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Patrick Kluivert
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Patrick Stephan Kluivert (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈpɛtrɪ ˈklœyvərt] ⓘ; born 1 July 1976) is a Dutch football coach and former player. As a player, he played as a striker for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands national team.[3][4][5] He is considered one of the best Dutch strikers of all time.[6][7]
Key Information
He was part of Ajax's Golden Generation of the 1990s, scoring the winner in the 1995 UEFA Champions League Final at the age of 18. He spent six years with Spanish club Barcelona, where he scored 124 goals from 249 appearances.[3][8] He formed a successful partnership with Rivaldo, and won the Spanish La Liga championship of 1999.
Kluivert played for the Netherlands national team from 1994 to 2004. With 40 goals in 79 appearances, he is the fourth highest goalscorer for the Oranje. He played in three European Championships and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and was joint top scorer at Euro 2000, where he scored five goals. In 2004, he was named in the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers chosen by Pelé as part of FIFA's centenary observances.
Kluivert began his coaching career as an assistant at AZ and NEC, as well as in Australia with the Brisbane Roar, before managing Jong Twente to a national title in the Dutch reserves league.[9] He was an assistant to Louis van Gaal with the Dutch team that finished third at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In 2015, he took over as head coach of the Curaçao national team for the country's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying and the 2017 Caribbean Cup qualifying campaigns. He then served as a sporting director for Paris Saint-Germain, as well as coaching the Ajax A1 (under-19) team in 2016 and assisting Clarence Seedorf for the Cameroon national team in 2018. Only days after leaving Cameroon in July 2019, he served as the academy director of FC Barcelona until his brief return to Curaçao as interim coach on May 2021. Two years later, Kluivert also served as head coach of Turkish side Adana Demirspor before becoming head coach of Indonesia on January 2025, although his tenure was ended by mutual consent after nine month in charge.
Early life
[edit]Kluivert was born on 1 July 1976 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His father, Kenneth Kluivert, was a professional football player from Suriname, and his mother was born in Curaçao.[10] Kluivert learned to play football on the street. After a year at football club Schellingwoude, he joined the Ajax Youth Academy at the age of seven.
He played several different positions as a youth, including defender. He was strong in technique, football intelligence, and speed, but was considered too impulsive.[11] Kluivert played for the Dutch national teams under-15, under-16 and under-17.[11]
Club career
[edit]Ajax
[edit]Kluivert was part of Ajax's Golden Generation of the 1990s. He made his debut in the senior team of Ajax on 21 August 1994 at the age of 18 in the Dutch Supercup win against the old arch rival Feyenoord, in which he scored his first goal. He went on to top score for Ajax in the 1994–95 Eredivisie with 18 goals in 25 appearances,[12] as Louis van Gaal's team won the Dutch championship without losing a match.[13]
The 1994–95 season also saw Kluivert make his mark – along with a host of youngsters from the Ajax youth academy, including Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf and Edwin van der Sar – on the European stage with a triumph in the UEFA Champions League. Kluivert came off the bench to score an 85th-minute winner in the 1995 Champions League Final against AC Milan in Vienna, Austria. He was the youngest player to score in a Champions League final, being only 18 years, 10 months and 23 days.[12]
He was again the top scorer for Ajax in 1995–96, with 15 goals in 28 appearances, as the club won five trophies, including the Eredivisie. He scored the winning goal in extra time of the season opening Dutch Supercup against Feyenoord, and also scored the team's away goal in the 5–1 aggregate win over Real Zaragoza in the 1995 UEFA Super Cup.
On 28 November 1995, Kluivert was the only Ajax player to miss his kick in the 4–3 penalty shootout win over Grêmio in Tokyo that saw de Godenzonen win the Intercontinental Cup. Kluivert was also in excellent form during Ajax's defence of their Champions League trophy, scoring in away wins at Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, but a knee injury prevented him from participating for the full 90 minutes in the team's loss to Juventus in the 1996 UEFA Champions League Final.[12]
At the end of an injury hit 1996–97 season, in which he made only 17 league appearances, Kluivert joined AC Milan on a Bosman transfer, after rejecting Ajax's offer of a new contract.[12] He ended his spell in Amsterdam with 39 goals in 70 Eredivisie matches.
AC Milan
[edit]Kluivert's career at Milan started well, with the striker scoring a sensational goal against Juventus in the Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi. However, he spent only one season at the San Siro, scoring six times in 27 Serie A matches,[12] as the Rossoneri finished in tenth place.[14]
Barcelona
[edit]On 28 August 1998, an hour before the transfer deadline, Kluivert signed a four-year contract with Barcelona for a fee of £8.75 million.[15] Kluivert was reunited with Louis van Gaal, a mentor from his days at Ajax. Kluivert scored 16 league goals and formed a successful partnership with Rivaldo, which enabled Barça to defend the Spanish La Liga in 1998–99.[12] The following season was also a successful one for Kluivert. Although Barcelona failed to win a third consecutive league title, Kluivert finished the season as the club's top scorer with 15 league goals.[16] Kluivert went on to be the top scorer twice more in his next four seasons at Camp Nou, but the team endured a period of five years without a major trophy after their title success in 1999.
In the summer of 2004, Kluivert was one of four Dutch players released by Barcelona. He ended his career at Barça with 124 goals from 249 appearances.[8]
Newcastle United
[edit]Kluivert joined Newcastle United on a free transfer in July 2004.[17] He stated that his reasons for joining Newcastle was due to the overwhelming reaction he received whilst playing for Barcelona against Newcastle during a pre season friendly, as well as teaming up with Newcastle's star players, such as Alan Shearer.[17] Kluivert scored some classy and crucial goals at home and away from St James' Park, namely in winning strikes against both Chelsea[18] and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, with both games ending 1–0 to Newcastle.[19] He also scored away against Olympiakos in a 3–1 win in the first leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Cup. Kluivert eventually scored five goals in all in that season's competition.[20][21] Altogether, he scored 13 goals in his debut season, being Newcastle's overall second highest goal scorer for the 2004–05 season. Despite these feats, Kluivert was released by Newcastle in the summer of 2005.[22][23]
Valencia
[edit]Kluivert decided to return to Spain to play at the Mestalla for Valencia. During the 2005–06 season, Valencia finished third in La Liga, thus qualifying for the Champions League after a one-season absence. Kluivert played for a total of 202 minutes, as he spent most of the season injured.[24][25][26]
PSV
[edit]Despite widespread rumours that Kluivert was to return home to Johan Cruyff Arena, Kluivert's return to the Eredivisie was to be with PSV, with whom he signed a one-year deal in 2006. Just as with his debut for Ajax, Kluivert made his PSV debut against Feyenoord in a 2–1 win, coming on as a substitute. After that, he had two injuries during the first half of the season, which limited his playing time. In a game against Ajax at the Philips Stadion, Kluivert refused to celebrate after scoring a goal against his former club. He was eventually released in July 2007.
