Wesley Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder was born in Utrecht into a football family: his father and his older brother Jeffrey were both football players. His younger brother Rodney is currently also a professional football player.{{cite news |title='Leeghoofden' interesseren broers Sneijder niet |url=https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/leeghoofden-interesseren-broers-sneijder-niet~b2f0191e/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Het Parool |date=5 January 2012 |language=nl}}{{cite news |title=Sneijder: "Ik dacht dat hij doodging en heb 112 gebeld" |url=https://www.soccernews.nl/news/sneijder-ik-dacht-dat-hij-doodging-en-heb-112-gebeld/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Soccernews.nl |date=16 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226141703/https://www.soccernews.nl/news/sneijder-ik-dacht-dat-hij-doodging-en-heb-112-gebeld/ |archive-date=26 December 2024 |language=nl-NL}}

file:Wesley Sneijder.jpg

Sneijder moved to Ajax's famous youth academy at age seven after beginning as a youth player with local Utrecht club DOS.{{cite news |last1=Vliet |first1=Jasper van |title=Wesley Sneijder wil z'n cluppie in Ondiep optillen |url=https://www.pzc.nl/sport/wesley-sneijder-wil-z-n-cluppie-in-ondiep-optillen~a586f5af/ |access-date=23 February 2021 |work=PZC |date=10 January 2017 |language=nl}} Following his older brother's footsteps, he signed for Ajax, initially on trial but subsequently impressed enough to be signed on a permanent basis. He first made the bench as an unused substitute for Ajax in a 2–0 win at SBV Excelsior on 22 December 2002 when manager Ronald Koeman, troubled by an injury-filled squad, called him up, advised by Danny Blind, the then-coach of the Ajax youth squad. On 2 February 2003, Sneijder made his official Ajax debut against Willem II in a 6–0 win.{{cite news|work=UEFA |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01af-0ea82a230215-d6a9bd4eb849-1000--sneijder-agrees-new-ajax-deal/ |title=Sneijder agrees new Ajax deal |date=18 November 2005 |access-date=4 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109184730/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=368461.html |archive-date=9 November 2012 }} He quickly established himself in the first team, starting in the Champions League quarter-final match against A.C. Milan on 23 April 2003.{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2002/matches/round=1638/match=1041698/postmatch/lineups/index.html|title=Milan 3–2 Ajax|access-date=4 March 2014|work=UEFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2002/matches/round=1638/match=1041698/postmatch/lineups/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

On 5 March 2003, Sneijder scored his first goal for Ajax in a 4–1 win over FC Groningen in the KNVB Cup.{{cite news|url=http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/28235/wesley-sneijder?cc=3436|title=Wesley Sneijder|access-date=4 March 2014|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/28235/wesley-sneijder?cc=3436|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} On 13 April, he scored his first Eredivisie goal against NAC Breda in a 3–0 win.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11913/2262834/breda-beaten-by-ajax|work=BSkyB|title=Breda beaten by Ajax|date=2 March 2003|access-date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11913/2262834/breda-beaten-by-ajax|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} He scored three further league goals in wins against Roda JC, RKC Waalwijk and De Graafschap. The following season, he scored nine league goals as Ajax won the 2003–04 Eredivisie title.{{cite news|title=2003/04 Dutch Eredivisie Table|access-date=4 March 2014|url=http://espnfc.com/tables/_/league/ned.1/season/2003/dutch-eredivisie?cc=3436|work=ESPN FC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://espnfc.com/tables/_/league/ned.1/season/2003/dutch-eredivisie?cc=3436|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} Sneijder's performances saw him awarded the Johan Cruijff Prijs for the season's best young player in the Netherlands.

