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Michael Reiziger
Michael Reiziger
Michael Reiziger
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Michael John Reiziger (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈmɑikəl dʑɔn ˈrɛizəɣər]; born 3 May 1973) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played mainly as a right back. Reiziger currently manages the Netherlands U21 team.

Key Information

After making a name for himself at Ajax, with whom he won one Champions League, he went on to represent four teams in as many countries, notably Barcelona, for which he played 249 official games in seven years, as well as spells at A.C. Milan, Middlesbrough and PSV Eindhoven.

Reiziger represented the Netherlands national team for a full decade, competing at three European Championships and the 1998 World Cup and finishing fourth in the latter tournament.

Playing career

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Club

[edit]

Born in Amstelveen, North Holland, to Surinamese parents,[2] Reiziger started his career with hometown club Ajax, making his first-team debut at the age of 17 then serving two consecutive loan spells, with Volendam and Groningen; with the latter, in the 1993–94 season, he scored a career-best six goals while operating also as a midfielder.

Upon his return to Ajax, Reiziger established himself as a renowned defensive element, helping the side to, among other conquests, the 1994–95 edition of the UEFA Champions League. In 1996, he signed for A.C. Milan, but after a season marred by injury, he departed for Barcelona where he spent the following seven years, arriving at the same time as compatriot and former Ajax boss Louis van Gaal; though not an undisputed starter, he nonetheless featured heavily for the Catalans, making more than 200 overall appearances and helping to back-to-back La Liga titles.[3]

In 2004, Reiziger moved to Middlesbrough on a Bosman transfer. He scored once in the league for Boro, against Aston Villa in December 2004.[4] After another campaign plagued by physical problems, he left and returned to the Netherlands to see out his career at PSV Eindhoven (in his second year he won the Eredivisie, and was also reunited with Ajax, Barça and national teammate Patrick Kluivert, although the two rarely ever played).[5]

International

[edit]
Reiziger (wearing No. 2) in the Dutch wall, facing a free kick against Sweden at Euro 2004

Reiziger made his debut for the Netherlands national team on 12 October 1994, against Norway. He played for his country at the UEFA Euro 1996, 1998 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, retiring from international play after the latter.[6]

Shortly after signing for PSV, Reiziger said he would consider playing for the Netherlands again if the opportunity arose, but he was never recalled again, totalling 72 appearances in ten years.[7]

Coaching career

[edit]

After retiring, Reiziger settled in Barcelona. He later went on to coach Sparta Rotterdam at youth level and, subsequently and successively, acted as assistant to Gert Kruys and Alex Pastoor.[8]

On 20 June 2017, Reiziger returned to Ajax as manager of the reserves who competed in the Eerste Divisie, replacing Marcel Keizer.[9][10] In his first season in charge he led the squad to the league title, but they were ineligible for promotion.[11] He also acted as interim for the first team during one match after the dismissal of Keizer,[12] defeating Willem II 3–1 at home.[13] He was the assistant coach of Ajax’ first team, from 2019 until 2023.[14]Since 2023 he is the manager of Netherlands under 21 team.

Personal life

[edit]