Lille
[edit]International career
[edit]Kluivert made his full international debut on 16 November 1994 in a European qualifier against the Czech Republic, replacing Youri Mulder after 13 minutes of a 0–0 draw in Rotterdam.[28] In his second match, on 29 March 1995, he replaced Ronald de Boer after 77 minutes, and seven minutes later scored his first international goal to wrap up a 4–0 home qualifying win over Malta.[29]
In December 1995, Kluivert scored both goals in the Netherlands' 2–0 UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying play-off win over the Republic of Ireland at Anfield, to qualify the Oranje for UEFA Euro 1996.[30] Kluivert missed most of the tournament with a knee injury, but he scored against the host nation England, enabling the Netherlands to qualify for the knock-out round over Scotland on goals scored.[31] There, they lost in a penalty shootout to France after a 0–0 draw.[32]
At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Kluivert was sent off against Belgium by referee Pierluigi Collina, after elbowing Lorenzo Staelens. He made amends when selected to play against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the same tournament, where he scored the opening goal.[33] In the next round, he scored a late equalising goal from a header to draw his team level with Brazil in the semi-final, although the Netherlands went on to lose the penalty shootout.[34]
At UEFA Euro 2000 held in the Netherlands and Belgium, Kluivert scored a hat-trick in the 6–1 quarter-final demolition of Yugoslavia; he was originally credited with four goals, but the third was later re-attributed as an own goal by Yugoslavia's Dejan Govedarica, after Kluivert admitted not getting a touch on Paul Bosvelt's cross. Had all four goals stood, Kluivert would have been the first player to score four times in a European Championship match.[35] The Dutch were eliminated in the semi-finals by Italy on penalties; he missed one of their two spot-kicks in normal time, but did score in the penalty shoot-out.[36] With five goals in as many games, he claimed the Golden Boot jointly with Savo Milošević.[37]
Kluivert would once again enter UEFA Euro 2004 wearing the famous #9 jersey for his country, with the Dutch reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.[38]
As well as from being left out of the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad by coach Marco van Basten, Kluivert was not called up to play in any of the qualifying games leading up to the World Cup either. This was due to the fact that he suffered persistent injuries, which prevented him from playing for his club during the 2005-06 season. Kluivert was the all-time leading goalscorer for the Dutch national team with 40 goals, until he was surpassed by Robin van Persie in 2013.[39]
Style of play
[edit]Although tall in stature, Kluivert possessed quick feet and an impressive first touch. Similar to Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, he often used several feints, namely the Cruyff turn, to great effect to go past defenders, due to his pace, strong technical skills, close control and football intelligence. Kluivert also utilised his height, power and strong physique to dominate aerial balls, and was considered to possess one of the best headers in the then-contemporary game. A versatile player, with an eye for goal, he also possessed good vision, and was capable of playing in several other positions across the pitch. Despite his ability, he drew criticism for his character and attitude throughout his career.[11][40][41][42]
Coaching career
[edit]Early career
[edit]On 29 April 2008, Dutch media reported that Kluivert would take part in the coaching course of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to become a professional football coach.[43] The KNVB requires that all coaching badge candidates complete this sort of apprenticeship.
On 18 July 2008, it was reported on the football website Goal that Kluivert would be spending the 2008–09 season as a member of the backroom coaching staff of Eredivisie club AZ. Later on, in an interview on Soccer AM, Kluivert revealed his role involved coaching the strikers at AZ.
In January 2010, Kluivert took a position as an assistant coach for Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar under head coach Ange Postecoglou.[44]
On 19 May 2010, Kluivert told journalists he ruled out a comeback as a football player.[45] From August 2010 onwards, he was an assistant coach for NEC, coaching the strikers. In the 2011–12 season, he moved on and took charge of the Twente youth and reserve team, coaching Jong Twente to a national title in the Beloften Eredivisie.
In August 2012, Kluivert joined the Netherlands national team coaching staff to work under head coach Louis van Gaal.[46][47] Kluivert's time with the Netherlands culminated with a third-place finish in the 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Curaçao
[edit]On 5 March 2015, it was announced that Kluivert would take over as manager of the Curaçao national football team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.[48] Curaçao progressed through the first two qualifying rounds, defeating Montserrat and Cuba.[49] On 8 September 2015, Curaçao were eliminated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup third qualifying round by El Salvador, losing 2–0 on aggregate score.[50] Having helped the country to their best performance yet in World Cup qualifying, Kluivert announced his resignation as head coach on 10 September 2015. While pursuing other ventures, he remains a close advisor to the Curaçao Football Federation.[51] On 24 February 2016, Kluivert announced his decision to remain head coach of Curaçao ahead of the teams' Caribbean Cup qualifying matches against the Dominican Republic and Barbados.[52] On 2 May 2016, it was announced that Kluivert would take over as head coach of the Ajax A1 (under-19) selection ahead of the 2016–17 season, where he would coach his son Justin Kluivert, with the team having secured placement in the UEFA Youth League the previous year.[53] Following his announcement to join Ajax, Kluivert remained head coach of Curaçao for round two of the Caribbean Cup qualifiers, where they faced Guyana and the U.S. Virgin Islands in group three. Curaçao won both their matches at home, defeating Guyana 5–2 and the U.S. Virgin Islands 7–0 in his final match in charge.[54] On 14 July 2016, it was announced that Kluivert would no longer coach the under-19 team of Ajax, but that he would instead take over the position as director of football for French club Paris Saint-Germain. He expressed that his intention was to stay with Ajax, but that he could not refuse the offer made by PSG.[55]
His efforts for the national team of Curaçao did not go without merit, as the team secured qualification for both the 2017 Caribbean Cup and the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they would compete for the first time in forty years under the guidance of Remko Bicentini and Kluivert.[56]
Assistant and interim duties
[edit]In August 2018, Kluivert became Seedorf's assistant at the Cameroon national football team; they were both relieved of their duties in July 2019.[57][58]
Kluivert became the academy director of Barcelona only days after leaving Cameroon.[59] However, the club announced in March 2021 that his contract would be allowed to expire in June.[60]
In May 2021, Kluivert returned to the Curaçao national team on an interim basis, while compatriot Guus Hiddink recovered from COVID-19.[61] In July, the team withdrew from the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, due to an outbreak of the same virus.[62]
Adana Demirspor
[edit]On 30 June 2023, Turkish club Adana Demirspor announced the appointment of Kluivert as their new manager by signing a two-year contract.[63] On 4 December 2023, he parted ways with Adana Demirspor by mutual agreement.[64]
Indonesia
[edit]On 8 January 2025, Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) officially appointed Kluivert as the new coach of the Indonesia national team on a two-year contract with the option of extension.[65] Kluivert made his managerial debut on 20 March 2025 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Australia, where Indonesia were defeated 1–5.[66]
