11 Incredible Facts About Justin Kluivert You Didn’t Know

It’s not uncommon for the sons of footballing legends to find themselves overshadowed by their fathers’ towering legacies. For every Paolo Maldini or Kasper Schmeichel, who carves out a name of their own, countless others fade into obscurity under the weight of expectations.

But Justin Kluivert has forged a path entirely his own, stepping out from the shadows of his famous father. Here we have explored 11 fascinating facts about a footballer stepping out of the shadows and writing his legacy.

Below Are The 11 Incredible Justin Kluivert Facts You Didn’t Know

1. He Was Born In Amsterdam And Came Through Ajax's Academy

Justin Kluivert was born in Amsterdam on May 5, 1999. He joined the esteemed AFC Ajax youth academy, following in the footsteps of many Dutch football legends. Kluivert made his professional debut on September 16, 2016, for Jong Ajax in a 1–0 loss to MVV.

Progressing quickly, he earned his first Eredivisie appearance for Ajax's senior team on January 15, 2017, in a 3–1 win against PEC Zwolle. His first Eredivisie goal came just months later, on March 19, 2017, in a 1–1 draw against SBV Excelsior, exactly 10 years and one day after his father Patrick Kluivert's final career goal.

2. A Phone Call From Francesco Totti To His Father Instigated His Transfer To Roma

In June 2018, Justin Kluivert made a high-profile move from Ajax to AS Roma for €18.75 million. The transfer was facilitated by a personal call from Roma legend Francesco Totti to Justin’s father, Patrick Kluivert, persuading them of the club’s vision for the young winger. The move was a huge step in Justin's career, as he became the fifth Dutch player to represent the Italian side.

3. He Became The Youngest Roma Player To Score In The Champions League

On October 3, 2018, Kluivert etched his name in AS Roma's history books by becoming their youngest player to score in a UEFA Champions League match.

He netted the fourth goal in a 5–0 thrashing of Viktoria Plzeň. This goal, his first for the club, was dedicated to his former Ajax teammate Abdelhak Nouri, who had suffered a career-ending cardiac episode.

4. While At Roma, His No. 34 And No. 99 Jerseys Held Special Significance

Kluivert initially chose to wear the No. 34 jersey at Roma as a tribute to Abdelhak Nouri, who wore the same number at Ajax before his tragic medical incident. In the 2019–20 season, Justin switched to the No. 99 jersey, a personal nod to his birth year, 1999. These jersey choices reflect his individuality and his continued honouring of meaningful numbers throughout his career.

5. He Has Had Several Loan Stints That Were Beneficial To His Career

Kluivert’s career has included a series of productive loan spells. He joined RB Leipzig for the 2020–21 season, where he scored against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and English Manchester United in the Champions League. The following year, he played for Nice in Ligue 1, gaining valuable experience.

In 2022–23, Kluivert had a stint at Valencia, scoring important goals despite a canceled transfer to Fulham. Each loan allowed him to adapt to different styles of football across Europe, enriching his skill set.

6. He Is The Third Player To Score In All Five Major European Leagues

On November 25, 2023, Justin scored for AFC Bournemouth in a 3–1 Premier League victory against Sheffield United. This goal completed a rare achievement, as he became only the third player to score in all five major European leagues—Eredivisie, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League—joining an elite group including Florin Răducioiu and Stevan Jovetić.

7. He Represents The Netherlands Internationally

Kluivert earned his first senior call-up for the Netherlands in March 2018 under Ronald Koeman, having played for u17, u19 and u21. He debuted on March 26, 2018, in a 3–0 friendly victory over Portugal, replacing Memphis Depay in the closing stages. Prior to this, he had represented the Netherlands at youth levels, including the 2016 Under-17 Euros, where the team reached the semi-finals.

8. He Comes From A Football Family

Justin Kluivert’s football pedigree is impressive. His father, Patrick Kluivert, is a legendary Dutch international who scored 40 goals in 79 appearances for the Netherlands and was instrumental in Ajax’s 1995 Champions League win. His grandfather, Kenneth Kluivert, was an international for Suriname, adding another layer of football heritage to Justin's background.

9. He Is Of Curaçaoan Descent Through His Paternal Grandmother

Justin Kluivert’s heritage extends beyond Europe, as he is of Curaçaoan descent through his paternal grandmother. This multicultural background adds to the diversity of influences in his life, contributing to his global perspective on and off the pitch.

10. He Has Four Brothers, Including Ruben Kluivert, Who Plays For Casa Pia

Justin Kluivert is one of five siblings. Among them is Ruben Kluivert, who currently plays professionally for Casa Pia in Portugal. The siblings share a passion for football, undoubtedly

11. His Hat-Trick of Penalties Was the First in the Premier League Era

On November 30, 2024, Justin Kluivert made Premier League history by scoring a hat-trick of penalties in Bournemouth's 4–2 win against Wolves at Molineux.

This feat was the first of its kind in the Premier League era and broke a 66-year drought in English top-flight football, last achieved by Ken Barnes for Manchester City in 1957. Kluivert’s composed execution under pressure showcased his exceptional skill from the spot and cemented his place in football history with a truly rare achievement.

Bonus: He plans to place the hat-trick ball in his new baby's room

Justin Kluivert has big plans for the match ball from his historic hat-trick. He intends to place it in his daughter’s room, preparing for her arrival in February 2024. This gesture is more than just a keepsake; it’s a symbol of inspiration for the next generation of the Kluivert family, commemorating his record-breaking Premier League performance.

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