Reiziger's son, Gabriël (born 2005), also came through the Ajax youth system.[15] He plays in 2025 for PEC Zwolle.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[citation needed]
Club Season League National cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Ajax 1990–91 Eredivisie 1 0 – – – 1 0
1991–92 Eredivisie 1 0 – – – 1 0
1992–93 Eredivisie 1 0 – – – 1 0
1994–95 Eredivisie 34 0 3 0 11[a] 0 1[b] 0 49 0
1995–96 Eredivisie 26 1 0 0 9[a] 0 4[c] 0 39 1
Total 63 1 3 0 20 0 5 0 91 1
Volendam (loan) 1992–93 Eredivisie 10 2 1 1 – – 11 3
Groningen (loan) 1993–94 Eredivisie 34 6 0 – – 34 6
A.C. Milan 1996–97 Serie A 10 0 4 0 3[a] 0 1[d] 0 18 0
Barcelona 1997–98 La Liga 29 0 4 0 6[a] 0 3[e] 0 42 0
1998–99 La Liga 26 0 0 0 5[a] 0 2[f] 0 33 0
1999–2000 La Liga 29 0 4 0 11[a] 0 2[f] 0 46 0
2000–01 La Liga 25 0 7 0 8[g] 0 – 40 0
2001–02 La Liga 13 0 0 0 8[a] 0 – 21 0
2002–03 La Liga 21 0 1 0 9[a] 0 – 31 0
2003–04 La Liga 30 0 4 0 6[h] 0 – 40 0
Total 173 0 20 0 53 0 7 0 253 0
Middlesbrough 2004–05 Premier League 18 1 1 0 6[h] 0 0 0 25 1
2005–06 Premier League 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Total 22 1 1 0 6 0 0 0 29 1
PSV 2005–06 Eredivisie 13 0 0 0 7[a] 0 – 20 0
2006–07 Eredivisie 11 1 2 0 3[a] 0 0 0 11 1
Total 24 1 2 0 10 0 0 0 36 1
Career total 337 11 31 1 92 0 13 0 473 12
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  2. ^ Appearance in Dutch Supercup
  3. ^ One appearance in Dutch Supercup, two appearances in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in Intercontinental Cup
  4. ^ Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
  5. ^ Two appearances in Supercopa de España, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  6. ^ a b Appearances in Supercopa de España
  7. ^ Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Cup
  8. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[16]
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 1994 1 0
1995 5 0
1996 9 0
1997 7 0
1998 11 1
1999 5 0
2000 8 0
2001 5 0
2002 6 0
2003 8 0
2004 7 0
Total 72 1
Score and result list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after Reiziger's goal.
International goal scored by Michael Reiziger
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 18 November 1998 Parkstadion, Gelsenkirchen, Germany  Germany 1–0 1–1 Friendly[16]

Honours

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Player

[edit]

Ajax

Barcelona

PSV

Manager

[edit]

Jong Ajax

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Reiziger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael John Reiziger (born 3 May 1973) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played primarily as a right back, known for his defensive reliability and contributions to several major clubs and the national team. Over a 14-year senior career spanning 1993 to 2007, he made over 350 appearances and scored 9 goals in domestic leagues across the , , , and . Reiziger began his professional journey with Ajax in 1993, where he helped secure two titles (1994/95, 1995/96), the 1995 , the 1995 Intercontinental Cup, and the 1992/93 . After a brief stint with in 1996–97, he joined in 1997, becoming a key part of the squad under coaches like and . At , he featured in 249 matches over seven seasons, contributing to two titles (1997/98, 1998/99), the 1997/98 , and the 1997 . Later moves included (2004–05), where he won the 2004/05 , and (2005–07), adding two more titles (2005/06, 2006/07) before retiring. Internationally, Reiziger earned 72 caps for the between 1994 and 2004, scoring 1 goal, with his debut coming against on 12 October 1994. He was a mainstay in the squad, participating in the UEFA European Championships of 1996, 2000 (where the finished third), and 2004, as well as the , where they achieved a fourth-place finish. Since retiring, Reiziger has transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant at various clubs before being appointed of the Netherlands U21 team on 1 July 2023, with a contract running until 30 June 2027. Under his leadership, the team qualified for the with a perfect record and reached the semi-finals.

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Michael Reiziger was born on 3 May 1973 in , a suburb of in the , to parents of Surinamese descent. As the youngest of six siblings, Reiziger grew up in a family environment where football quickly became a central passion, shaping his early years in this middle-class community known for its strong local sports culture. From a young age, he was constantly engaged with the sport, playing outside with a soccer ball or improvising indoors with a , using the living room as a makeshift midfield and a small goal in the kitchen—experiences that fostered his deep affinity for Ajax, the prominent club in nearby . This early immersion in 's football-oriented suburb, combined with familial support, led Reiziger to join the at the age of 12 in 1985.

Youth career at Ajax

Reiziger began his youth career at local club Sint Martinus before joining the in 1985 at the age of 12, beginning his development in one of Europe's premier football training systems. Born in nearby , he progressed steadily through the club's age-group teams, from U13 to U19 levels, honing his skills in a program renowned for its emphasis on technical proficiency and tactical intelligence. During his early teens, Reiziger came under the influence of , who served as the coordinator of Ajax's youth academy starting in 1988 and instilled the principles of —prioritizing versatility, ball control, and fluid positional play—in the young prospects, including Reiziger. This mentorship was pivotal, as Van Gaal closely monitored talents like Reiziger, preparing them for the demands of senior football through rigorous training on possession-based strategies and defensive awareness. To build match experience, Reiziger spent time with , the club's reserve team, in the early 1990s, where he adapted to competitive senior-level play while refining his role as a right-back. His physical development during this period saw him grow to a height of 1.76 meters, with a focus on enhancing his speed for overlapping runs and his positioning to counter attacks effectively in Ajax's high-pressing system. Reiziger made his senior debut for Ajax on 21 April 1991, substituting in the 76th minute during a 4-0 home win against at De Meer Stadion, at the age of 17. Under head coach at the time, this brief appearance marked the culmination of his youth progression, though he would initially struggle for regular minutes before loan spells elsewhere solidified his readiness for first-team duties.