During the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, Indonesia suffered narrow defeats, including a 2–3 loss to Saudi Arabia, in which the team were awarded two penalties, and a 0–1 loss to Iraq. The results effectively ended Indonesia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the team finishing bottom of their group in the fourth round of the AFC qualification process.[67][68]
On 16 October 2025, following Indonesia's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, PSSI decided to end their contract with Patrick Kluivert and the rest of the coaching staffs through a mutual agreement.[69]
Personal life
[edit]
Kluivert is the second son of former football player Kenneth Kluivert, who played for SV Robinhood in the SVB Hoofdklasse and for the Suriname national team. His mother Lidwina Kluivert, was born in Willemstad, Curaçao, in the former Netherlands Antilles, to a Surinamese father and Curaçaoan mother.[70] Lidwina died on 27 February 2023 due to long-term health issues.[71] His parents were married in Paramaribo, and both his elder siblings were born in Suriname, before the family emigrated to the Netherlands in 1970.[72]
On 9 September 1995, Kluivert, then 19 years old and still playing for Ajax, was the driver in a car accident in Amsterdam, in which a 56-year-old man was killed and a passenger was seriously injured in a collision. Kluivert collided with a Ford Orion saloon while driving an uninsured BMW M3 sports car he had borrowed from a friend at a speed of approximately 104 km/h (64 mph) while in a 50 km/h (31 mph) residential zone. Though he denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, he was found guilty in court and sentenced to 240 hours of community service.[73][74] The conviction meant that Kluivert needed special documentation to enter the United States when Barcelona played pre-season matches there in 2003.[75]
He has four children—Quincy, Justin, Ruben and Shane. Justin, like his father, came through the Ajax youth setup, formerly played for Valencia and was capped for the Netherlands; he now plays for Premier League club Bournemouth.[76][77]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Ajax | 1994–95 | Eredivisie | 25 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 10[b] | 2 | 1[c] | 1 | 37 | 22 |
| 1995–96 | Eredivisie | 28 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 8[b] | 5 | 4[d] | 2 | 42 | 23 | |
| 1996–97 | Eredivisie | 17 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | — | 22 | 8 | ||
| Total | 70 | 39 | 4 | 2 | 22 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 101 | 53 | ||
| Milan | 1997–98 | Serie A | 27 | 6 | 6 | 3 | — | — | 33 | 9 | ||
| Barcelona | 1998–99 | La Liga | 35 | 15 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 38 | 16 | ||
| 1999–2000 | La Liga | 26 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 14[b] | 7 | 2[e] | 2 | 44 | 25 | |
| 2000–01 | La Liga | 31 | 18 | 5 | 2 | 12[f] | 5 | — | 48 | 25 | ||
| 2001–02 | La Liga | 33 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 17[b] | 7 | — | 50 | 25 | ||
| 2002–03 | La Liga | 36 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 15[b] | 5 | — | 51 | 21 | ||
| 2003–04 | La Liga | 21 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3[g] | 2 | — | 26 | 10 | ||
| Total | 182 | 90 | 12 | 4 | 61 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 257 | 122 | ||
| Newcastle United | 2004–05 | Premier League | 25 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6[g] | 5 | — | 37 | 13 | |
| Valencia | 2005–06 | La Liga | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5[h] | 1 | — | 16 | 2 | |
| PSV | 2006–07 | Eredivisie | 16 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3[b] | 0 | — | 21 | 3 | |
| Lille | 2007–08 | Ligue 1 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 14 | 4 | ||
| Career total | 343 | 149 | 32 | 11 | 97 | 41 | 7 | 5 | 479 | 206 | ||
- ^ Includes KNVB Cup, Coppa Italia, Copa del Rey, FA Cup, League Cup, Coupe de France
- ^ a b c d e f Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
- ^ Two appearances and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance and one goal in Johan Cruyff Shield, one appearance in Intercontinental Cup
- ^ Appearances in Supercopa de España
- ^ Eight appearances and three goals in UEFA Cup, four appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League
- ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 1994 | 1 | 0 |
| 1995 | 5 | 3 | |
| 1996 | 5 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 5 | 2 | |
| 1998 | 11 | 7 | |
| 1999 | 8 | 4 | |
| 2000 | 14 | 12 | |
| 2001 | 9 | 4 | |
| 2002 | 6 | 3 | |
| 2003 | 11 | 4 | |
| 2004 | 4 | 0 | |
| Total | 79 | 40 | |
- Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kluivert goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 March 1995 | De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands | 4–0 | 4–0 | UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying | |
| 2 | 13 December 1995 | Anfield, Liverpool, England | 1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying | |
| 3 | 2–0 | |||||
| 4 | 18 June 1996 | Wembley Stadium, London, England | 1–4 | 1–4 | UEFA Euro 1996 | |
| 5 | 29 March 1997 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1–0 | 4–0 | 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 6 | 6 September 1997 | De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 7 | 24 February 1998 | Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States | 1–0 | 3–2 | Friendly | |
| 8 | 2–0
| |||||
| 9 | 1 June 1998 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | 3–1 | 5–1 | Friendly | |
| 10 | 5 June 1998 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 3–0 | 5–1 | Friendly | |
| 11 | 4–1 | |||||
| 12 | 4 July 1998 | Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France | 1–0 | 2–1 | 1998 FIFA World Cup | |
| 13 | 7 July 1998 | Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1998 FIFA World Cup | |
| 14 | 5 June 1999 | Estádio Octávio Mangabeira, Nazaré, Brazil | 1–2 | 2–2 | Friendly | |
| 15 | 4 September 1999 | De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands | 3–2 | 5–5 | Friendly | |
| 16 | 4–4 | |||||
| 17 | 5–4 | |||||
| 18 | 23 February 2000 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1–0 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
| 19 | 29 March 2000 | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium | 1–2 | 2–2 | Friendly | |
| 20 | 2–2 | |||||
| 21 | 27 May 2000 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 2–0 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
| 22 | 4 June 2000 | Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Lausanne, Switzerland | 2–1 | 3–1 | Friendly | |
| 23 | 3–1 | |||||
| 24 | 16 June 2000 | De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands | 1–0 | 3–0 | UEFA Euro 2000 | |
| 25 | 21 June 2000 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1–1 | 3–2 | UEFA Euro 2000 | |
| 26 | 25 June 2000 | De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands | 1–0 | 6–1 | UEFA Euro 2000 | |
| 27 | 2–0 | |||||
| 28 | 4–0 | |||||
| 29 | 7 October 2000 | GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus | 4–0 | 4–0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 30 | 24 March 2001 | Mini Estadi, Barcelona, Spain | 1–0 | 5–0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 31 | 28 March 2001 | Estádio das Antas, Porto, Portugal | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 32 | 25 April 2001 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | 3–0 | 4–0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 33 | 2 June 2001 | Lilleküla Stadium, Tallinn, Estonia | 3–2 | 4–2 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 34 | 13 February 2002 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly | |
| 35 | 7 September 2002 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | 2–0 | 3–0 | UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying | |
