Robben for a two-year contract from 2003 to 2005. While at Eindhoven, he enjoyed considerable success, winning the league title and capturing the interest of major European clubs.
- Chelsea FC
In 2005, Robben transferred to Chelsea FC, contributing to the club’s success in the Premier League during his two seasons from 2005 to 2007. Unfortunately, injuries hindered his aspirations during his time at Chelsea.
- Real Madrid
Real Madrid, one of Spain’s most famed clubs, acquired Robben for €35 million, a significant sum at that time. He played for the club from 2007 to 2009 but faced competition for a starting position following the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká.
- Bayern Munich
Robben’s most celebrated chapter began when he joined Bayern Munich in 2009, where he played for ten seasons until 2019. He achieved numerous personal accolades and significant team victories, including reaching the UEFA Champions League final three times, emerging victorious on one occasion.
- FC Groningen
Following his contract termination with Bayern, Robben opted not to renew and chose to return to his hometown club in 2020, seeking a quieter life away from the intense atmosphere of European football. After one season, he briefly retired but returned for an additional season in 2021-2022.
Tournaments Arjen Robben Participated In
Throughout his lengthy career, Robben participated in numerous tournaments, including:
- Eredivisie
Robben played in this league while with FC Groningen and PSV Eindhoven from 2001 to 2005, returning after a significant absence in 2020.
- Premier League
During his tenure with Chelsea, he played in this league for two seasons and won the title from 2005 to 2007.
- La Liga
Robben featured in this league playing for Real Madrid for two seasons, winning the title from 2007 to 2009.
- Bundesliga
Robben had a decade-long stint with Bayern Munich, winning multiple league titles between 2009 and 2019.
- UEFA Champions League
The Champions League, which gathers the top clubs from European leagues, witnessed Robben’s participation with every club he represented from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich, spanning from 2003 to 2019. He reached the final three times with Bayern Munich, bringing home the title in one of those appearances while showcasing exceptional performances.
- UEFA European Championship
The UEFA European Championship, held every four years, featured Robben in multiple tournaments with the Netherlands, starting in 2004 when they exited to the Czech Republic. He also played in 2008, reaching the quarter-finals, and experienced disappointing exits in 2012 after losing all three group stage matches.
Records Held by Arjen Robben
Throughout his career, Robben accumulated numerous records with both his clubs and the Dutch national team, notably including:
- 100 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
- 700 matches played for clubs and the Dutch national team.
- Recognized as the fastest player globally after clocking 37 km/h over 100 meters during the 2014 World Cup.
Arjen Robben’s World Cup Participation
Robben represented the Netherlands in multiple World Cups, including:
- 2006 FIFA World Cup
In this tournament, the Dutch team reached the quarter-finals but was eliminated by Portugal, with Robben scoring one goal.
- 2010 FIFA World Cup
Robben was instrumental in leading the Dutch team to the final in this edition, where they ultimately fell to Spain, contributing two goals to the national effort.
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
The Netherlands reached the semi-finals in this tournament but lost to Argentina on penalties. They secured third place by defeating Brazil 3-0.
Arjen Robben’s National and International Fame
Robben gained immense popularity in the Netherlands as a national team player and internationally for his time with prestigious clubs. His unique playing style, which evolved under coach Guus Hiddink, contributed to his widespread recognition.
Utilizing skills acquired in his youth, Robben developed an exceptional ability to break through defensive lines, relying on his speed, physical strength, and effective dribbling to disrupt opposing defenses. His typical approach involved cutting in from the right and shooting with his left foot, consistently threatening goalkeepers throughout his career.
His remarkable skills made him the target of major football clubs, transitioning from the Dutch league to the English, Spanish, and German leagues, which are followed by fans globally.
Honors Received by Arjen Robben
Throughout his illustrious career, Robben received numerous individual accolades and team honors, including:
- Dutch Player of the Year (2002/2003)
- Premier League Player of the Month (2004)
- Included in the Premier League Team of the Season (2004/2005)
- Italian Bravo Award (2005)
- Kicker’s Man of the Year (2010)
- German Footballer of the Year (2010)
- Monthly Bundesliga Top Scorer (January, March, April 2010; February 2013)
- Fourth in UEFA Best Player rankings (2013); third in 2014
- FIFPro World XI selections (2013, 2014, 2015)
- Fourth place in the Ballon d’Or (2014)
- Dutch Sportsman of the Year (2014)