Dutch · Katwijk, Netherlands · Born 22 July 1980Dutch footballer who played as a forward/midfielder, known for his work rate and versatility. Won League Cup with Liverpool and Eredivisie with Feyenoord.
Dirk Kuijt was born on 22 July 1980 in Katwijk aan Zee, a small Dutch fishing town, the third of four children raised largely by his mother while his father worked at sea. At 12, Kuyt turned down an apprenticeship as a fisherman, choosing football instead because the job would have made him miss midweek training sessions — a decision that shaped the rest of his life. Kuyt joined local club Quick Boys at five, staying until he was 18, before FC Utrecht signed him in 1998. He was converted from a winger into a striker in 2002, a switch that unlocked a 23-goal season and caught the attention of Feyenoord, who signed him in 2003. He became one of the Eredivisie's most reliable goalscorers before Liverpool signed him in 2006. Kuyt spent six seasons at Liverpool, renowned for his relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and willingness to play wherever the team needed him, scoring the decisive penalty in the 2007 Champions League semi-final shootout against Chelsea to help send Liverpool to the final. He later played for Fenerbahçe in Turkey before returning to Feyenoord, where he retired in 2017 immediately after helping the club win its first Eredivisie title in 18 years. Kuyt earned over 100 caps for the Netherlands, representing his country at three World Cups, including the 2010 final, and after retiring moved into coaching, taking charge of Feyenoord's youth team before senior roles at ADO Den Haag, Beerschot, and FC Dordrecht.
Scoring crucial goals in big matches for Liverpool
He scored a hat-trick against Manchester United at Anfield in one of the most famous derbies of the modern era.
Did You Know?How They Played
Versatile, hardworking player who could play multiple positions
Lasting Impact
Remembered as one of the hardest-working players of his generation
Career Honours
- League Cup 2012 (Liverpool)
- Eredivisie 2017 (Feyenoord)
- 104 Netherlands caps
- League Cup 2012
- Eredivisie 2017
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utrecht | 1998–2003 | £9m | 160 | 51 |
| Feyenoord | 2003–2006 | — | 101 | 71 |
| Liverpool | 2006–2012 | £9m | 208 | 51 |
| Fenerbahçe | 2012–2015 | — | 95 | 26 |
| Feyenoord | 2015–2017 | — | 63 | 31 |
 Netherlands | — | — | 104 | 24 |
Dutch Athletes