Player
Arjen Robben
Nationality
Dutch
Date of Birth
23-01-1984
On the Pitch
Arjen Robben is a Dutch winger known for his explosive pace, direct style and iconic left-footed finishes cutting in from the right. He began his professional career at FC Groningen before breaking through at PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Eredivisie title in 2003 and established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. His performances earned him a move to Chelsea in 2004, where he became a key part of José Mourinho’s dominant side, winning back-to-back Premier League titles as well as domestic cups.
In 2007, Robben moved to Real Madrid, adding a La Liga title in 2008 before taking the defining step of his career with a transfer to Bayern München in 2009. In Germany, he reached world-class status, forming a legendary partnership with Franck Ribéry and becoming one of the faces of the club’s most successful era. Across ten seasons, Robben won eight Bundesliga titles, multiple domestic cups, and most notably scored the winning goal in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley.
Internationally, Robben earned nearly 100 caps for the Netherlands and played a central role in two major tournaments, reaching the World Cup final in 2010 and finishing third in 2014. His individual performances earned him global recognition, including a place among the world’s best players during his peak years. Robben’s game combined speed, precision and relentless efficiency, making him one of the most predictable yet unstoppable wingers of his generation.
Off the Pitch
After retiring, Robben did not step away from competition. Instead, he redirected his energy into new physical challenges, most notably long-distance running. He completed multiple marathons, including a sub-three-hour performance in Rotterdam, showing the same endurance and discipline that defined his football career. At the same time, he developed a strong passion for padel, a sport he first encountered during his playing years. In recent years, he has even competed in official tournaments and earned ranking points on the international circuit, underlining his continued drive to compete at a high level.
Alongside his sporting pursuits, Robben has gradually moved into coaching and development roles. After initially working at grassroots level, including coaching youth teams, he returned to FC Groningen, where he took on a role within the club’s academy structure as a youth coach. His connection to Groningen goes far beyond coaching. Robben has long been involved with the club’s social initiatives, particularly through the FC Groningen in the Community (FC Groningen in de Maatschappij) programme, where he acts as an ambassador supporting projects aimed at social inclusion and development in the region.
Education and social impact also play a role in his off-field profile. Robben has been involved in initiatives promoting reading and literacy among children in the Netherlands, working together with organisations focused on improving basic skills. One of the most visible outcomes of this is a series of children’s books in which he appears as the central character. These books, created in collaboration with literacy foundations, combine football stories with educational goals, encouraging young readers to engage with language and storytelling. This project reflects a broader commitment to helping children develop beyond sport.
Clothing Style
Classic
Playing Style
Speedy Winger
https://www.instagram.com/arjenrobben
Magazine Issue
#31