Playing career

Club career

Reiziger began his senior professional career with Ajax in 1990, making his debut under coach but loaned out to in 1992–93 and in 1993–94 to gain experience. He quickly established himself as a reliable defender under coach upon return. Over six seasons, he made 131 appearances and scored 2 goals across all competitions, contributing to the team's dominant campaigns and becoming a key part of the squad that won the 1995 , defeating 1-0 in the final. In 1996, Reiziger transferred to on a free transfer under the , but his stint was brief and challenging, limited to 17 appearances without goals due to strong competition for the right-back position from established star . Injuries further hampered his integration, leading him to depart for in 1997. Reiziger joined in 1997 on the recommendation of former Ajax coach , who was then managing the Catalan club, and became an integral member of the squad. He adapted effectively to the right-back role within 's 4-3-3 system, providing defensive solidity and overlapping support; over seven seasons until 2004, he recorded 208 appearances and 2 goals in all competitions, contributing to two titles in 1997-98 and 1998-99, as well as a in 1997-98. Seeking a new challenge in the , Reiziger signed with on a free transfer in July 2004, where he made 36 appearances and scored 1 goal across competitions. His experience helped the team finish 7th and qualify for the Cup. Reiziger returned to the in August 2005, joining on a free transfer to chase further silverware in familiar surroundings; he appeared 44 times without scoring over two seasons, playing a supporting role in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 title wins. Persistent knee injuries ultimately forced his retirement at age 34 in July 2007, ending a career marked by versatility and trophies across Europe's top leagues. Across his club career, Reiziger amassed 396 appearances and 4 goals in all competitions, showcasing his tactical intelligence as a right-back who transitioned seamlessly between defensive duties and attacking contributions.

International career

Reiziger made his debut for the national team on 12 October 1994, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against in . Over the course of his international career, which spanned a decade until his retirement in 2004, he accumulated 72 caps and scored one goal, a long-range strike in a 1–1 friendly against on 18 1998. Selected consistently under coaches and , Reiziger was a mainstay in the team's defense during the Netherlands' "," sharing the pitch with midfield maestros like and . At in , Reiziger established himself as the first-choice right-back under Hiddink, starting all four matches as the Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in the group. His defensive contributions were notable in the 4–1 group stage defeat to at , where he helped limit the damage despite the scoreline, and in the subsequent quarter-final loss to hosts . Reiziger retained his starting role for the in , again under Hiddink, playing every minute of the ' campaign that culminated in a fourth-place finish. As right-back, he featured prominently in the round-of-16 victory over , the quarter-final win against , and the semi-final defeat to , where his marking of the young was particularly commended for restricting the Brazilian forward's influence in a 1–1 draw that went to penalties. The Netherlands, co-hosting with under , saw Reiziger start in the group stage and quarter-final as the team topped their group and beat 2-0 before advancing to the semi-finals. He played the full 90 minutes in the semi-final loss to at Amsterdam Arena, contributing to a solid defensive effort that kept the score level at 0–0 despite Italy playing with 10 men after Gianluca Zambrotta's red card. During the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Reiziger was a consistent starter in Advocaat's lineup, appearing in most of the campaign's matches, but the Netherlands ultimately failed to qualify after finishing behind Portugal and Ireland in their group. Reiziger's final major tournament was UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, where injuries limited his involvement to just two substitute appearances in the group stage under Advocaat, as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals before losing to hosts Portugal. He announced his international retirement immediately after the tournament on 30 June 2004, following a penalty shootout win over Sweden in the quarter-finals.