| 36 | 20 November 2002 | Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany | 1–0 | 3–1 | Friendly | |
| 37 | 30 April 2003 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | 1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly | |
| 38 | 7 June 2003 | Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, Belarus | 2–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying | |
| 39 | 6 September 2003 | De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands | 2–1 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying | |
| 40 | 11 October 2003 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | 1–0 | 5–0 | UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying |
Managerial statistics
[edit]- As of 16 October 2025
| Team | Nat. | From | To | Record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | Ref. | ||||
| FC Twente (U21) | 1 July 2011 | 30 June 2013 | 46 | 25 | 8 | 13 | 54.35 | ||
| Curaçao | 4 March 2015[81] | 7 June 2016 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 50.00 | [81] | |
| Curaçao (interim) | 14 May 2021[81] | 31 October 2021 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 16.67 | [81] | |
| Adana Demirspor | 1 July 2023 | 4 December 2023 | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 45.00 | ||
| Indonesia | 8 January 2025 | 16 October 2025 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 37.50 | ||
| Career Total | 91 | 43 | 20 | 28 | 47.25 | ||||
Honours
[edit]Player
[edit]Ajax[82]
- Eredivisie: 1994–95, 1995–96
- Super Cup: 1994, 1995
- UEFA Champions League: 1994–95
- UEFA Super Cup: 1995
- Intercontinental Cup: 1995
Barcelona[82]
PSV[82]
- Eredivisie: 2006–07
Individual
- UEFA Euro 2000 Golden Boot (five goals)[37]
- UEFA Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament[83]
- FIFA 100
- Dutch Football Talent of the Year: 1995[84]
- Bravo Award: 1995
Managerial
[edit]Jong Twente[82]
- Beloften Eredivisie: 2011–12
Netherlands (as assistant manager)
- FIFA World Cup third place: 2014
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- ^ Walker, Michael (29 March 2001). "Figo stands tall to earn Portugal last-gasp draw". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- ^ "Kluivert lines up coaching course". Archived from the original on 16 January 2009.
- ^ "Privacyinstellingen op VI.nl". www.vi.nl (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 15 April 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ Auteur: Jules Stuyt op 19 mei 2010 om 15:49. "Kluivert quits football career definitively". Voetbalcentraal.nl. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Kluivert keert naar WK niet terug als assistent bij Oranje" [Kluivert will not return as assistant to Oranje at World Cup]. NU.nl. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
- ^ "Kluivert joins Dutch staff". FIFA. AFP. 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
- ^ Goodijk, Lentin (5 March 2015). "Internationals Curaçao dolblij met komst Kluivert" [Internationals Curaçao overjoyed with Kluivert's arrival]. Metronieuws.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Fifa 2018 World Cup qualifiers: Curacao progress under Kluivert". BBC Sport. 15 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Curaçao met Kluivert niet opgewassen tegen El Salvador". Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "[Update] 'Trots en teleurgesteld'". www.ajaxshowtime.com. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Kluivert helpt Curaçao uit de brand" [Kluivert helps Curaçao out of trouble]. Ajax Showtime (in Dutch). 24 February 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Kluivert aan de slag als trainer Ajax A1" [Kluivert to work as Ajax A1 coach]. www.vi.nl. Archived from the original on 9 July 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Kluivert: 'Jammer dat ik Ajax en Curaçao niet kan combineren'" [Kluivert: 'Too bad I can't combine Ajax and Curaçao']. caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl (in Dutch). 21 May 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Kluivert directeur PSG". Mike Verweij. De Telegraaf. 14 July 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
- ^ "Curaçao schrijft historie met plaatsing voor Gold Cup". www.vi.nl. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (4 August 2018). "Cameroon appoint Seedorf & Kluivert as deal for Eriksson falls through". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
- ^ "Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert sacked by Cameroon". BBC Sport. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Patrick Kluivert: Former Barcelona striker rejoins club as academy director". BBC Sport. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ Sport (29 March 2021). "Kluivert will not continue as the director of Barça's La Masia academy". sport. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Kluivert steps in for Hiddink as Curacao coach". Super Sport. 15 May 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
- ^ Nicholson, Paul (9 July 2021). "Tragedy for Kluivert's Curacao as Covid outbreak forces last minute withdrawal from Gold Cup". Inside World Football. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Patrick Kluivert named manager of Adana Demirspor". Turkish Football. 3 July 2023.
- ^ "Adana Demirspor, Patrick Kluivert'la yollarını ayırdı". Ensonhaber (in Turkish). 4 December 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
- ^ "Patrick Kluivert Resmi Menjadi Pelatih Timnas Indonesia". PSSI - Football Association of Indonesia (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 8 January 2025. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
- ^ "Superb Socceroos sink Indonesia in major qualifying win". ESPN. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
- ^ "Indonesia 2-3 Saudi Arabia". ESPN. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
- ^ Church, Michael (12 October 2025). "Iraq's Iqbal earns 1-0 win over Indonesia in World Cup qualifier". Reuters. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
- ^ "PSSI dan Tim Kepelatihan Timnas Sepakat Akhiri Kerja Sama Lebih Awal". PSSI - Football Association of Indonesia (in Indonesian). 16 October 2026.
- ^ Hooghiemstra, Daniela (30 August 1997). "Lidwina Kluivert, de moeder van: 'Patrick heeft de Hollandse manier aangenomen'". NRC. nrc.nl. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
- ^ "Moeder Patrick Kluivert overleden". Telegraaf.nl. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
- ^ "Voetbal is het balletje laten lopen" [Football is letting the ball do the work]. de Volkskrant. 31 May 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ "MY DEATH CRASH HELL!; 'It will haunt me the rest of my life'". Sunday Mirror. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Kluivert seeking calmer waters". The Independent. 9 June 1996. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ Kendall, Mark. "Kluivert receives clearance". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Er komt een nieuwe Kluivert aan: Justin". Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Liveblog: Douvikas maakt in extremis gelijk voor FC Utrecht tegen AZ" [Liveblog: Douvikas equalizes in extremis for FC Utrecht against AZ] (in Dutch). RTV Utrecht. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
- ^ "Statistics". Patrick-kluivert.com. 23 March 2012. Archived from the original on 8 July 2006. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ^ "Patrick Kluivert". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ^ "Statistics". Voetbalstats.nl. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Curaçao » Trainerhistorie". World Football. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Patrick Kluivert – Career Honours". Soccerway.
- ^ "2000 team of the tournament". UEFA. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ "Netherlands - Player of the Year and Other Awards". rsssf.com. Archived from the original on 17 March 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
External links
[edit]- Patrick Kluivert.com. Archived 22 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine.
