Joshua Zirkzee
{{Short description|Dutch footballer (born 2001)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Joshua Zirkzee
| image = Joshua Zirkzee 2019.jpg
| caption = Zirkzee playing for Bayern Munich in 2019
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2001|5|22|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/276327/joshua-zirkzee |title=Joshua Zirkzee: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=21 April 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621191652/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/276327/joshua-zirkzee |url-status=live }}
| birth_place = Schiedam, Netherlands
| position = Forward
| currentclub = Manchester United
| clubnumber = 11
| youthyears1 = 2007–2010
| youthclubs1 = VV Hekelingen
| youthyears2 = 2010–2013
| youthclubs2 = Spartaan '20
| youthyears3 = 2013–2016
| youthclubs3 = ADO Den Haag
| youthyears4 = 2016–2017
| youthclubs4 = Feyenoord
| youthyears5 = 2017–2019
| youthclubs5 = Bayern Munich
| years1 = 2018–2021
| clubs1 = Bayern Munich II
| caps1 = 32
| goals1 = 6
| years2 = 2019–2022
| clubs2 = Bayern Munich
| caps2 = 12
| goals2 = 4
| years3 = 2021
| clubs3 = → Parma (loan)
| caps3 = 4
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2021–2022
| clubs4 = → Anderlecht (loan)
| caps4 = 38
| goals4 = 16
| years5 = 2022–2024
| clubs5 = Bologna
| caps5 = 53
| goals5 = 13
| clubs6 = Manchester United
| years6 = 2024–
| caps6 = 32
| goals6 = 3
| nationalyears1 = 2016
| nationalteam1 = Netherlands U15{{cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185192/uitslagen/wedstrijd/21510 |title=Nederland O15 – Servië O15 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611110048/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185192/uitslagen/wedstrijd/21510 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185192/uitslagen/wedstrijd/21514 |title=Nederland O15 – Servië O15 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611110106/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185192/uitslagen/wedstrijd/21514 |url-status=live }}
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2016–2017
| nationalteam2 = Netherlands U16{{Cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185191/speler/18854 |title=OnsOranje U16 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304091522/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185191/speler/18854 |url-status=live }}
| nationalcaps2 = 6
| nationalgoals2 = 3
| nationalyears3 = 2017
| nationalteam3 = Netherlands U17{{Cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/184965/speler/18854 |title=OnsOranje U17 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107123114/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/184965/speler/18854 |url-status=live }}
| nationalcaps3 = 2
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalyears4 = 2018
| nationalteam4 = Netherlands U18{{Cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185190/speler/18854 |title=OnsOranje U18 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107122045/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185190/speler/18854 |url-status=live }}
| nationalcaps4 = 7
| nationalgoals4 = 2
| nationalyears5 = 2019–2020
| nationalteam5 = Netherlands U19{{Cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185189/speler/18854 |title=OnsOranje U19 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107122041/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185189/speler/18854 |url-status=live }}
| nationalcaps5 = 9
| nationalgoals5 = 8
| nationalyears6 = 2020–2023
| nationalteam6 = Netherlands U21{{Cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185189/speler/18854 |title=OnsOranje U21 |website=www.onsoranje.nl |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107122041/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185189/speler/18854 |url-status=live }}
| nationalcaps6 = 19
| nationalgoals6 = 7
| nationalyears7 = 2024–
| nationalteam7 = Netherlands
| nationalcaps7 = 6
| nationalgoals7 = 1
| club-update = 16:00, 13 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 23:13, 19 November 2024 (UTC)
}}
Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee (born 22 May 2001) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a forward for {{English football updater|ManchesU}} club Manchester United and the Netherlands national team.
