Where did it all start?
Tijjani Reijnders was born in Zwolle, a city known for its rich football culture and talented youth academies. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for the game. He started playing at a local club, WVF, where he took his first steps in organized football. It was clear that he had something special, as he not only demonstrated technical skills but also an undeniable determination. This determination later took him to larger youth academies such as FC Zwolle, FC Twente, and CSV '28.
Although many young players occasionally lose interest in the sport, Reijnders always remained focused. He clung to his dream of becoming a professional soccer player and did not allow himself to be distracted by other temptations. Instead, he trained hard and developed his tactical insight. People around him noticed how seriously he took his talent. It was clear early on that he was not just a talent, but someone who wanted to devote himself entirely to a career in professional football.
Due to the changing landscape of youth training in the Netherlands, he had to keep performing to get noticed. Nevertheless, he maintained his calm demeanor and continued to build a solid foundation. Ultimately, that mentality led to a spot in the youth academy of PEC Zwolle, formerly FC Zwolle. That marked the start of a journey in which he managed to raise himself to a higher level time and time again.
The breakthrough at PEC Zwolle
At PEC Zwolle, he was given the opportunity to develop further. He worked hard on his technique, his ball control, and his versatility in various positions. Coaches saw in him a midfielder who could not only pass and shoot, but also read the game. With each season, his role became more valuable, and he was soon given his debut in the club's first team. That moment came on August 13, 2017, in a match against Roda JC Kerkrade.
Despite only entering the field in the 91st minute, it was an unforgettable experience for Reijnders. Experiencing the Eredivisie, surrounded by thousands of spectators, gave him an extra boost. This baptism of fire immediately made it clear that PEC Zwolle had a special player in their ranks. The club continued to rely on his qualities, even though he did not play for the first team again after that.
The fact that he shares his name with former professional footballer Tijjani Babangida underlines his special background. Both Babangida and Reijnders are known for their focus and speed of thought and action. Although they differ as players, the parallel is striking: both have a natural flair that sets them apart on the field. Reijnders went on to demonstrate that flair on more than one occasion, at various clubs and in different leagues.
A new chapter at AZ
The turning point came in the middle of the summer of 2017. AZ saw him as a potential asset for the future and offered him a contract until mid-2020, with an option for two more seasons. This step was not only recognition of his talent, but also proof that his hard work at PEC Zwolle had not gone unnoticed. At AZ, he became part of the youth team, Jong AZ, with the ambition of moving up to the first team in the foreseeable future.
In his early years at AZ, he continued to quietly hone his skills. Although he had already laid a solid foundation in the PEC Zwolle youth academy, it was now time to mature in his game. He therefore adapted to AZ's training methods: more intensive, tactically refined, and with a lot of attention to detail. He worked on his long-range shooting, his running ability, and his role as a playmaker.
In addition, he signed a contract extension in July 2019 until mid-2023, which meant that AZ continued to have real confidence in him. At Jong AZ, he showed his class time and time again, scoring 20 goals in 92 games. That is a remarkable statistic for a midfielder. Every game, he showed his tireless desire to keep learning. Ultimately, this hard work led to a place in the first team squad in December 2017.
Extra experience at RKC Waalwijk
In order to get more playing time and continue his progress, Reijnders joined RKC Waalwijk on loan in the second half of the 2019/20 season. This move gave him the opportunity to play in the Eredivisie every week and test his skills at the highest level. In a league where every point counts, he had the chance to prove himself against clubs with different playing styles and levels.
His time at RKC was short but valuable. He played eight games before the league was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although this period was cut short, it was an eye-opener for Reijnders to experience what else it takes to excel in the Eredivisie. The intensity, the pressure of the relegation battle, and the responsibility that comes with a place in the starting line-up gave him new insights.
These experiences taught him how to deal with setbacks and the unpredictability of a season. He returned to AZ for a fresh start. The lessons he had learned at RKC complemented his existing knowledge, which proved more useful than ever in the next steps of his career.
Step by step to a place in the AZ starting line-up
Back at AZ, he took on an important role. Slowly but surely, he was groomed for a place in the starting line-up. In the 2020/21 season, he played 22 Eredivisie matches, six of which were in the starting line-up. These contributions were not only important for the team, but also confirmation of his own progress.
He continued to work hard to be invaluable to AZ's midfield. He developed into a player who could contribute both offensively and defensively. That versatility ensured he played many games. He missed only five games that season, which is a testament to his tremendous commitment and fitness.
His breakthrough became even clearer on September 19, 2021, when he scored his first goal for AZ in a match against Heracles Almelo. Although AZ lost that match 3-2, Reijnders' goal underlined his potential. It was a sign that he was taking on more and more responsibility on the field.
Breaking through as a regular
In the summer of 2022, Fredrik Midtsjø left for Galatasaray, creating space in midfield. With even more drive, Reijnders seized his opportunity. Suddenly, he was a regular alongside Jordy Clasie and Dani de Wit. His tactical awareness and game intelligence fit seamlessly with the way AZ wanted to play.