- Profile at the FC Barcelona website
- Profile at the Royal Dutch Football Association website (in Dutch)
- Patrick Kluivert at Wereld van Oranje (archived) (in Dutch)
- Patrick Kluivert – French league stats at Ligue 1 – also available in French (archived)
- Patrick Kluivert at Premier League (archived former page)
- Patrick Kluivert – FIFA competition record (archived)
- Patrick Kluivert – UEFA competition record (archive)
Patrick Kluivert
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Early life
Patrick Stephan Kluivert was born on 1 July 1976 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Kenneth Kluivert, a professional footballer from Suriname, and Lidwina Kluivert, who was born in Curaçao to a Surinamese father and a Curaçaoan mother.[3][7] The Kluivert family came from a modest, working-class background in Amsterdam's multicultural Bijlmer district, a neighborhood characterized by its high immigrant population and urban challenges during the late 1970s and early 1980s.[7][8] As the third child in the family, Kluivert was exposed to football from an early age through his father's career and the vibrant street culture of the Bijlmer, where informal games on local pitches and urban spaces were a daily part of life for children in the community.[3] Kluivert's initial interest in the sport developed organically amid this environment, with his father's guidance providing foundational skills and encouragement before he transitioned to organized youth football with Ajax in 1984 at the age of seven.[3][7]Youth career
Kluivert joined the Ajax Youth Academy in 1984 at the age of seven, after a brief stint at local club ASV Schellingwoude.[9][3] Born to a Surinamese father and a Curaçaoan mother, his early passion for football was shaped by his multicultural Amsterdam upbringing.[10] Within Ajax's renowned academy, Kluivert progressed rapidly through the age groups, starting in the E-youth team and advancing to the senior reserves by his mid-teens. He initially trained in various positions, including defense and midfield, before establishing himself as a forward under the principles of Total Football.[3] His development was part of Ajax's "Golden Generation," alongside future stars like Clarence Seedorf and Edwin van der Sar.[3] Kluivert quickly earned a reputation as a prodigy striker, known for his goal-scoring instinct and physical presence in youth matches. He impressed in internal tournaments and training, consistently standing out for his finishing ability and earning praise from coaches for his potential as a top-level talent.[11][7] This youth phase culminated in his senior debut for Ajax on 21 August 1994, at age 18, in the Dutch Super Cup against Feyenoord, where he scored in a 3–0 victory.[3]Club career
Ajax
Kluivert progressed through the renowned Ajax youth academy before signing his first professional contract with the club in 1994. He made his senior debut on 21 August 1994 in the Dutch Super Cup against Feyenoord, where he scored the opening goal in a 4-0 victory.[3] Over the next three seasons from 1994 to 1997, Kluivert established himself as a key figure in Ajax's attack, making 70 appearances in the Eredivisie and scoring 39 goals. In his debut 1994–95 campaign, he netted 18 goals in 25 league matches, contributing significantly to the team's domestic and European successes. The following year, 1995–96, he remained the club's top league scorer with 15 goals in 28 appearances despite mounting injury concerns. His form dipped in 1996–97 due to persistent injuries, limiting him to 17 league outings and just 6 goals.[3] Kluivert's most iconic moment came in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan on 24 May 1995 in Vienna. Introduced as a substitute in the 68th minute, the 18-year-old striker scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute with a composed finish from a Jari Litmanen cross, securing a 1–0 victory and Ajax's first European Cup since 1972. This strike made him the youngest goalscorer in a European Cup final at the time.[12] In the 1995–96 season, Kluivert played a pivotal role in Ajax's historic unbeaten Eredivisie title win, finishing 7 points ahead of PSV Eindhoven while scoring crucial goals in key matches. He also contributed to the team's KNVB Cup triumph, defeating Sparta Rotterdam 5–0 in the final, and helped secure the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid. These achievements marked Ajax's dominant domestic double that year.[3] By 1997, amid a challenging season plagued by injuries—including a serious knee issue—and a personal car crash, Kluivert's relationship with manager Louis van Gaal deteriorated, leading to internal conflicts over his role and playing time. Frustrated by limited opportunities and seeking a fresh start, he rejected Ajax's offer of a new contract and submitted a transfer request, departing on a Bosman free transfer to AC Milan.[3]AC Milan
In the summer of 1997, following the expiration of his contract with Ajax, Patrick Kluivert joined AC Milan on a Bosman free transfer.[13] The move was anticipated to revive his career after a challenging injury-affected 1996–97 season at Ajax, positioning him as a key signing to bolster Milan's attack under manager Fabio Capello.[3] Kluivert's sole season at Milan proved underwhelming, with the Dutch forward making 27 appearances and scoring 6 goals in Serie A.[14] Across all competitions, including the Coppa Italia where he added 3 more goals in 6 outings, he totaled 33 appearances and 9 goals overall.[15] Despite an early highlight—a stunning strike against Juventus—his output reflected broader difficulties in adapting to Serie A's tactical rigor and defensive emphasis, which contrasted sharply with the fluid style he thrived in at Ajax.[3] Compounding these challenges was a poor tactical fit within Capello's system during a transitional period for the club, which finished a disappointing 10th in the league.[16] Kluivert also encountered racist abuse from opposition players and sections of the Milan support, further hindering his integration.[3] Dissatisfied with the experience, he departed after one year, paving the way for a transfer to Barcelona in August 1998.[17]Barcelona
Kluivert joined FC Barcelona from AC Milan in August 1998 for a transfer fee of approximately €13 million, marking a significant investment in the young Dutch striker under manager Louis van Gaal. He quickly integrated into the squad, forming a potent attacking partnership with Rivaldo and Luís Figo that propelled Barcelona to the 1998–99 La Liga title, their second consecutive championship.[2] Over his six seasons at the club from 1998 to 2004, Kluivert made 192 appearances in La Liga, scoring 90 goals and establishing himself as a key figure in the team's offensive output.[14] In his debut season, Kluivert contributed 16 goals across all competitions, including notable strikes in La Liga that helped Barcelona secure the title by an 11-point margin over Real Madrid.[18] His role extended to the Copa del Rey, where he featured in matches during the 1998–99 campaign, though the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Valencia CF.[19] Kluivert's physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a focal point of Van Gaal's tactical setup, blending Dutch total football principles with Barcelona's attacking flair. Later in his tenure, under Frank Rijkaard from 2003, Kluivert remained a vital option despite fluctuating form and injuries. One of his most memorable moments came on April 25, 2004, in El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he scored the opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Real Madrid with a header from a Giovanni van Bronckhorst cross, setting the tone for Xavi's late winner.[20] This strike not only boosted Barcelona's morale during a transitional season but also highlighted Kluivert's enduring impact in high-stakes derbies. However, tensions arose with Rijkaard, who prioritized squad renewal and younger talents like Ronaldinho, leading to Kluivert's exclusion from long-term plans. In May 2004, as part of a major clear-out that included four other Dutch players, Rijkaard opted not to renew Kluivert's contract, ending his Barcelona stint amid professional disagreements despite their shared national heritage.[21] Kluivert departed having scored 122 goals in 257 total appearances across all competitions, cementing his legacy as one of the club's prolific foreign imports.[22]Newcastle United
