Vincent Janssen is a Dutch professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Belgian club Royal Antwerp and the Netherlands national team. Known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and powerful shot, Janssen has built a reputation as a hard-working and determined forward throughout his career.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Janssen began his football journey in his hometown club, NEC Nijmegen, before joining the prestigious Feyenoord academy at the age of 13. Despite being released by Feyenoord in 2013, he quickly bounced back, signing with Almere City FC in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football. His impressive performances for Almere City, including a 27-goal season in 2014-15, caught the eye of many, ultimately earning him a move to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in 2015.
Janssen’s solitary season at AZ was nothing short of remarkable. He took the Eredivisie by storm, scoring 27 goals in 34 appearances and securing the coveted Golden Boot award. His exploits on the pitch also saw him being named the Dutch Football Talent of the Year for the 2015-16 season. His impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur secured his services in the summer of 2016.
Premier League and Beyond
The move to Tottenham Hotspur represented a significant step up in Janssen’s career. While he showed glimpses of his potential, he found it difficult to replicate his goalscoring form in the Premier League. After a loan spell with Turkish club Fenerbahçe in the 2017-18 season, Janssen joined Mexican side Monterrey in 2019.
His time in Mexico proved successful. Janssen played a crucial role in Monterrey’s attack, helping them win the Liga MX title in 2019 and the CONCACAF Champions League in 2021. His performances earned him a move back to Europe with Royal Antwerp in 2022.
International Career
Vincent Janssen made his debut for the Dutch national team in 2016. He has since been a regular member of the squad, representing his country at the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.
Janssen’s career, though marked by periods of adaptation and change, has seen him evolve and demonstrate his abilities across various leagues. His story is a testament to his resilience and determination as a footballer. His journey continues, with fans eager to see what he accomplishes next.