Robin van Persie

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Van Persie made his senior international debut in 2005 in a friendly match against Romania. A month later, he scored his first senior international goal in a 4–0 win over Finland. He went on to score 50 goals for the Netherlands, holding the record as the nation's all-time top goalscorer until 2025. He captained the side from 2013 to 2015. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands reached the final, and at the 2014 FIFA World Cup they won bronze. He also played at the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

In Their Own Story

Van Persie's international career included major tournaments across nearly a decade. He played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the 2008 UEFA European Championship, the 2010 FIFA World Cup (where the Netherlands reached the final), the 2012 UEFA European Championship, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup (where the Netherlands won bronze). He served as captain from 2013 to 2015. His 50 international goals made him the Netherlands' all-time top scorer until 2025.

Reader's Guide

Robin van Persie made his senior Netherlands debut in 2005 against Romania and scored his first goal a month later against Finland. Over his international career he earned over 100 caps and scored 50 goals, becoming the nation's all-time top scorer (a record he held until 2025). He captained the team from 2013 to 2015. He played in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and two European Championships (2008, 2012). The Netherlands reached the World Cup final in 2010 and won bronze in 2014.

Did You Know?

• Van Persie made his senior international debut in 2005 in a friendly against Romania.
• He scored his first senior international goal a month after his debut, in a 4–0 win over Finland.
• Van Persie was the Netherlands' all-time top goalscorer with 50 goals until 2025.
• He served as captain of the Netherlands from 2013 to 2015.
• He played in three FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and two UEFA European Championships (2008, 2012).