Brief Introduction of Justin Kluivert
Justin Dean Kluivert is a distinguished Dutch professional footballer, celebrated for his agility, speed, and technical skill as a winger and attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and represents the Netherlands on the international stage. As the son of legendary Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, Justin emerged from the prestigious Ajax youth academy, quickly making a name for himself with his dynamic performances. His career has seen him play in Europe’s top five leagues, a rare achievement, with spells at AS Roma in Italy, RB Leipzig in Germany, OGC Nice in France, and Valencia in Spain, before his move to England. Kluivert is known for his versatility across the forward line and his ability to create and score goals, continuing a rich family legacy in the world of football.
Justin Kluivert Overview
| Full Name | Justin Dean Kluivert |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1999 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 26 |
| Birthplace | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Not married; Engaged to Shanna Taihuttu |
| Family | Patrick Kluivert (Father), Ruben Kluivert (Brother), Quincy Kluivert (Brother), Shane Kluivert (Half-brother), Kenneth Kluivert (Grandfather) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Engaged to Shanna Taihuttu |
| Net Worth | Approximately £27 million |
Early Life and Education of Justin Kluivert
Justin Kluivert was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, into a family deeply rooted in football excellence. His father, Patrick Kluivert, is a celebrated former Dutch international striker, and his grandfather, Kenneth Kluivert, was also a professional footballer from Suriname. This environment naturally steered a young Justin towards the sport. He began his football journey at the youth academy of SV Diemen in 2005 before joining the world-renowned AFC Ajax youth program in 2007 at the age of eight. Growing up in the Ajax system, known for developing technically gifted players, Kluivert was immersed in the “Total Football” philosophy. He progressed through the ranks, honing the skills that would become his trademark: pace, dribbling, and an eye for goal. The constant pressure to perform and the high standards of the academy shaped him into a resilient and ambitious player from a young age. He signed his first professional contract with Ajax as a teenager in 2016, marking the official start of a much-anticipated career.
Justin Kluivert’s Career
Justin Kluivert’s professional career is a compelling story of a young talent navigating the pressures of a famous name while carving his own path across Europe’s elite football leagues. This journey showcases his adaptability, resilience, and a continuous quest for growth.
AFC Ajax (2016–2018)
Kluivert’s professional journey began in the famed youth system of AFC Ajax. He made his debut for the reserve team, Jong Ajax, in the Eerste Divisie on September 16, 2016. His talent was undeniable, and he was quickly promoted to the senior team, making his Eredivisie debut on January 15, 2017, against PEC Zwolle at the age of 17. A poignant moment in his burgeoning career came on March 19, 2017, when he scored his first Eredivisie goal, exactly 10 years and one day after his father Patrick’s last career goal. During the 2016-17 season, he was part of the Ajax squad that reached the UEFA Europa League final. The following season, he truly announced his arrival, most notably scoring a hat-trick against Roda JC, a feat his father never accomplished in the Dutch league. His impressive performances earned him the AFC Ajax Talent of the Future award in 2017.
AS Roma (2018–2023)
In June 2018, Kluivert made a significant move to Serie A, joining AS Roma for a fee of €18.75 million. The transfer was partly influenced by a call from Roma legend Francesco Totti to his father. Upon joining, he chose the number 34 shirt in tribute to his former Ajax teammate and friend, Abdelhak Nouri, who had suffered a career-ending cardiac arrhythmia attack. On October 3, 2018, Kluivert became the youngest Roma player to score in the UEFA Champions League, dedicating the goal to Nouri. While he showed flashes of brilliance in Italy, consistent starting opportunities became a challenge amidst managerial changes. This led to a series of loan moves designed to provide him with more regular playing time and diverse experiences.
Loan Spells: RB Leipzig, OGC Nice, and Valencia
Kluivert’s first loan was to the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig for the 2020–21 season. Here, he continued to showcase his ability on the European stage, scoring a crucial goal against Manchester United in a Champions League victory. The following season, he moved to France, joining OGC Nice on loan. In Ligue 1, under coach Christophe Galtier, his versatility was highlighted as he played across the front line, contributing six goals and six assists in 31 appearances. His final loan spell was in La Liga with Valencia for the 2022–23 season. This move was preceded by a failed transfer to Fulham due to work permit issues. His time in Spain further broadened his experience, making him one of a select few to have played in the top leagues of the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain.
