Wesley Sneijder

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Sneijder's international career spanned from his debut in April 2003 at age 18 to his retirement in March 2018. Over those 15 years, he earned 134 caps, making him the most capped Dutch player of all time. He played in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and three European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012). His peak came in 2010 when he helped the Netherlands reach the World Cup Final, earning the Bronze Boot and Silver Ball for his performances. He was also named to the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, and was man of the match in six out of eleven games across those two tournaments.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over the grass in Johannesburg as Sneijder surveyed the pitch, the weight of the nation on his shoulders. With minutes remaining against Brazil, he received the ball deep in midfield, turning calmly to bypass a defender before launching a curling effort that found the top corner. As the crowd erupted, he didn't celebrate wildly; instead, he pointed to the sky and then to his teammates, knowing this was just another step on the long road to the final.

Reader's Guide

Wesley Sneijder began his international journey with the Dutch youth squads before making his senior debut in April 2003 at age 18. He went on to represent the Netherlands at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups, and at Euro 2004, 2008, and 2012. His finest tournament was the 2010 World Cup, where the Netherlands reached the final and Sneijder was awarded the Bronze Boot and Silver Ball, and named to the team of the tournament. He was also named to the team of the tournament for Euro 2008. Across Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, he was man of the match in six out of eleven games. With 134 caps, he is the most capped Dutch player of all time. He announced his international retirement in March 2018.

Did You Know?

• Sneijder made his senior debut for the Netherlands in April 2003 at the age of 18.
• He was man of the match in six out of eleven games played by the Oranje at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup combined.
• With 134 caps, he is the most capped Dutch player of all time.
• He was awarded the 2010 Bronze Boot and the 2010 Silver Ball at the 2010 World Cup.
• Sneijder announced his international retirement in March 2018.