Club career
=Early years=
Born in Schiedam to a Nigerian mother and a Dutch father, Zirkzee began his footballing career as a five-year-old with VV Hekelingen after the family had moved to Spijkenisse.{{cite news |last1=van Trigt |first1=Jorrit |title='Bij Feyenoord beter dan zijn leeftijdsgenoten' |work=Algemeen Dagblad |date=2 October 2020 |language=nl}} After impressing early on, he moved to the youth department of Spartaan '20 in 2010, where he played alongside his cousin, Nelson Amadin.{{cite news |last1=Gouka |first1=Mikos |title=Van A tot Zirkzee: zien we deze nieuwkomer in Koemans voorselectie? |url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/van-a-tot-zirkzee-zien-we-deze-nieuwkomer-in-koemans-voorselectie~ad7562be/ |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=Algemeen Dagblad |date=11 March 2020 |location=Rotterdam |language=nl |quote=Via zijn neef Nelson Amadin, die nu bij FC Dordrecht speelt, belandde Zirkzee ooit bij Spartaan ’20. Daar, na drie jaar, waren de scouts van ADO de eersten die hem rijp vonden voor betaald voetbal. |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630042537/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/van-a-tot-zirkzee-zien-we-deze-nieuwkomer-in-koemans-voorselectie~ad7562be/ |url-status=live }} He then left for ADO Den Haag in 2013, before ending up in the Feyenoord youth academy in 2016.{{cite news |title=Oud-jeugdspeler ADO Den Haag langer bij Bayern München |url=https://www.omroepwest.nl/nieuws/3903329/Oud-jeugdspeler-ADO-Den-Haag-langer-bij-Bayern-Munchen |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=Omroep West |date=19 September 2019 |language=nl |quote=Zirkzee speelde van 2013 tot 2016 in de jeugdopleiding van ADO Den Haag. |archive-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012130749/https://www.omroepwest.nl/nieuws/3903329/Oud-jeugdspeler-ADO-Den-Haag-langer-bij-Bayern-Munchen |url-status=live }} One year later, Zirkzee left the Feyenoord academy in his native Netherlands to join the youth setup of Bayern Munich.
=Bayern Munich=
On 1 March 2019, Zirkzee scored a hat-trick in his debut for Bayern Munich II. Just a day later, he scored the winning goal for the under-19 side as they defeated 1. FC Nürnberg 2–1.{{cite web |url=https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/5/18251408/bayern-munich-rise-talent-youngster-joshua-zirkzee-hat-trick-super-sub-amateur-great-future |title=The rise of youngster Joshua Zirkzee |website=SB Nation |date=5 March 2019 |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219004313/https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/5/18251408/bayern-munich-rise-talent-youngster-joshua-zirkzee-hat-trick-super-sub-amateur-great-future |url-status=live }} Zirkzee made his professional debut in the 3. Liga for Bayern Munich II on 20 July 2019, coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute for Oliver Batista Meier in the away match against Würzburger Kickers.{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/3-liga-2019-2020-wuerzburger-kickers-bayern-muenchen-ii/ |title=Würzburger Kickers – Bayern München II -:- (3. Liga 2019/2020, 1. Round) |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |date=20 July 2019 |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101193349/https://www.worldfootball.net/report/3-liga-2019-2020-wuerzburger-kickers-bayern-muenchen-ii/ |url-status=live }}
On 11 December 2019, Zirkzee made his debut for the senior team against Tottenham Hotspur in the final group stage match of the Champions League.{{cite web |url=https://www.vtbl.nl/video/artikel/4952566/prachtig-moment-zirkzee-debuteert-de-champions-league |title=Prachtig moment: Zirkzee debuteert in de Champions League |website=vtbl.nl |language=nl |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211231341/https://www.vtbl.nl/video/artikel/4952566/prachtig-moment-zirkzee-debuteert-de-champions-league |url-status=dead }} He subsequently made his Bundesliga debut on 18 December, coming on as a substitute in the 90th minute in a match against Freiburg tied at 1–1; he scored the winner almost immediately after entering the game. Shortly after, Serge Gnabry added another stoppage-time goal to secure a 3–1 victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.de/fussball/bundesliga/2019-2020/fc-bayern-joshua-zirkzee-fuhrt-fcb-zum-sieg-beim-sc-freiburg_sto7581477/story.shtml |title=Zirkzee macht's! 18-jähriger Debütant führt Bayern zum Sieg in Freiburg |website=Eurosport |language=de |date=18 December 2019 |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219003810/https://www.eurosport.de/fussball/bundesliga/2019-2020/fc-bayern-joshua-zirkzee-fuhrt-fcb-zum-sieg-beim-sc-freiburg_sto7581477/story.shtml |url-status=live }} Two days later, he again came off the bench in the final minutes of the game and scored the winning goal as Bayern defeated Wolfsburg.