Coaching career

Roles at Ajax academy

Michael Reiziger began his coaching career after retiring in 2007, initially settling in before returning to the . His first professional role was as head coach of 's U17 team in 2013, where he focused on developing young talents through tactical training and technical skills. He progressed to assistant manager at from 2014 to 2017, contributing to the senior team's operations while continuing youth development work. In 2017, Reiziger joined Ajax as of (the club's U21 reserve team) in the , a position he held until 2019. During this period, he emphasized possession-based play and principles, helping to bridge youth and senior levels. He also served as interim for the Ajax first team for one match in December 2017. From 2019 to 2023, Reiziger was assistant coach for the Ajax senior team under multiple , including and Maurice Stekelenburg, where he supported match preparation and player integration from the academy. His Ajax tenure reinforced the club's philosophy of nurturing homegrown talents, with several players progressing to the first team.

Netherlands national youth teams

Reiziger's experience in club youth coaching at and later Ajax provided a strong foundation for his roles with the national youth teams. In 2014, Reiziger served as assistant coach for the U17 team. He was appointed of the U21 team on 1 July 2023, signing a contract until 30 June 2027. Under Reiziger's guidance, the team completed a flawless qualifying campaign for the , securing qualification as the first team to do so with a 100% win record across ten matches, culminating in a 3-0 victory over Georgia. At the finals in , the advanced to the semi-finals before suffering a 2-1 defeat to , with scoring both goals for the winners. Reiziger employs a high-pressing tactical style to foster dynamic play and player development, though he acknowledged challenges in executing it against robust midfields, as seen in the semi-final loss. His tenure emphasizes transitioning promising talents to the senior Oranje squad, with several U21 players earning call-ups to the full national team. As of November 2025, Reiziger has managed 26 matches with the U21 side, achieving a win rate of approximately 59%.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Michael Reiziger was previously married to Hanraets, with whom he shares three sons born approximately in 1998, 2000, and 2002. The couple's relationship ended before 2009, when Reiziger publicly accused Hanraets of abducting their children by relocating them to an unknown destination during a scheduled summer visitation period without his consent; the boys, who had spent most of their lives in and spoke little Dutch, were 11, 9, and 7 years old at the time. Reiziger also has a younger son, Gabriël Reiziger, born on October 10, 2005. Gabriël developed an interest in football from a young age and joined the , mirroring his father's early career path at the club; he signed his first professional contract with in May 2025. The , including Gabriël, is based in the area, aligning with Reiziger's long-term professional commitments at Ajax post-retirement. During his playing career, Reiziger's partner played a supportive in managing family relocations, such as accompanying him in 2004 while evaluating moves in , where the children's schooling was a significant in decisions affecting the household. Reiziger has emphasized the challenges of offering advice to his sons on their football aspirations, noting in a 2025 interview that it is "not always easy" to balance parental guidance with their independence. Reiziger maintains a notably private family life, avoiding public details about his relationships beyond occasional media coverage tied to his children's involvement in sports or historical events like the 2009 dispute.

Post-retirement activities

Following his retirement from professional football in 2007, Michael Reiziger has pursued a range of activities outside of coaching, focusing on charitable causes. Reiziger has been involved in , participating in charity events, including benefit matches with Ajax Legends, to raise funds for educational and sporting opportunities for disadvantaged children. For instance, on November 17, 2024, he played in a high-profile exhibition against Real Madrid Legends, with all proceeds directed to the Ajax Foundation's initiatives. As of 2025, Reiziger makes occasional appearances, where he discusses topics related to his U21 experiences without delving into active management details, while showing no involvement in or ventures. His provides support for these pursuits, allowing him to balance public engagements with .

Playing style and legacy

Tactical role and attributes

Michael Reiziger primarily operated as a right-back, excelling in both 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 formations where he balanced defensive duties with forward surges. His tactical role emphasized providing width on the right flank, often making overlapping runs to support wingers and deliver crosses into the box, particularly during his time at Ajax under . At , van Gaal repurposed him as a "false full-back," shifting inward during build-up play to bolster central possession and connect midfield to attack, forming a fluid 3-4-3 structure. Reiziger's key attributes included remarkable pace, enabling him to track attackers and join transitions effectively, alongside tenacious man-to-man marking that was described as second to none. He was energetic and dynamic in dominating his flank, with a buccaneering style that added attacking threat while maintaining defensive solidity. His evolution as a defender began with a youth emphasis on disciplined defending at Ajax, transitioning to greater attacking flair during the era under van Gaal's influence, where he embraced versatile positioning. However, recurring injuries in his later years, including persistent shoulder problems at , diminished his stamina and limited his consistency. Weaknesses included limited aerial ability due to his 1.76 m height, which occasionally exposed him in set-piece situations, and challenges adapting to the Premier League's physical demands at , where injuries exacerbated issues with endurance in intense duels.