On 14 September 2005, he scored his first Champions League goal in a group match against AC Sparta Praha.{{cite news|date=15 September 2005|access-date=12 August 2013|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01ad-0ea811c7bad3-d90ed1d21769-1000--sneijder-laughs-last-for-ajax/|title=Sneijder laughs last for Ajax|work=UEFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=336066.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=live}} Ajax qualified for the knockout stage, with Sneijder scoring again in a 4–2 win over FC Thun.{{cite news|url=http://espnfc.com/en/report/188802/report.html?soccernet=true|title=FC Thun 2–4 Ajax Amsterdam|access-date=12 August 2013|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://espnfc.com/en/report/188802/report.html?soccernet=true|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

On 7 May 2006, Sneijder was in the starting line-up for Ajax in the KNVB Cup final, setting up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's opening goal in a 2–1 win over PSV at the De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.{{cite web|url=https://psv.supporters.nl/wedstrijden/verslag/159/Ajax-psv-7-5-2006|title=PSV loopt 'dubbel-dubbel' mis|publisher=psv-supporters.nl|language=nl|date=7 May 2006|access-date=5 June 2019}}

During the 2006–07 season, Sneijder scored 18 goals in the Eredivisie and 20 goals overall. On 6 May 2007, Sneijder played for Ajax in the final of the KNVB Cup as the team defeated AZ on a penalty shootout.{{cite news|url=http://english.ajax.nl/web/show/id=154814/contentid=62712|title=Match photos Cup final AZ - Ajax|access-date=4 March 2014|work=AFC Ajax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005021719/http://english.ajax.nl/web/show/id=154814/contentid=62712|archive-date=5 October 2007|url-status=dead}}

On 12 August 2007, Ajax agreed to sell Sneijder to Real Madrid for €27 million, according to the club's website, making him the second most expensive Dutch football player.

File:Sneijder Madrid.JPG

Sneijder was the second of three Dutchmen to sign for Real Madrid during the 2007–08 season, joining Royston Drenthe and Arjen Robben. He also was given the number 23, which had been previously worn by David Beckham for four seasons at Real. In his first La Liga match for Real, he scored the winner in the Madrid Derby against Atlético Madrid. On the second matchday, he scored two goals against Villarreal CF, one coming from a direct free-kick. Sneijder capped a fine first season in Spain by hitting a stunning free-kick in the last game of the season against Levante UD at the Santiago Bernabéu, taking his goal tally to nine in the La Liga season, a season which also saw Real retain their league title.

On 3 August 2008, Sneijder was stretchered off in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium, against Arsenal with a suspected cruciate ligament injury after a collision with Abou Diaby. Sneijder had an MRI which confirmed the extent of the injury to be not as bad as first feared. It was expected that he would be out for at least three months.{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202740418878/noticia/Noticia/Great_news.htm|title=Sneijder avoids going under the knife|publisher=Real Madrid|date=4 August 2008|access-date=5 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202740418878/noticia/Noticia/Great_news.htm|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} He managed, however, to recover in time and was included in the starting XI for the Champions League clash against Juventus in Turin.

On 2 September 2008, AS reported that after Robinho's departure to Manchester City for €42 million, Sneijder would now be Real Madrid's new number 10.{{cite web|title=El vestuario no le aceptaba y el dorsal 10 lo llevará Sneijder|url=http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/vestuario-le-aceptaba-dorsal-llevara/dasftbpri/20080902dasdaiftb_23/Tes|publisher=AS.com|date=1 September 2008|access-date=2 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/vestuario-le-aceptaba-dorsal-llevara/dasftbpri/20080902dasdaiftb_23/Tes|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} One day later, Real Madrid confirmed on their website that Sneijder would wear 10. His previous number, 23, was taken over by his fellow Dutchman and former Ajax teammate Rafael van der Vaart,{{cite web|title=Sneijder switches to '10' and Van der Vaart takes over '23'|publisher=Real Madrid|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202741649574/noticia/Noticia/Official_shirt_numbers_2008-09-03.htm|date=3 September 2008|access-date=3 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905214335/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202741649574/noticia/Noticia/Official_shirt_numbers_2008-09-03.htm|archive-date=5 September 2008}} whose preferred number is 23.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}}