Kluivert arrived at Newcastle United as a high-profile free transfer from Barcelona in July 2004, signing a one-year deal with an option for extension under manager Graeme Souness.[23][24] He showed early promise by scoring on his debut in a 4–2 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on 28 August 2004, equalizing with a neat finish after 28 minutes.[25] In the 2004–05 season, Kluivert made 25 appearances and scored 6 goals in the Premier League, including notable strikes against rivals such as Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round.[26] However, his form proved inconsistent, as recurring knee injuries limited his availability and caused swelling after training sessions.[27] Fitness concerns further hampered his progress, with reports highlighting a lifestyle involving frequent visits to Newcastle's nightlife venues like Stereo and Osborne Road, alongside off-field indulgences such as McDonald's requests on away trips.[27] Souness publicly questioned Kluivert's commitment and desire to stay, warning him in December 2004 to prove his future at the club.[28] In June 2005, amid growing fan criticism and a strained relationship with Souness, Newcastle declined the option to extend Kluivert's contract, leading to a mutual termination that ended his brief stint at the club.[29][30]Valencia
Following an inconsistent spell at Newcastle United, where his one-year contract was not extended, Patrick Kluivert joined Valencia on a free transfer in June 2005, signing an initial three-year deal subject to a successful medical.[29][31] Under new coach Quique Sánchez Flores, Kluivert was largely confined to the bench, featuring in just 10 matches (1 start) for a total of 209 minutes and scoring 1 goal with 1 assist during the 2005–2006 La Liga season.[14][31] His limited role was exacerbated by fitness problems, including right knee surgery in February 2006 that ruled him out for at least eight weeks.[32] The arrangement ended mutually at the conclusion of the season, with Valencia informing Kluivert that his services would not be required moving forward, citing his struggles to make an impact alongside his need for greater playing time.[33][34]PSV Eindhoven
In August 2006, Patrick Kluivert joined PSV Eindhoven on a one-year contract as a free agent following a challenging spell at Valencia.[35] During the 2006–07 season, he made 16 appearances across all competitions and scored 3 goals, primarily serving as a substitute in the Eredivisie.[14][36] Kluivert contributed to PSV's successful campaign, which culminated in the club winning the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup, securing a domestic double.[37] However, ongoing knee injuries significantly restricted his involvement, causing him to miss extended periods and limiting his overall impact.[38] As a result, in May 2007, PSV opted not to renew his contract, ending his tenure with the club after just one season.[39]Lille
In July 2007, at the age of 31, Patrick Kluivert transferred to Lille on a free one-year deal following the expiry of his PSV Eindhoven contract, seeking to revive his career in Ligue 1 despite ongoing injury concerns from his previous stint.[40][41] During the 2007–2008 season under manager Claude Puel, Kluivert made 13 appearances in Ligue 1, starting only eight matches and totaling 592 minutes on the pitch, largely limited by his age and persistent injuries that hampered his fitness.[14] He contributed four goals to Lille's campaign, including notable strikes that highlighted his enduring finishing ability, such as in matches against mid-table opponents where his experience proved valuable in tight contests.[14][22] In May 2008, with his contract set to expire, Kluivert announced he would not renew and retire from professional football at the end of the season, concluding a 14-year playing career that had seen him compete at the highest levels across Europe.[42] His official retirement took effect on 1 July 2008.[10]International and playing style
International career
Kluivert began his international journey with the Netherlands at youth levels, representing the U16 team in two appearances without scoring, the U17 side in ten matches where he netted two goals during European Championship qualifiers, and the U21 squad in five games with one goal in European qualifiers.[43] His strong performances in Ajax's youth and senior teams, including scoring the winning goal in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final, contributed to his rapid promotion to the senior national team.[44] Kluivert made his senior debut for the Netherlands on 16 November 1994 against the Czech Republic in a 0–0 draw during a UEFA European Championship qualifier, coming on as a substitute at age 18.[4] Over his international career from 1994 to 2004, he earned 79 caps and scored 40 goals, becoming the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer at the time until surpassed in 2013.[45] His goal tally included 18 in friendlies, 7 in World Cup qualifiers, 2 in the World Cup proper, 7 in European Championship qualifiers, and 6 in the European Championship finals.[4] At UEFA Euro 1996 in England, Kluivert scored once in the group stage against England in a 4–1 defeat, helping the Netherlands advance to the quarter-finals on goal difference before a 0–0 draw and penalty shootout loss to France.[46] In the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, he netted twice—once in the quarter-final 2–1 victory over Argentina and a late equalizer in the 1–1 semi-final draw against Brazil, which the Netherlands lost 4–2 on penalties—propelling the team to their best World Cup finish since 1978.[47] Kluivert's standout tournament came at UEFA Euro 2000, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium, where he scored five goals, including a hat-trick in a 6–1 quarter-final rout of Yugoslavia, to share the Golden Boot as joint top scorer and guide the Oranje to the final as runners-up after a 0–0 semi-final draw with Italy, won 3–1 on penalties, but a 2–1 final loss to France.[48][49] His contributions continued in subsequent years, though he did not feature prominently in the inaugural UEFA Nations League precursors or other matches leading to Euro 2004. At Euro 2004 in Portugal, Kluivert appeared in all three group games without scoring as the Netherlands exited in the first round following a 2–1 loss to the Czech Republic, despite wins over Germany and Latvia.[4] Following the disappointing Euro 2004 campaign, Kluivert retired from international football at age 27, citing ongoing conflicts with coach Dick Advocaat, including limited playing time and tactical disagreements that led to public criticism of the manager's decisions.[50][51]Style of play
Patrick Kluivert, standing at 1.90 meters tall, leveraged his height and strong physique to excel in aerial duels, making him a formidable presence in the opposition's penalty area. His powerful shooting ability allowed him to strike the ball with force from various angles, while his hold-up play was characterized by intelligent positioning and body control to retain possession under pressure from defenders. These physical attributes complemented his role as a target man, enabling him to link play effectively during his time at clubs like Ajax and Barcelona.[52][3] Technically, Kluivert demonstrated excellent first touch and close control, which belied his stature and allowed him to maneuver in tight spaces with quick feet and precise dribbling. His versatility as a forward was notable; he could operate as a central striker leading the line or drop deeper as a second striker to create opportunities for teammates through intelligent runs and predatory instincts. Often compared to his idol Marco van Basten for his elegant finishing and goal-scoring acumen, Kluivert's technical proficiency made him a lethal finisher in high-stakes matches, including his international contributions where he netted 40 goals for the Netherlands.[3][52] Despite his talents, Kluivert faced criticisms for his inconsistent attitude and questionable work rate, often appearing disinterested or cruising through games with minimal defensive effort. Disciplinary issues, including off-field incidents like a 1996 conviction for causing death by dangerous driving and instances of tardiness to training, further impacted his team dynamics and contributed to perceptions of self-indulgence. These lapses in professionalism sometimes overshadowed his undoubted abilities, leading to tensions with coaches and limiting his consistency across clubs.[52][3]Coaching career