AFC Bournemouth (2023–Present)
In June 2023, Justin Kluivert found a new permanent home, signing with Premier League club AFC Bournemouth for a reported fee of around €11 million. He made his debut on August 12, 2023, and scored his first goal for the club on November 1 of the same year. His first Premier League goal came against Sheffield United on November 25, 2023. This goal was historically significant as it made him only the third player, after Florin Răducioiu and Stevan Jovetić, to have scored in each of Europe’s “Big Five” leagues (Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1). At Bournemouth, Kluivert seems to have found stability and has become a key part of the team’s attack, valued for his skill, speed, and versatility.
International Career
Kluivert has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, including the U17, U19, and U21 teams. He was a key player in the Dutch squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He received his first call-up to the senior national team in March 2018 and made his debut on March 26, 2018, in a 3–0 friendly victory over Portugal.
Justin Kluivert Personal Life & Family
Justin Kluivert hails from a veritable football dynasty. His father is the iconic Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, who famously scored the winning goal for Ajax in the 1995 Champions League final and had a stellar career at FC Barcelona. His grandfather, Kenneth Kluivert, was a professional footballer in Suriname. Justin’s family life is deeply connected to the sport; his brother Ruben also plays professionally, and his other brothers, Quincy and Shane, are involved in football as well. He is of Surinamese descent through his father and Curaçaoan descent through his paternal grandmother. In his personal life, Justin Kluivert is engaged to Shanna Taihuttu. The couple, who have been together since 2021, recently announced they are expecting their first child, a daughter. While living in Valencia in 2023, the couple endured a traumatic experience when their home was robbed and his partner was assaulted, resulting in the theft of valuable possessions.
Awards and Achievements of Justin Kluivert
- AFC Ajax Talent of the Future (Sjaak Swart Award): 2016–17
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2016–17
- Dutch U19 Champion: 2016
- German cup runner-up: 2020-21
Justin Kluivert Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Justin Kluivert’s net worth is estimated to be around £27,045,200. His wealth is primarily derived from his professional football contracts. His current contract with AFC Bournemouth, which runs until June 30, 2028, sees him earning a weekly salary of approximately £90,000, which translates to an annual salary of £4,680,000. Throughout his career, his transfer fees have also been substantial, including the €18.75 million move from Ajax to Roma. In addition to his salary, Kluivert’s income is supplemented by various high-profile endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Puma, reflecting his marketability as a prominent European footballer.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being in the prime of his career, Justin Kluivert is already building a significant legacy. He is a modern winger, defined by his explosive pace, technical dribbling, and versatility. His achievement of scoring in all five of Europe’s top leagues places him in a rare category of adaptable and resilient offensive players. While the comparisons to his famous father were inevitable early in his career, Justin has successfully forged his own identity. He has spoken about seeing the comparison not as a burden but as an honor, demonstrating a mature and grounded perspective. His journey through different leagues and cultures has made him a more rounded player and person, influencing younger players who aspire to test their abilities across various footballing landscapes. His tribute to Abdelhak Nouri by wearing the number 34 shirt also showcased his character and compassion, leaving a mark that transcends his on-pitch achievements.
Interesting Facts about Justin Kluivert
- He is the first player to have scored in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Eredivisie.
- He scored his first hat-trick for Ajax against Roda JC on November 26, 2017, something his legendary father never managed in the Eredivisie.
- Justin made his senior debut for Ajax at 17, a younger age than his father, who debuted at 18.
- A phone call from Italian football legend Francesco Totti to his father, Patrick, was a key factor in his decision to join AS Roma in 2018.
- He dedicated his first Champions League goal for Roma to his friend and former teammate Abdelhak “Appie” Nouri.
Controversies
While Justin Kluivert’s career has been largely free from major on-field controversies, his transfer from his boyhood club Ajax to Roma in 2018 did generate some debate. At the time, there were discussions and speculation in the media regarding the contract negotiations and the influence of his agent, the late Mino Raiola, with some Ajax fans expressing disappointment over his departure. However, Kluivert has since expressed that in hindsight, he might have left Ajax too early. Off the pitch, he and his partner were victims of a violent home invasion and robbery in 2023 while he was playing for Valencia, a criminal event that was widely reported.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Justin Kluivert
Justin Kluivert’s career is a testament to both inherited talent and personal determination. Having navigated the high expectations that come with a famous surname, he has successfully established his own identity as a dynamic and versatile attacker on the European stage. His unique achievement of scoring in all of Europe’s top five leagues highlights his adaptability and resilience. Now settled at AFC Bournemouth, Kluivert appears to have found the stability needed to fully harness his potential. As he enters his peak years, the forward continues to be an important player for his club and a valuable asset for the Dutch national team. With a young family on the way and a promising future ahead in the competitive Premier League, the Justin Kluivert biography continues to be written, with many more chapters likely to be filled with success and memorable moments.
