Date of Birth: August 12, 1983
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Biography
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, born Dirk Jan Klaas Huntelaar, is a retired Dutch professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring ability. Born on August 12, 1983, in Voor-Drempt, Netherlands, Huntelaar’s football journey began at a young age when he joined the local club VV Hummelo en Keppel. His talent was evident early on, leading to his recruitment into De Graafschap’s youth academy and later PSV Eindhoven’s renowned youth system. Huntelaar’s professional career took off at PSV, although he spent much of his early career on loan, notably at AGOVV, where he showcased his remarkable scoring prowess. He gained national prominence during his time with SC Heerenveen, scoring an impressive 33 goals in 46 appearances, which earned him a move to Ajax in January 2006. At Ajax, Huntelaar continued to excel, becoming the Eredivisie’s top scorer in the 2007-08 season. In January 2009, Huntelaar made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, though his stint in Spain was short-lived due to managerial changes. He then moved to AC Milan before finding long-term success at Schalke 04 in Germany. At Schalke, Huntelaar became a fan favorite and one of the Bundesliga’s most feared strikers, amassing over 80 goals for the club. Internationally, Huntelaar earned over 75 caps for the Netherlands national team and was part of the squad that finished runners-up in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Known for his clinical finishing, positioning, and aerial ability, Huntelaar left an indelible mark on every team he played for.
5 Interesting Facts about Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
1. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands U21 team.
2. He scored his first goal for the Netherlands senior team in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in 2006.
3. Huntelaar won the Eredivisie Golden Boot twice, in the 2005-06 and 2007-08 seasons.
4. He became the Bundesliga top scorer in the 2011-12 season with 29 goals.
5. Huntelaar returned to Ajax in 2017 and played a crucial role in the club’s domestic success, including winning the Eredivisie title in 2018-19.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
1. “Scoring goals is a mix of instinct, positioning, and timing. It’s something you can’t always teach.”
2. “Playing for clubs like Ajax, Real Madrid, and Schalke has been a dream. Each experience has shaped me as a player.”
3. “Representing my country in the World Cup final was the pinnacle of my career. It’s something every footballer dreams of.”
4. “Football is not just about skill; it’s about passion, determination, and the willingness to keep improving.”
5. “I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork. Individual brilliance can win matches, but teamwork wins championships.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $35 million.
Children
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and his wife, Maddy Schoolderman, have four children: Seb, Axel, Puck, and Jim.
Relevant Links
2. [Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaas-Jan_Huntelaar
4. [Huntelaar’s Return to Ajax Article on BBC](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39347291