Early coaching roles
After retiring from his playing career with Lille in 2008, Patrick Kluivert began his coaching journey in the Netherlands as forward coach at AZ Alkmaar, a position he held from July 2008 to December 2009.[5] He subsequently served as assistant manager for Jong PSV during the 2009–10 season, focusing on the development of reserve team players.[53] Following a short-term assistant role with Brisbane Roar in Australia in early 2010, Kluivert returned to the Netherlands to join NEC Nijmegen as assistant coach from August 2010 to June 2011.[5] In July 2011, Kluivert took charge of Jong Twente, the reserve team of FC Twente, marking his first head coaching appointment; he remained in the role until June 2013.[5] Under his management, Jong Twente clinched the 2011–12 Beloften Eredivisie title with a 2–1 victory over Jong FC Groningen on April 23, 2012, in front of 15,000 spectators at the Grolsch Veste.[54] Across his two seasons at Jong Twente, Kluivert oversaw 46 matches, securing 25 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses for a points-per-match average of 1.80.[55]Curaçao national team
Patrick Kluivert was appointed head coach of the Curaçao national team in March 2015, marking his first senior international management role and driven by his personal connection to the island through his Curaçaoan mother. His primary objectives were to guide the team through the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, aiming to elevate Curaçao's standing in regional competitions.[56][57][58] Kluivert's tenure lasted until June 2016, during which he managed 12 matches, securing 6 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses. A key achievement was leading Curaçao to qualification for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup—their first appearance as an independent nation—via strong performances in the Caribbean Cup qualifiers, which boosted the team's regional profile and contributed to their seeding in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League's League B in 2019. The side showed improved competitiveness in World Cup qualifying rounds, though they did not advance beyond the second stage.[5][58][59] In May 2021, Kluivert returned as interim head coach for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, stepping in after Guus Hiddink was sidelined by COVID-19 recovery. Overseeing six matches with 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses, he emphasized integrating young talents from the Dutch Caribbean diaspora, leveraging his heritage to foster a sense of national identity and long-term development.[60][61][62]Assistant and interim positions
Kluivert joined the coaching staff of the Netherlands national team in August 2012 as an assistant to head coach Louis van Gaal, a role he held until July 2014.[63] In this capacity, he contributed to the team's tactical preparations and player development, drawing on his extensive experience as the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer with 40 international goals to mentor forwards and emphasize attacking strategies.[64] The staff, which also included Danny Blind as another assistant, guided the Oranje to a third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, their best performance in the tournament since 1974, highlighted by a 3–0 victory over host nation Brazil in the third-place match.[65] Following a stint as Curaçao's head coach, Kluivert returned to an assistant position with a national team in August 2018, partnering with Clarence Seedorf for Cameroon.[66] Appointed by the Cameroon Football Federation, the duo focused on integrating experienced players with emerging talents while implementing a possession-based style, with Kluivert particularly involved in forward-line coaching and set-piece organization.[67] Their tenure lasted until July 2019, encompassing qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Cameroon, as defending champions, advanced to the round of 16 before a 3-0 loss to Nigeria ended their campaign; the pair were subsequently dismissed amid criticism of the team's early exit.[68] This role underscored Kluivert's expertise in transitional team dynamics across international setups.Adana Demirspor
In June 2023, Patrick Kluivert was appointed as head coach of Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Süper Lig, marking his first major role as a club's primary manager following prior assistant and interim positions. He signed a two-year contract with the club, aiming to build on their recent competitive showings in the league.[69] Kluivert oversaw 20 matches during his tenure, recording 8 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, which equated to a 40% win rate, 41 goals scored to 29 conceded, and 1.50 points per match. He shifted the team's approach toward more attacking football, emphasizing possession and offensive transitions, a style reflected in high-scoring games where both sides frequently found the net. Under his management, Adana Demirspor started the 2023–24 season strongly, reaching 4th place by the time of his departure, though the team ultimately finished 12th overall.[36][70][71] Despite an encouraging start that saw the team challenge for higher positions early in the campaign, inconsistent results emerged, particularly with only one victory in the final six league outings. On 4 December 2023, Kluivert and Adana Demirspor mutually agreed to part ways, ending his stint after less than six months in charge.[72]Indonesia national team
Patrick Kluivert was appointed as head coach of the Indonesia national team on 8 January 2025, signing a two-year contract until 2027 with an option for extension.[73][74] His selection was influenced by his prior managerial experience, including a stint at Turkish club Adana Demirspor.[75] Kluivert, a former Netherlands international and assistant to Louis van Gaal, aimed to implement an attacking style aligned with Dutch football principles while adapting to the team's needs in Asian competitions.[76] Kluivert's debut came on 20 March 2025 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Australia, resulting in a 1–5 defeat in Sydney.[77][78] Despite the heavy loss, Indonesia secured a 1–0 victory over Bahrain five days later in Jakarta, providing an early positive response.[79] Over the course of his tenure, the team participated in the third and fourth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they advanced to the final phase but struggled against stronger opponents, including a 6–0 loss to Japan in June 2025.[77] In total, Kluivert oversaw eight matches during his time with Indonesia, achieving three wins, one draw, and four losses, for a win rate of 37.5%.[77][79] Key results included narrow 1–0 wins against China and Chinese Taipei, a 0–0 draw with Lebanon, but setbacks such as a 3–2 defeat to Saudi Arabia and a 1–0 loss to Iraq that sealed their elimination from World Cup contention.[80] Critics pointed to tactical mismatches, including lineup choices and delayed substitutions, as contributing factors to inconsistent performances against varied opposition styles.[81] Kluivert and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) mutually agreed to part ways on 16 October 2025, shortly after the World Cup qualifying exit.[82][83] The decision was attributed to differing strategic visions and the failure to advance, despite some progress in defensive organization during home fixtures.[77][84]Personal life
Family
