Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben was born on 23rd January 1984 in Bedum, Netherlands. Known for his speed, agility, and skill on the football field, Robben would go on to become one of Europe's most celebrated wingers, playing for top clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich as well as the Dutch national team.

Arjen Robben made his debut for the Netherlands national team on 30th April 2003 in a friendly match against Portugal. He became an integral player for the national team, known for his dribbling skills and crucial goals in World Cup and Euro tournaments. Robben earned over 90 caps, playing in three World Cups and three European Championships.

On 22nd August 2007, Robben signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid for a transfer fee reported to be around €35 million. His tenure at Real Madrid was marked by key performances that helped the club secure the La Liga title in the 2007-2008 season. Despite injuries, Robben showcased his talents on the wing, contributing to numerous victories for the club.

Arjen Robben played a crucial role for the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, leading the team to the final against Spain. On 11th July 2010, the final was held at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Despite a strong performance by Robben, including nearly scoring in a one-on-one chance, the Netherlands lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time due to a goal by Andrés Iniesta.

On 25th May 2013, Arjen Robben helped Bayern Munich clinch the UEFA Champions League title, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley Stadium. Robben's last-minute goal earned him the Man of the Match award and cemented his legacy as one of Bayern's greatest players during their historic treble-winning season.

On 9th July 2014, Arjen Robben played for the Netherlands in the World Cup semifinal against Argentina in São Paulo, Brazil. The match ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Robben scored his penalty, but the Netherlands eventually lost 4-2, missing the chance to reach the final. Robben's performance throughout the tournament earned praise for his leadership and skill.

Arjen Robben announced his retirement from international football on 10th October 2017, following the Netherlands' failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Robben, who scored both goals in a 2-0 win against Sweden in his final match, ended his international career with 37 goals in 96 appearances. His decisive and passionate playing style left a lasting impact on Dutch football.

On 18th May 2019, Arjen Robben played his final Bundesliga match for Bayern Munich, marking the end of a decade with the club where he won numerous titles including eight Bundesliga titles and five DFB-Pokals. Robben came on as a substitute, scoring in a 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, which secured Bayern's seventh consecutive league title. His dedication to the club made him a legendary figure at Bayern.

On 1st July 2020, Arjen Robben announced that he would come out of retirement to play for his boyhood club, FC Groningen, in the Eredivisie. Robben cited his love for the game and desire to contribute to the club during the COVID-19 pandemic as motivations for his return. Although his comeback was limited due to injuries, it was a heartwarming story in the world of football.

On 15th July 2021, Arjen Robben announced his retirement from professional football for the second time. His decision to retire followed a season with FC Groningen, his first club, after coming out of retirement in 2020. Robben expressed gratitude for the final chapter in his career and thanked fans for their support throughout his journey from top European clubs to his last matches in the Eredivisie.