The AC Milan midfielder is hoping to be a key player for his country in their FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying campaign.
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Reijnders was born to a Dutch father and an Indonesian mother
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The AC Milan star is an important member of the Netherlands squad
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UEFA qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 26™ are set to begin in March
The recent UEFA Champions League clash between AC Milan and Club Brugge saw Tijjani Reijnders join legendary figures Marco van Basten and Clarence Seedorf in an exclusive club.
The Rossoneri secured a 3-1 win over the Belgian side, largely thanks to Reijnders’ two goals. That brace made him only the third Dutch player – alongside his illustrious counterparts – to score two or more goals in a Champions League match for Milan.
There are still many milestones Reijnders can aim for at just 26, and he is incredibly proud to be part of the Netherlands’ tradition of producing top-class players.
“It is an honour to be part of such an incredible team; the Netherlands has produced many legends like [Marco] van Basten, [Ruud] Gullit, and [Frank] Rijkaard, and wearing the same shirt means everything to me. It drives me to keep working hard, to carry on the Dutch footballing legacy,” he said in an exclusive interview with FIFA.
The international story of the Zwolle-born midfielder, who grew up idolising Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, began with his debut for the Netherlands against Greece in the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers. Since then, he has continued to shine, becoming a key figure for the Oranje as they reached the semi-finals of that tournament, before suffering a dramatic late defeat to England.
“Every player dreams of competing on the biggest stage, and playing consistently in EURO 2024 was an incredible experience,” recalled the midfielder, who is skilled at playing as a mezzala.
“The competition was tough, but I felt ready and the trust both my manager and team-mates put in me really gave me confidence. Playing in such high-pressure situations taught me so much about mental resilience and maintaining focus, regardless of the opposition.”
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Reijnders’ rapid progress owes much to the big decisions he’s made as a professional. A significant step was taken when he left AZ Alkmaar to join Milan in the summer of 2023, a move that has had a major impact on his career development.
“Joining AC Milan was a big step in my career,” said the midfielder who has made the No14 shirt his own.
“The tactical demands in Serie A are high, and I had to adapt quickly. Playing alongside experienced team-mates has sharpened my positioning, decision-making, and my overall understanding of the game. AC Milan is a huge club with rich history, and I’m proud to be part of a project like this.”
Long before he hit the heights in Europe, Reijnders’ name was already known in a part of the world far from the Netherlands, thanks to his Indonesian heritage.
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“My Indonesian background is something I’m very proud of. It’s a huge part of who I am. My mother is from Indonesia, and I feel a deep connection with the culture and people,” he explained.
“It’s really special to know that I have support from fans in Indonesia, and I always try to represent both my Dutch and Indonesian roots with pride.”
The football gene runs strongly in the Reijnders family. His father, Martin, a former PEC Zwolle player, had a crucial role in shaping him both as an individual and a professional.
“My dad played a big role in my football journey. He was a professional footballer himself, so he knows what it takes to reach the top,” Reijnders said, while explaining the origins of his name, Tijjani, were given to him by his father in admiration of Nigeria legend Tijani Babangida.
“His advice and support were essential in shaping my mentality and work ethic,” the 26-year-old added. “He’s always pushed me to stay focused and keep improving, which has been key to my progress.”
“It’s unique!” he said. “My younger brother, Eliano, playing for Indonesia makes me very proud. We grew up playing football together, so to see him represent Indonesia is amazing.
“Even though we’ve taken different paths on the international stage, it’s special to share this connection through football. I fully support him, and being part of this story is truly incredible.”
Adding trophies to his CV is something Reijnders has set his sights on, particularly with AC Milan this term.
“This season, the aim is to help AC Milan compete for every trophy. It’s AC Milan’s 125th anniversary, and we want to perform well, especially for the fans, who always show us so much spirit and support. Personally, I want to contribute as much as I can with goals, assists, and consistency,” he said.
Reijnders’ ambitions extend beyond club football, carrying the same drive to the international stage. Playing in his first FIFA World Cup™ in 2026 is something he’s working hard for with the Netherlands, hoping to secure his place among the world’s elite players.
“My personal goal is to help the Netherlands qualify for the World Cup and play a crucial role in the team,” he said.
“I want to keep growing as a player and become a leader in midfield. We want to be in top shape to compete with the best teams in the world.”
