Ruben van Bommel: A Rising Star in Dutch Football
Early Life and Family
Ruben van Bommel was born on August 3, 2004, in Meerssen, Netherlands. He comes from a footballing family: his father, Mark van Bommel, is a former professional footballer who played for the Netherlands national team and clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
His brother, Thomas van Bommel, is also a footballer, and his maternal grandfather, Bert van Marwijk, was a football manager.
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Youth Career
Ruben began his football journey at SV Meerssen, a local club, before moving to PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy in 2013. In 2020, he joined MVV Maastricht’s youth setup, where he continued to develop his skills.
Professional Debut and MVV Maastricht
Ruben made his professional debut for MVV Maastricht in the Eerste Divisie (Dutch second division) on August 8, 2022, against Jong AZ.
In his first home game, he scored his first professional goal in a 3–1 victory over NAC Breda. Throughout the 2022–2023 season, he made 31 appearances, scoring 15 goals.
On July 1, 2023, Ruben signed a four-year contract with Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar, committing to the club until 2027.
Ruben has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels. He made his debut for the U20 team on March 25, 2023, in a 2–1 friendly win against France U20. He has also played for the U21 team, earning 11 caps and scoring 4 goals as of October 2024.
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Playing Style
As a left winger, Ruben is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to make runs into the box. He has been compared to Ángel Di María for his playing style.
In the 2024–2025 season, Ruben has been a key player for AZ Alkmaar, making 15 appearances in the Eredivisie, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. He has also featured in the UEFA Europa League, contributing 3 goals in 5 appearances.
Personal Life
Ruben’s family has a rich footballing history, with his father and brother both being professional players, and his grandfather a renowned football manager. This background has provided him with valuable insights and support throughout his career.
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Conclusion
At just 20 years old, Ruben van Bommel is a promising talent in Dutch football. His skills, combined with his footballing heritage, make him a player to watch in the coming years.