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=548219|title=Bayern Munich's Joshua Zirkzee, Serge Gnabry strike late to beat Wolfsburg|website=ESPN|date=21 December 2019|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221174552/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=548219|url-status=live}} On 13 June 2020, Zirkzee scored the opening goal in Bayern Munich's 2–1 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach.{{cite web | url = https://fcbayern.com/us/news/matchreports/2020/06/match-report-bundesliga-md31-fc-bayern-v-borussia-moenchengladbach-130620 | title = Champagne on ice as Reds overcome Gladbach | website = FC Bayern Munich | date = 13 June 2020 | access-date = 13 June 2020 | archive-date = 13 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200613192802/https://fcbayern.com/us/news/matchreports/2020/06/match-report-bundesliga-md31-fc-bayern-v-borussia-moenchengladbach-130620 | url-status = live }} He finished off his debut season with a continental treble.
==Loan to Parma==
On 31 January 2021, Zirkzee moved to Italian club Parma on a loan deal.{{Cite web|date=31 January 2021|title=Zirkzee confirms Parma move|url=https://www.football-italia.net/165679/zirkzee-confirms-parma-move|access-date=1 February 2021|website=Football Italia|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131103741/https://www.football-italia.net/165679/zirkzee-confirms-parma-move|url-status=live}} The deal included an option to buy. On 2 April 2021, he suffered an LCL injury,{{cite web|publisher=Parma|url=https://parmacalcio1913.com/2021/04/02/benevento-vs-parma-squad-list/?lang=en|title=BENEVENTO VS. PARMA – SQUAD LIST|date=2 April 2021|access-date=8 July 2021|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207110837/https://parmacalcio1913.com/2021/04/02/benevento-vs-parma-squad-list/?lang=en|url-status=dead}} and his loan was limited to four appearances, all as a substitute.
==Loan to Anderlecht==
On 3 August 2021, Anderlecht announced the signing of Zirkzee on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich.{{Cite web |date=3 August 2021 |title=Joshua Zirkzee will play in the Lotto Park this season |url=https://www.rsca.be/en/ZZ |access-date=3 August 2021 |website=RSC Anderlecht |archive-date=10 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080200/https://www.rsca.be/en/ZZ |url-status=live }} He finished the 2021–22 season as the club's top scorer with 16 goals, in addition to providing nine assists in 34 league starts.{{cite web |url=https://getfootballnewsbene.com/anderlecht-club-brugge-and-psv-all-interested-in-bayern-munichs-joshua-zirkzee/ |title=Anderlecht, Club Brugge and PSV all interested in Bayern Munich's Joshua Zirkzee |publisher=Get Belgian & Dutch Football News |date=17 August 2022 |access-date=3 February 2024 |archive-date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816130246/https://getfootballnewsbene.com/anderlecht-club-brugge-and-psv-all-interested-in-bayern-munichs-joshua-zirkzee/ |url-status=live }}
=Bologna=
On 30 August 2022, Zirkzee transferred to Serie A club Bologna on a permanent deal.{{cite web|publisher=Bologna|url=https://www.bolognafc.it/joshua-zirkzee-al-bologna/|title=Joshua Zirkzee al Bologna|date=30 August 2022|access-date=30 August 2022|language=it|archive-date=20 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020091649/https://www.bolognafc.it/joshua-zirkzee-al-bologna/|url-status=live}} Later that year, on 16 October, he scored his first goal at the club, by netting the opener in a 3–2 defeat against Napoli.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63280209 |title=Napoli 3–2 Bologna |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2022 |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202022016/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63280209 |url-status=live }} In his second season under coach Thiago Motta, he managed to score eight goals in 16 games in the first half of the 2023–24 campaign, attracting transfer interest from several top European clubs with his former club Bayern Munich still having a 40% cut of any possible transfer fee.{{cite web |last=Mills |first=Richard |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-manchester-united-bologna-joshua-zirkzee-bayern-clause-scupper-deal/bltb0a5f561204aeeb9#cse4ad6a6da0bf0b63 |title=Arsenal and Manchester United both interested in signing Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee but Bayern clause may scupper deal |publisher=Goal.com |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414192013/https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-manchester-united-bologna-joshua-zirkzee-bayern-clause-scupper-deal/bltb0a5f561204aeeb9#cse4ad6a6da0bf0b63 |url-status=live }} He ultimately finished the season as Bologna's top scorer, netting 11 goals and providing four assists,{{cite web |last=Stokes |first=Jake |url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/joshua-zirkzee-learns-arsenal-transfer-213351618.html |title=Joshua Zirkzee learns Arsenal transfer incentive as Bernardo Silva sends Man City stark warning |publisher=Yahoo! |date=22 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718143028/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/joshua-zirkzee-learns-arsenal-transfer-213351618.html |url-status=live }} helping his club secure a berth in the Champions League group stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/article/2024/may/13/bologna-champions-league-serie-a-atalanta|title=Bologna back in dreamland as Motta's giddy journey jumbles up old order|date=11 May 2024|work=Guardian|access-date=13 May 2024|archive-date=16 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816130126/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/article/2024/may/13/bologna-champions-league-serie-a-atalanta|url-status=live}}
= Manchester United=
On 14 July 2024, Premier League club Manchester United announced the signing of Zirkzee on a five-year contract for a fee of £36.5m.{{cite news |title=Joshua Zirkzee: Man Utd complete £36.5m signing of Netherlands striker from Bologna |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13174655/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-complete-gbp36-5m-signing-of-netherlands-striker-from-bologna |date=15 July 2024 |access-date=4 November 2024 |publisher=Sky Sports |archive-date=19 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119003612/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13174655/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-complete-gbp36-5m-signing-of-netherlands-striker-from-bologna |url-status=live }} He made his debut as a substitute in the season's opening fixture against Fulham on 16 August, where he scored the match's only goal.{{Cite web |last=Dawson |first=Rob |title=Joshua Zirkzee hails 'perfect' debut with Man United winner |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/joshua-zirkzee-hails-perfect-debut-with-man-united-winner/ar-AA1oW9IQ?ocid=BingNewsSerp |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=www.msn.com}}{{cite web |last=Stone |first=Simon |title=Man Utd 1–0 Fulham: Zirkzee scores late winner on debut as Man Utd beat Fulham in opener |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cr40634rz5wt |website=BBC Sport |access-date=17 August 2024 |date=16 August 2024}} He made his first start for United in a 3–0 defeat to rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on 1 September.{{cite web |first=David |last=Hytner |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/sep/01/manchester-united-liverpool-premier-league-match-report |title=Luis Díaz strikes twice as dominant Liverpool win at Manchester United |website=The Guardian |date=1 September 2024 |access-date=2 September 2024}}
On 1 December, he scored a brace to help Manchester United secure a 4-0 victory over Everton.{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Wright |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13262409/man-utd-4-0-everton-marcus-rashford-and-joshua-zirkzee-on-target-as-ruben-amorim-gets-first-premier-league-win|title=Man Utd 4-0 Everton: Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee on target as Ruben Amorim gets first Premier League win|date=2 December 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024}} On 30 December, Zirkzee was booed by the Old Trafford crowd as he was substituted off the pitch in the 33rd minute of a 2–0 defeat to Newcastle United.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-30 |title=Manchester United 0-2 Newcastle United: Alexander Isak scores again as visitors claim dominant win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0j1571xqj2t |access-date= |archive-date=3 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103033816/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0j1571xqj2t |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Scott |date=2024-12-31 |title=Joshua Zirkzee 'reduced to tears' by Man Utd fans after brutal reaction to substitution |website=Daily Mirror |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-fans-34396523.amp |access-date=3 January 2025 |archive-date=3 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250103033816/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-fans-34396523.amp |url-status=live }}
On 12 January 2025, Zirkzee scored the winning penalty against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup as a 10-man Manchester United won the shootout 5–3 following a 1–1 draw after extra time.{{Cite web |title=Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (3-5 pens): Altay Bayindir saves from Kai Havertz in penalty shoot-out as 10-player FA Cup holders progress |url= https://www.skysports.com/football/arsenal-vs-man-utd/report/523636 |website=Sky Sports}}
