Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is a retired Dutch striker known for his deadly finishing, movement inside the box, and natural goal-scoring instincts. Nicknamed "The Hunter," he was one of Europe’s most consistent forwards across a career spanning Ajax, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Schalke 04, as well as a key figure for the Netherlands.
📌 Club Career
| Years | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004 | PSV Eindhoven | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | → De Graafschap (loan) | 9 | 0 |
| 2003–2004 | → AGOVV Apeldoorn (loan) | 35 | 26 |
| 2004–2006 | Heerenveen | 67 | 39 |
| 2006–2009 | Ajax | 136 | 105 |
| 2009 | Real Madrid | 20 | 8 |
| 2009–2010 | AC Milan | 25 | 7 |
| 2010–2017 | Schalke 04 | 240 | 126 |
| 2017–2021 | Ajax | 104 | 45 |
| 2021 | Schalke 04 | 9 | 2 |
| Total | 646 | 358 | |
🌍 International Career
| Years | Team | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2015 | Netherlands | 76 | 42 |
Huntelaar represented the Netherlands at multiple major tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships. He was part of the 2010 World Cup squad that reached the final, and scored key goals in Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
🏆 Honours
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 2005–06, 2020–21
- KNVB Cup: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2018–19, 2020–21
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 2006, 2007
Schalke 04
- DFB-Pokal: 2010–11
- DFL-Supercup: 2011
Netherlands
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2010
- FIFA World Cup third place: 2014
⭐ Individual Awards
- UEFA Euro Under-21 Golden Boot: 2006
- UEFA Euro Under-21 Best Player: 2006
- Eredivisie Top Scorer: 2005–06,2007-08
- Bundesliga Top Scorer: 2011–12
- Ajax Player of the Year: 2006
- Johan Cruyff Trophy: 2005–06
- Eerste Divisie top scorer: 2003–04
- Eerste Divisie Player of the Year: 2003–04
🎯 Style of Play
Huntelaar was a classic number 9 — a pure finisher with superb movement, anticipation, and one-touch precision. He thrived inside the box, capable of scoring with both feet and his head. Though not the fastest, his intelligence and positioning made him lethal in tight spaces.
👔 Post-retirement Career
After retiring in 2021, Huntelaar joined Ajax’s technical staff, focusing on scouting and youth development. His analytical mindset and deep understanding of the striker’s role make him a respected figure in modern Dutch football management.