Influence on Dutch football

Michael Reiziger's tenure as a coach within the Ajax youth system significantly contributed to preserving and transmitting the club's renowned "Ajax DNA," characterized by technical proficiency, positional fluidity, and collective play. From 2017 to 2019, he led to the championship in 2018, emphasizing a possession-based style that mirrored the senior team's principles and prepared talents for professional transitions. This approach fostered self-discipline and adaptability among young players, aligning with Ajax's long-standing philosophy of holistic development. As head coach of the U21 team since 2023, Reiziger has extended his mentorship to emerging stars, promoting a consistent tactical identity that prioritizes team cohesion over individual flair. His leadership guided Jong Oranje to an undefeated qualification campaign for the , culminating in a quarter-final victory over despite playing with 10 men, before a semi-final exit against . This success, including his contract extension to 2027, has revitalized his legacy by bridging youth pathways to the senior national team. Reiziger embodies a of Dutch football's golden era, having been a key member of Ajax's 1995 Champions League-winning squad under , which exemplified through its emphasis on versatility and high pressing. His subsequent transfer to in 1997 further symbolized the export of this philosophy, joining a lineage of Dutch players who infused the Catalan club with Ajax-inspired tactics, influencing generations of ball-playing defenders. Of Surinamese heritage, Reiziger has indirectly inspired a wave of Dutch-Surinamese talents by demonstrating pathways from immigrant backgrounds to elite success, contributing to the multicultural fabric of Oranje's storied teams.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Reiziger's club career spanned several prominent teams across , with his statistics reflecting a defensive role that prioritized appearances over scoring contributions. He accumulated a total of 473 appearances, 12 goals, and 11 assists across all competitions before retiring in 2007.

Breakdown by Club

Ajax (1990–1996, with loans out)

Reiziger began his senior career at Ajax, making 93 appearances, scoring 1 goal, and providing 2 assists in all competitions. In the , he featured in 60 league matches without scoring, contributing to two Dutch titles. His European record with Ajax included 20 appearances in , notably the 1995 triumph, where he played 12 matches without goals. In domestic cups, he appeared in 13 games, scoring his sole Ajax goal there.

FC Volendam (loan, 1992–1993)

On loan from Ajax, Reiziger played 11 matches for Volendam across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and recording 0 assists. Most appearances were in the Eerste Divisie league play. He did not feature in cups or European ties during this stint.

FC Groningen (loan, 1993–1994)

On loan from Ajax, Reiziger played 34 matches for Groningen in the Eredivisie, scoring 6 goals and recording 1 assist. This season marked his most prolific scoring output, with all goals coming in league play as a versatile defender. He did not feature in cups or European ties during this stint.

AC Milan (1996–1997)

Reiziger's brief spell at Milan saw him make 12 appearances across all competitions, with no goals or assists. In Serie A, he played 10 league matches, focusing on right-back duties without notable attacking contributions. No cup or European appearances were recorded.

FC Barcelona (1997–2004)

Reiziger's longest tenure was at Barcelona, where he amassed 255 appearances, 1 goal, and 8 assists in all competitions. In La Liga, he appeared in 173 matches, providing 2 assists, with his crossing accuracy averaging around 25% in available tracked seasons from 2002 onward. European commitments were significant, with 55 appearances in UEFA Champions League and Cup Winners' Cup (41 in UCL alone, 1 goal scored in 1999–2000 group stage), contributing to two UEFA Super Cups. In the Copa del Rey, he played 21 matches without goals. Supercopa de España saw 5 appearances.

Middlesbrough (2004–2005)

Joining Middlesbrough, Reiziger recorded 29 appearances, 1 goal, and 1 assist across competitions. In the Premier League, he played 21 league games, scoring once against Aston Villa and providing 1 assist. He featured in 5 FA Cup matches, including the 2004 final run, and 3 in the UEFA Cup without further contributions.

PSV Eindhoven (2005–2007)

Reiziger ended his career at PSV with 36 appearances, 1 goal, and 0 assists. In the Eredivisie, he made 24 league outings, scoring once in 2006–2007. European play included 10 UEFA Champions League and Cup appearances (5 each), with no goals. Domestic cups accounted for 2 KNVB Cup games.