On 2 March 2025, Zirkzee missed the deciding penalty against Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup as the holders of the competition were knocked out after losing the shootout 3–4 following a 1–1 draw after extra time.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-02 |title=Leno saves Zirkzee penalty to put Fulham through to quarter-finals |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/videos/c7781n3l077o |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In the following match on 6 March, he scored his first goal in Europe, the opener in the first leg of United's Europa League round of 16 tie away to Real Sociedad, which finished a 1-1 draw.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-06 |title=How Manchester United played out a first-leg score draw in the Europa League against Real Sociedad |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/real-sociedad-manchester-united-live-updates-europa-league-score-result/fZExs9hnd4G1/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307075538/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/real-sociedad-manchester-united-live-updates-europa-league-score-result/fZExs9hnd4G1/ |url-status=live }}
On 13 April 2025, in a match against Newcastle United, Zirkzee suffered a hamstring injury while dribbling. In a subsequent press conference, head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed that the injury ruled Zirkzee out for the rest of the 2024-25 season.{{cite web | url = https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13349806/joshua-zirkzee-injury-man-utd-forward-to-miss-rest-of-season-but-andre-onana-to-return-against-lyon | title = Joshua Zirkzee injury: Man Utd forward to miss rest of season but Andre Onana to return against Lyon | website = Sky Sports | date = 17 April 2025 | access-date = 20 April 2025}}
International career
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother,{{cite web | url = https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=35927 | title = Ex- Bayern Munich Nigerian Left-back Gives Two Reasons Zirkzee Should Choose | website = allnigeriasoccer | date = 20 April 2020 | access-date = 3 July 2020 | archive-date = 21 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200421073244/https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=35927 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.goal.com/en/news/zirkzee-admits-he-dreams-of-playing-for-netherlands-instead/1tkkswft59wty1cm0a6cqx9qxh | title = Zirkzee admits he dreams of playing for Netherlands instead of Nigeria | website = goal.com | date = 20 April 2020 | access-date = 1 July 2020 | first = Taiye | last = Taiwo | archive-date = 24 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200424123451/https://www.goal.com/en/news/zirkzee-admits-he-dreams-of-playing-for-netherlands-instead/1tkkswft59wty1cm0a6cqx9qxh | url-status = live }} Zirkzee was a youth international for the Netherlands.{{Cite web |url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=33723 |title=Official : Prolific Nigerian Striker Extends Contract With Bayern Munich |website=All Nigeria Soccer |date=19 September 2019 |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923011305/https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=33723 |url-status=live }}
On 12 June 2024, Zirkzee was added to the Netherlands senior team's squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. Zirkzee had not initially been chosen, but was called up by head coach Ronald Koeman following injuries to Dutch midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners.{{cite news |date=12 June 2024 |title=Joshua Zirkzee opgeroepen voor EK |trans-title=Joshua Zirkzee called up for EC |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-elftal-mannen/81475/joshua-zirkzee-opgeroepen-voor-ek |language=nl |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |access-date=12 June 2024 |archive-date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612225840/https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-elftal-mannen/81475/joshua-zirkzee-opgeroepen-voor-ek |url-status=live }} On 6 July, he earned his first international cap during a 2–1 victory over Turkey in the quarter-finals, becoming the third player to debut for the Netherlands during a European competition following Martien Vreijsen (Euro 1980) and Cody Gakpo (2020).{{Cite news|first=George|last=Smith|title=Joshua Zirkzee sends five-word transfer message as Manchester United "close in" on first signing|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/joshua-zirkzee-sends-five-word-122204454.html|website=Yahoo! News|date=7 July 2024|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722193911/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/joshua-zirkzee-sends-five-word-122204454.html|url-status=live}}
Style of play