Later that year, he continued to develop, and on August 11, he made his mark again with two goals in the UEFA Conference League qualifier against Dundee United. AZ won 7-0, thanks in part to his productive contribution. This performance created moments of high tension in the stadium, where everyone could see that Reijnders was ready for the big time.
The club rewarded his efforts with a contract extension until mid-2027. This long-term commitment confirmed his status as a player AZ wanted to build on. He was no longer a talent, but a defining force in midfield.
A leap to AC Milan
More and more foreign clubs began to follow him, especially as he developed into a key figure at AZ. In the end, he chose AC Milan, where he signed a five-year contract in July 2023. For him, this was a huge step: playing in Serie A, one of the world's most prestigious leagues. Moreover, Milan offers the opportunity to gain experience at the top European level, with big games in the Champions League.
His debut in Italy was promising: on August 22, he immediately provided his first assist against Bologna. The Italian press was full of praise, describing him as a dynamic midfielder with excellent vision. With his technical ability and flexibility, he fits in well with Milan's attacking style of play.
Although there are moments of adjustment, such as learning the language and dealing with Italian football culture, he shows the same iron discipline that has brought him this far. His story inspires not only young footballers, but also athletes in general to never give up and always continue to invest in growth.
Shining in Serie A
Reijnders enjoys not only the atmosphere in the stadiums, but also the Italian football culture, which is known for its tactical depth. Every match is an opportunity to show vitality and become stronger in the battle for the national title. Serie A is a competition in which concentration and details make the difference, and those are precisely the aspects that suit him well.
In interviews, he often emphasizes the importance of focus and passion. Although he does not seem to be a big fan of all the trappings of professional football, such as excessive media attention, he does like a pleasant environment. Whether on the training field or even in a casino, he remains calm and professional. This character trait makes him a reliable factor for any coach.
The newspapers regularly feature headlines about his game insight and stamina. At the same time, he remains level-headed. He does not see his place at AC Milan as the end goal, but as a new step in a process that is always ongoing. This makes him a figurehead of perseverance for many young players who want to follow in his footsteps.
Inspiring statistics in the 2024/2025 season
The 2024/2025 season in Serie A has so far proved to be an excellent year for Reijnders. He scored 10 goals, an impressive number for a central midfielder. He also collected 3 assists and was a regular starter in 31 games. Over the entire season, he played a total of 32 matches, which amounts to 2,682 minutes of playing time.
A rating of 7.24 shows that he is not only present, but also performs consistently well. It is indicative of his consistency that he has only received two yellow cards. The red card he received was a controversial decision, but it illustrates that he always plays with total commitment.
Statistics don't tell the whole story, but they do underline his added value. Whether it's goals, assists or tactical flexibility, Reijnders shows that he can adapt to any situation. These achievements did not come out of nowhere; they are the result of years of hard work and a focus on growth.
The power of perseverance
A crucial aspect of Tijjani Reijnders is his unshakeable mentality. Perseverance can make the difference between a promising player who fails and someone who reaches the top. From his early years in Zwolle, he has shown that he does not give up, even when the going gets tough. This trait helps him face every challenge with confidence.
Many young footballers dream of success, but shy away when faced with setbacks. Reijnders, however, has never let himself be held back by injury, a lack of playing time, or an unexpected transfer. Every time, he has found a way to come back stronger. Coaches and teammates praise him for his positive attitude and work ethic.
That is why his story is inspiring to a wide audience. It shows that success is not just about talent, but also about character. A solid work ethic, combined with the desire to learn every day, has been the key to progress in his career time and time again.
Tijani Reijnders an example for young talent in Italy and The Netherlands
Younger players in the Netherlands, but also far beyond, look with admiration at the path Reijnders has taken. He started simply, worked his way up, and never let himself be discouraged by competition or temporary setbacks. The interaction between hard training and tactical learning is essential in this regard.
Youth coaches often emphasize his style: he combines technique with a keen overview of the game. These are qualities that are indispensable in modern soccer. In addition, his patience is an important factor. He did not rush to bigger clubs, but waited for the right moment and consciously chose the next step.
These thoughtful choices allowed him to develop organically. He learned something new every season, which made him an increasingly complete player. He is a shining example for anyone who is serious about a career in football. His story proves that every step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger goal.
The future of Tijjani Reijnders
With a permanent place at AC Milan and a strong season in Serie A behind him, Tijjani Reijnders' future looks promising. He remains focused on perfecting his game and sees every new tournament as a challenge. Fans speculate about where his ceiling lies, but Reijnders himself is not distracted by that.
There is a good chance that he will develop even further in the coming years as an indispensable link in midfield.
There is also a real possibility that he will establish himself permanently in the Dutch national team. His recent debut in October 2023 certainly points in that direction.
With every international experience, he gains more confidence and his reputation as a stable force grows.
Who knows where the journey will end. Perhaps an important Champions League trophy or a league title with Milan will follow. What is certain is that his perseverance and mentality will ensure that he remains a figurehead for what is possible if you never give up.