Seasonal Progression

Reiziger's peak came during his Barcelona years, particularly the 1999–2000 season with 40 total appearances (29 in ) and the 2003–2004 season with 41 appearances (30 in ), showcasing his reliability as a starter. Earlier, at Ajax in 1994–1995, he logged 47 appearances across competitions. Post-2004, injuries curtailed his involvement, limiting him to 29 appearances in 2004–2005 at , 16 in 2005–2006 (split between clubs), and 22 in his final 2006–2007 season at PSV, leading to retirement at age 34.

International statistics

Michael Reiziger represented the Netherlands senior national team from 1994 to 2004, accumulating 72 caps without scoring in competitive matches but netting once in a friendly, for a total of 1 goal. He also recorded 1 assist during his international tenure, playing approximately 5,500 minutes in total. Reiziger featured in major tournaments including , the , , and , where the reached the quarter-finals or better in each. His appearances were distributed across qualifiers and friendlies as well, contributing to a record of 41 wins, 22 draws, and 9 losses in his matches. The sole goal came from a long-range strike in a 1-1 friendly draw against on 18 1998.
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
40
FIFA World Cup 199840
20
40
FIFA World Cup qualifiers120
UEFA European Championship qualifiers120
Friendlies341
Total721
An example of his assist involvement was in the UEFA Euro 2000 group stage, where he set up a goal in a 3-0 victory over on 16 June 2000. Disciplinarily, Reiziger was cautioned with yellow cards in 6 matches but never received a red card during his 72 appearances. Reiziger's final cap came on 30 June 2004 in the semi-final, a 1-2 loss to after extra time, following which he announced his international retirement in August 2004.

Honours

As player

During his playing career, Michael Reiziger won several major team honours across clubs in the , , , and . He did not win any major international trophies with the , though the team reached the semi-finals of and 2000, and the quarter-finals of the .

Ajax (1994–1996)

Reiziger contributed to Ajax's dominant period under , helping secure back-to-back titles in the 1994/95 and 1995/96 seasons. The highlight was the 1994/95 triumph, where Ajax defeated 1–0 in the final, with Reiziger starting as right-back in all knockout matches. This success led to victories in the 1995 against (1–0 on aggregate) and the 1995 Intercontinental Cup against Grêmio (0–0 draw, 4–3 on penalties).

AC Milan (1996–1997)

Reiziger made 28 appearances for but did not win any major honours during his brief stint.

Barcelona (1997–2004)

At , Reiziger was part of two consecutive titles in the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons, providing defensive stability during Louis van Gaal's tenure. He also won the 1997/98 , beating 5–4 on aggregate in the final, and the against (2–1 on aggregate). No victory occurred during his time, though were runners-up in 1998.

Middlesbrough (2004–2005)

Reiziger joined Middlesbrough in July 2004 and contributed to their 2004/05 Football League Cup victory, defeating Chelsea 2–0 in the final on 27 February 2005.

PSV Eindhoven (2005–2007)

Reiziger closed his career at PSV, winning the Eredivisie in the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, with his key contributions in the latter campaign helping secure the title by three points over Ajax.

Individual Awards

No nominations were received during his career.

As coach

Reiziger has not won any major honours as a . As an assistant with Ajax (2019–2023), the team secured the in 2021/22, the in 2020/21, and the in 2019. With the Netherlands U21 team (since 2023), the side qualified for the undefeated in qualifying as of 2025.