Zirkzee is a versatile forward. His height and strength enable him to be dominant in the air as well as play with his back to goal and hold up the ball. Despite his tall frame, he has excellent technique and dribbling abilities which also allow him to drop deeper into a more traditional playmaker position.{{Cite news |last=Anka |first=Carl |title=How Joshua Zirkzee fits into Manchester United's starting XI |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5629115/2024/07/15/joshua-zirkzee-fit-into-manchester-united-team/ |access-date=28 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=15 July 2024 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=28 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728121033/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5629115/2024/07/15/joshua-zirkzee-fit-into-manchester-united-team/ |url-status=live }}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 13 April 2025|{{cite web |url=https://my.soccerway.com/players/joshua-zirkzee/516377/ |title=Joshua Zirkzee |website=Soccerway |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923114248/https://my.soccerway.com/players/joshua-zirkzee/516377/ |url-status=live }}}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes DFB-Pokal, Belgian Cup, Coppa Italia, FA Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="4"|Bayern Munich II
|12 | 4 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 4 | |||||
| 2019–20
|16 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 16 | 2 | |||||
| 2020–21
|3. Liga |4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | |||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!32 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 32 | 6 | |||||
| rowspan="3" |Bayern Munich
|9 | 4 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|name=UCL|Appearance in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 4 | ||
| 2020–21
|Bundesliga |3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in DFL-Supercup}} | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!12 | 4 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 4 | ||
| Parma (loan)
|4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | |||||
| Anderlecht (loan)
|38 | 16 | 6 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 3{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 47 | 18 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Bologna
|Serie A |19 | 2 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 21 | 2 | ||||
| 2023–24
|Serie A |34 | 11 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 37 | 12 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!53 | 13 | 5 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 58 | 14 | ||||
| Manchester United
|32 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 10{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 2 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 7 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!171 | 42 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 206 | 49 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 19 November 2024|{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=32811 |title=Joshua Zirkzee |website=EU-Football.info|access-date=6 July 2024}}}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| Netherlands
|2024 | 6 | 1 |
| colspan="2"|Total||6||1 |
|---|
:Netherlands score listed first, score column indicates score after each Zirkzee goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of international goals scored by Joshua Zirkzee !No. !Date !Venue !Cap !Opponent !Score !Result !Competition !{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | ||||||||
| align="center"|1 | 7 September 2024 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | align="center"|3 | {{fb|BIH}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|5–2 | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A | align="center"|{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/698904 |title=Zirkzee gets 1st Netherlands goal in big win over Bosnia |website=ESPN |access-date=7 September 2024 |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907211549/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/698904 |url-status=live }} |
Honours
Bayern Munich II
Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2019–20{{cite web | url = https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/werder-bremen-bayern-munich-live-line-ups-stats-lewandowski-davies-coutinho-11542 | title = Bayern Munich secure eighth successive Bundesliga title with win at Werder Bremen | website = bundesliga.com | date = 16 June 2020 | access-date = 16 June 2020 | archive-date = 23 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200823121040/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/werder-bremen-bayern-munich-live-line-ups-stats-lewandowski-davies-coutinho-11542 | url-status = live }}
- DFB-Pokal: 2019–20{{cite web |date=4 July 2020 |title=Titelverteidigung: Lewandowski besiegelt Bayerns 20. Pokalsieg |url=https://www.kicker.de/leverkusen-gegen-bayern-2020-dfb-pokal-4650637/analyse |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=Kicker |language=de |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129135339/https://www.kicker.de/leverkusen-gegen-bayern-2020-dfb-pokal-4650637/analyse |url-status=live }}