Patrick Kluivert was married to Angela van Wanrooij from July 8, 2000, until their divorce in 2004.[85][86] With her, he has three sons: Quincy Kluivert, born on May 20, 1997; Justin Kluivert, born on May 5, 1999; and Ruben Kluivert, born on May 21, 2001.[87][88][89] All three sons have pursued professional football careers, reflecting the family's deep ties to the sport. Quincy has played as a defender in Dutch lower divisions, while Ruben, a center-back, currently features for Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais.[87][89] Kluivert's fourth son, Shane Kluivert, was born on September 24, 2007, to his long-term partner Rosanna Lima, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2006.[90] Shane, a forward, plays for FC Barcelona Atlètic in Spain's Segunda Federación.[91] The family also includes Rosanna's children from a previous relationship, daughter Demi and son Nino, whom Kluivert helps raise.[92] The family's relocations mirrored Kluivert's club transfers, shaping their life across Europe. In 1998, when Kluivert joined FC Barcelona from Ajax, his wife Angela and young sons moved to Spain, where they resided during his successful six-year spell at the club.[93] Following his transfer to Newcastle United in 2004, the family briefly settled in England amid personal changes, including the end of his marriage.[94] Kluivert's father, Kenneth Kluivert, a former professional footballer for the Suriname national team, played a pivotal role in his son's career by nurturing his talent from a young age and facilitating his entry into Ajax's youth system.[95] This paternal influence is echoed in the next generation, particularly with Justin Kluivert, who followed his father's trajectory by progressing through Ajax's academy and making his debut for the Netherlands national team in 2018, marking the first father-son pair to represent Oranje at senior level.[96] Justin, now an attacking midfielder for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, has scored over 20 goals in England's top flight.[88] Kluivert's Curaçaoan heritage through his mother, Lidwina, born on the island, has fostered strong family connections to the Caribbean, influencing his later involvement in regional football.[97]Legal issues
In September 1995, shortly after his triumphant goal in the UEFA Champions League final, Patrick Kluivert was involved in a fatal car accident in Amsterdam. While driving an uninsured BMW at excessive speed—approximately 55 mph in a 35 mph zone—Kluivert attempted a U-turn and collided with another vehicle, killing 56-year-old driver Marten Putman instantly and injuring his wife.[3][52] Kluivert, who had been out at a nightclub earlier that evening, faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving. Although tests showed no alcohol in his system, the court convicted him in 1997, sentencing him to 240 hours of community service rather than imprisonment.[98] The incident drew significant media scrutiny and criticism in the Netherlands, tarnishing his image as a rising star and leading to ongoing debates about his responsibility and maturity.[99] In December 2001, while playing for FC Barcelona, Kluivert was arrested for drink-driving after police pulled over his vehicle and found he exceeded the legal alcohol limit. He was fined and had his driving license suspended as a result, further fueling perceptions of a reckless off-field lifestyle.[100] These legal troubles, particularly the 1995 accident, have periodically resurfaced to impact Kluivert's public persona, including complications such as U.S. visa denials for professional travel in 2003 due to his criminal record.[101] As of 2025, there are no reported ongoing legal cases against him.Player statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | 1994–95 | Eredivisie | 18 | 18 |
| Ajax | 1995–96 | Eredivisie | 25 | 15 |
| Ajax | 1996–97 | Eredivisie | 24 | 6 |
| AC Milan | 1997–98 | Serie A | 28 | 6 |
| Barcelona | 1998–99 | La Liga | 31 | 10 |
| Barcelona | 1999–2000 | La Liga | 33 | 18 |
| Barcelona | 2000–01 | La Liga | 31 | 18 |
| Barcelona | 2001–02 | La Liga | 24 | 13 |
| Barcelona | 2002–03 | La Liga | 29 | 13 |
| Barcelona | 2003–04 | La Liga | 31 | 15 |
| Newcastle United | 2004–05 | Premier League | 15 | 2 |
| Valencia | 2004–05 | La Liga | 8 | 1 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 2005–06 | Eredivisie | 25 | 9 |
| Lille | 2007–08 | Ligue 1 | 13 | 4 |
| Total | 324 | 148 |
International
Patrick Kluivert represented the Netherlands at senior international level from 1994 to 2004, accumulating 79 caps and scoring 40 goals, making him one of the country's all-time leading scorers.[4][103] He debuted on 16 November 1994 against the Czech Republic in a friendly, scoring his first international goal in a 1995 European Championship qualifier against Malta.[4] At youth level, Kluivert made 3 appearances for the Netherlands U21 team, netting 2 goals.[43] Kluivert's international goals were distributed across various competitions, with notable contributions in major tournaments. He scored 5 goals at UEFA Euro 2000, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against FR Yugoslavia (6–1 win), helping the Netherlands reach the final; he was the joint top scorer of the tournament.[4][104] At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he netted 2 goals in 4 appearances, including the winner against Argentina in the quarter-final (2–1) and an equalizer against Brazil in the semi-final (1–1, Netherlands lost on penalties).[4] His other goals came in qualifiers and friendlies, such as 7 in World Cup qualifying matches (e.g., against San Marino in 1997 and Portugal in 2001) and 7 in European Championship qualifiers (e.g., against Belarus in 1995 and Turkey in 1997).[4][103] The following table summarizes Kluivert's appearances and goals by competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 4 | 2 |
| UEFA European Championship | 9 | 6 |
| World Cup qualifiers | 14 | 7 |
| European Championship qualifiers | 16 | 7 |
| Friendlies | 36 | 18 |
| Total | 79 | 40 |
Managerial statistics
Club
Kluivert's club managerial record encompasses his tenures at Jong Twente and Adana Demirspor, with statistics reflecting his performance in domestic and European competitions.[5]Jong Twente (2011–2013)
Kluivert managed Jong Twente for two seasons in the Beloften Eredivisie and Beloften Nacompetitie, overseeing 46 matches with 25 wins and an average of 1.80 points per game. The team scored 116 goals and conceded 92 during his time in charge.[105]| Season | Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For - Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–13 | Beloften Eredivisie & Nacompetitie | 46 | 25 | 8 | 13 | 116 - 92 |
| Total | Overall | 46 | 25 | 8 | 13 | 116 - 92 |
Adana Demirspor (2023–2024)
Kluivert took charge of Adana Demirspor in the Süper Lig for the 2023–24 season, managing 20 matches with 8 wins and a 40% win rate before his departure in December 2023. The team scored 41 goals and conceded 29 under his leadership.[106][107][108][109]| Season | Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For - Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Süper Lig & UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifiers | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 41 - 29 |
| Total | Overall | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 41 - 29 |
National teams
Kluivert began his national team coaching career with Curaçao, serving as head coach in two separate stints from 2015 to 2016 and again in 2021. During these periods, he managed the team in 14 matches primarily focused on CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers and Gold Cup preparation games, recording 4 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, with a total of 27 goals scored and 17 conceded, yielding a win percentage of 28.6%.[110] In 2025, Kluivert took charge of the Indonesia national team until October, overseeing 8 matches that included 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies, achieving 3 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, with 11 goals for and 15 against, for a win percentage of 37.5%. His tenure ended mutually following Indonesia's elimination from World Cup qualifying.[111][77][82]| National Team | Stint | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For - Against | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curaçao | 2015–2016, 2021 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 27–17 | 28.6% |
| Indonesia | 2025 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 11–15 | 37.5% |
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