Arjen Robben

The flying winger who cut inside to define a generation of Dutch football.

Arjen Robben debuted for the Netherlands in 2003. He started in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which the Netherlands lost to Spain. He also appeared at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships, and the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. In the latter, he won the Bronze Ball and was named in the tournament's All-Star Team. In 2014, after a successful period with both Bayern and his country at the World Cup, Robben was named in the FIFPro World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year, and came in fourth place in the Ballon d'Or.

Quick Facts

Born: 23 January 1984
Birthplace: Bedum, Netherlands
Height: 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in
Position: Right winger
Total caps: 426
Total goals: 150

Lore & Background

Robben's international career began in 2003, and he quickly became a key figure. He appeared at Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, and the 2010 World Cup, where he started the final that the Netherlands lost to Spain. He also played at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. At the 2014 World Cup, he won the Bronze Ball and was named in the tournament's All-Star Team. That same year, he was named in the FIFPro World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year, and finished fourth in the Ballon d'Or voting.

Reader's Guide

Robben's style for the Netherlands was defined by his dribbling, speed, and long-range shots. He ranks second for all-time Dutch top goalscorers in the UEFA Champions League (32 goals) and is the all-time Dutch top assist provider in the competition (19 assists). For the national team, he debuted in 2003 and went on to appear at four major tournaments: Euro 2004, Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups. His 2014 World Cup performance earned him the Bronze Ball and a place in the All-Star Team.