- DFL-Supercup: 2020,{{cite web |title=Supercup 2020, Finale: Bayern München 3:2 Borussia Dortmund: Analyse |trans-title=Supercup 2020, Final: Bayern Munich 3:2 Borussia Dortmund: Analysis |url=https://www.kicker.de/bayern-gegen-dortmund-2020-dfl-supercup-4654909/analyse |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |language=de |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128014721/https://www.kicker.de/bayern-gegen-dortmund-2020-dfl-supercup-4654909/analyse |url-status=live }} 2022{{Cite web |date=30 July 2022 |title=Sadio Mane debut goal helps Bayern Munich to Supercup win over RB Leipzig |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/rb-leipzig-bayern-munich-live-supercup-team-news-match-stats-mane-de-ligt-20652 |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=Bundesliga |language= |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928132850/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/rb-leipzig-bayern-munich-live-supercup-team-news-match-stats-mane-de-ligt-20652 |url-status=live }}
- UEFA Champions League: 2019–20{{cite web |date=23 July 2020 |title=Bayern win the Champions League |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/uefa-champions-league/story/4165270/bayern-munich-win-the-champions-league-how-social-media-reacted-to-the-bavarians-being-kings-of-europe |access-date=18 April 2023 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920213302/https://www.espn.com/soccer/uefa-champions-league/story/4165270/bayern-munich-win-the-champions-league-how-social-media-reacted-to-the-bavarians-being-kings-of-europe |url-status=live }}
- UEFA Super Cup: 2020{{cite web | url = https://www.kicker.de/bayern-gegen-fc-sevilla-2020-uefa-supercup-4651922/analyse | title = Joker Javi Martinez köpft Bayern zum Supercup | language = de | website = Kicker | date = 24 September 2020 | access-date = 24 September 2020 | archive-date = 25 September 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200925163103/https://www.kicker.de/4651922/spielbericht/fc-bayern-muenchen/fc-sevilla | url-status = live }}
Individual
- Serie A Best Young Player: 2023–24{{cite news |url=https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/serie-a/the-mvps-of-the-serie-a-made-in-italy-2023-2024-1 |publisher=Serie A |access-date=24 May 2024 |date=24 May 2024 |title=MVPs of the Serie A Made in Italy 2023/2024 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526071416/https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/serie-a/the-mvps-of-the-serie-a-made-in-italy-2023-2024-1 |url-status=live }}
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2023–24{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Peter |date=2 December 2024 |title=Every category and Serie A nominee at the Gran Gala del Calcio |url=https://football-italia.net/every-category-serie-a-nominees-gran-gala-2024/ |access-date=3 December 2024 |publisher=Football Italia |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207064719/https://football-italia.net/every-category-serie-a-nominees-gran-gala-2024/ |url-status=live }}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/joshua-zirkzee Profile] at the Manchester United F.C. website
- [https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185184/speler/18854 Profile] at the Royal Dutch Football Association website (in Dutch)
- {{DFB}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Manchester United F.C. squad}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list =
{{Serie A Awards}}
{{2023–24 Serie A Team of the Year}}
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{{Portal bar|Biography|Netherlands|Association football|Sports}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zirkzee, Joshua}}
Category:Dutch people of Nigerian descent
Category:Footballers from Schiedam
Category:Dutch men's footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:FC Bayern Munich II players
Category:FC Bayern Munich footballers
Category:Parma Calcio 1913 players
Category:R.S.C. Anderlecht players
Category:Bologna FC 1909 players
Category:Manchester United F.C. players
Category:Belgian Pro League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players
Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players
Category:Netherlands men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Netherlands men's youth international footballers
Category:Netherlands men's international footballers
Category:Dutch expatriate men's footballers
Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Germany
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany
Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Belgium
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium
Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in England