References

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  2. https://www.transfermarkt.com/michael-reiziger/leistungsdaten/spieler/4375
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.com/michael-reiziger/erfolge/spieler/4375
  4. https://fbref.com/en/players/6e75ab56/Michael-Reiziger
  5. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/1784-michael-reiziger
  6. https://www.transfermarkt.com/michael-reiziger/profil/trainer/29540
  7. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/029a-1e0e569e40d3-b369b68537ff-1000--under-21-euro-highlights-round-up-england-and-netherlands-re/
  8. https://www.transfermarkt.us/michael-reiziger/profil/trainer/29540
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3961281/2022/12/02/suriname-gullit-dest-van-dijk/
  10. https://managementscope.nl/en/interview/michael-reiziger-jong-oranje-team-development-strategy
  11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/3869751.stm
  12. https://kids.kiddle.co/Michael_Reiziger
  13. https://www.transfermarkt.us/louis-van-gaal/profil/trainer/2029
  14. https://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/01/15/the-ajax-utopia-under-louis-van-gaal/
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  17. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jul/06/newsstory.sport6
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  20. https://timepath.org/michael-reiziger
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  25. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=17582
  26. https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=11045
  27. https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/nov/18/newsstory.sport11
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  29. https://www.englandstats.com/matches.php?mid=724
  30. https://www.thesoccerworldcups.com/players/michael_reiziger.php
  31. https://www.11v11.com/matches/germany-v-netherlands-18-november-1998-265970/
  32. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/michael-reiziger/em/4/
  33. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/65184--italy-vs-netherlands/
  34. https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/103831/michael-reiziger-trainer-bij-sparta
  35. https://english.ajax.nl/articles/technical-staff-ajax-completed
  36. https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/oranje/jong-oranje/67735/michael-reiziger-nieuwe-coach-jong-oranje
  37. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/029a-1e1208ba7e5c-3c23a5df965f-1000--under-21-semi-finals-england-vs-netherlands-facts/
  38. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/029a-1e1624b0873d-8d6093536f5a-1000--england-2-1-netherlands-elliott-double-sends-holders-to-f/
  39. https://www.flashscore.com/news/soccer-euro-u21-we-couldn-t-press-them-reiziger-praises-england-midfield-after-semi-final-loss/WxOlPiYr/
  40. https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/oranje/jong-oranje/69744/jong-oranje-brengt-bezoek-aan-prinses-m%25C3%25A1xima-centrum
  41. https://footystats.org/managers/netherlands/michael-reiziger
  42. https://www.gva.be/cnt/aid883343/ex-voetballer-reiziger-beschuldigt-ex-van-ontvoering-kinderen
  43. https://www.hbvl.be/sport/voetbal/ex-voetballer-reiziger-beschuldigt-ex-van-ontvoering-kinderen/24526427.html
  44. https://www.transfermarkt.us/gabriel-reiziger/profil/spieler/827711
  45. https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6357321/zoon-jong-oranje-bondscoach-reiziger-tekent-bij-pec-zwolle-eerste-profcontract.html
  46. https://www.afc-ajax.info/en/family/Reiziger
  47. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reiziger-ponders-maine-move-1135139
  48. https://www.meemetoranje.nl/nederlands-elftal/nieuws/michael-reiziger-over-zijn-zoons-advies-geven-is-niet-altijd-makkelijk/
  49. https://english.ajax.nl/articles/this-was-the-gala-match-from-start-to-finish
  50. https://www.squawka.com/en/cult-corner/ajax-1995-team-super-invincibles/
  51. https://theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2020/05/17/switzerland-0-2-netherlands-dutch-upped-their-game-in-the-second-half-with-good-counter-attacks/
  52. https://spielverlagerung.com/2017/12/22/1997-98-cl-group-c-lobanovskiy-lvg/
  53. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/holland/squad/742259.stm
  54. https://talksport.com/football/144142/van-gaal-and-class-95-showing-class-92-way-forward-14042588758/
  55. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/reiziger-faces-six-weeks-out-with-shoulder-injury-557720.html
  56. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/3595558.stm
  57. https://www.transfermarkt.us/michael-reiziger/profil/spieler/4375
  58. https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/nostalgia/11-signings-fans-thought-would-be-brilliant-but-werent-2875151
  59. https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/betaald-voetbal/jupiler-league/47811/jong-ajax-kampioen-jupiler-league
  60. https://seginternational.com/deals/michael-reiziger-extends-contract-with-knvb-until-2027
  61. https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/03/06/ajax-1995-what-dutch-giants-last-golden-generation-players-would-eventually-achieve
  62. https://www.rsssf.org/players/reiziger-in-ec.html
  63. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/michael-reiziger-stats-with-barcelona?l=ucl
  64. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/reiziger-intl.html
  65. https://www.transfermarkt.com/michael-reiziger/nationalmannschaft/spieler/4375
  66. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/4641/Michael_Reiziger.html
  67. https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/25024/Germany_Netherlands.html
  68. https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0254-0d7b478c5212-04fd55a6d476-1000--reiziger-retires-from-dutch-cause/
  69. https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/938/Portugal_Netherlands.html
  70. https://www.transfermarkt.us/michael-reiziger/erfolge/spieler/4375
  71. https://www.transfermarkt.us/michael-reiziger/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/4375/verein_id/5
  72. https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/honours
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