On 27 August 2009, Sneijder was bought by Inter Milan from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €15 million.{{cite web|author=Transfer Zone|title=Inter Sign Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder – Report|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/08/26/1463029/inter-sign-real-madrids-wesley-sneijder-report|publisher=Goal.com|date=26 August 2009|access-date=10 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/08/26/1463029/inter-sign-real-madrids-wesley-sneijder-report|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|date=27 August 2009|access-date=10 June 2010|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/6098782/Wesley-Sneijder-joining-Inter-Milan-from-Real-Madrid.html|title=Wesley Sneijder joining Inter Milan from Real Madrid|publisher=The Telegraph|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/6098782/Wesley-Sneijder-joining-Inter-Milan-from-Real-Madrid.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} He was given the number 10 shirt and made his debut a day after he signed the contract, making an immediate impact by being on the winning side in the Milan Derby (4–0) against Milan.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/29/serieafootball-acmilan|title=Internazionale thrash ten-man Milan in one-sided derby|date=30 August 2009|access-date=12 August 2013|work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/29/serieafootball-acmilan|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} On 3 October 2009, he scored his first goal in the 92nd minute against Udinese in a 2–1 win.{{cite news|url=http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=32049&L=en|title=Wesley Sneijder signs four-year contract.|date=28 August 2009|access-date=28 August 2009|publisher=Inter Milan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=32049&L=en|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=672009&sec=europe&cc=5739|title=Serie A: Inter sink Milan 4–0 in derby destruction|publisher=ESPN FC|date=29 August 2009|access-date=10 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902143616/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=672009&sec=europe&cc=5739|archive-date=2 September 2009|url-status=dead}} His second goal was scored on 24 October 2009 against Catania, directly from a free kick, and he scored his first Champions League goal for Inter in a dramatic 2–1 group stage win against Dynamo Kyiv in the 89th minute. His next goal was also scored off a hard-swerving free kick in a Coppa Italia game against Livorno.

On 9 January 2010, he scored two stunning free kicks against Siena in the game which Inter won 4–3. On 24 January, he received a straight red card in the Milan derby. On 6 April, Sneijder scored a free kick against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League quarter-final in the sixth minute, to give Inter a 2–0 aggregate win. On 20 April, he scored Inter's equalising goal during their Champions League semi-final first leg against defending champions Barcelona. He leveled the game by firing in right-footed from a Diego Milito pass. Inter went on to win the game 3–1 and the tie 3–2 on aggregate. Sneijder was given the nickname "The Sniper" by the media for his ability to deliver perfect passes and score from impressive distances.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3267793,00.html|title=Joy for Jose and Inter|publisher=Sky Sports|date=20 April 2010|access-date=10 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3267793,00.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

On 22 May, Inter won the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich by a score of 2–0. Both goals were scored by Diego Milito, with Sneijder supplying the assist for the first goal.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=292088&cc=5739|title=Bayern Munich 0–2 Internazionale|date=22 May 2010|work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=24 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=292088&cc=5739|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} The Champions League was Inter's third trophy of the 2009–10 season after winning the Coppa Italia and Serie A titles.

File:Wesley Sneijder Inter.JPG

Sneijder commenced the 2010–11 season on 21 August 2010 by winning the 2010 Supercoppa Italiana with a 3–1 win over Roma.{{cite web|date=21 August 2010|access-date=30 September 2010|title=Two-goal Eto'o fires Inter to more glory|work=UEFA|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=1516658.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=1516658.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} Five days later, he was named by UEFA as the best club midfielder of the 2009–10 Champions League.{{cite web|work=UEFA|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/awards/midfielder/index.html|title=2010 UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year|date=27 August 2010|access-date=30 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704061854/http://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/awards/midfielder/index.html|archive-date=4 July 2010|url-status=dead}} The day after, at Monaco's Stade Louis II, Inter lost to UEFA Europa League winners Atlético Madrid in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup with Sneijder playing 79 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7968572/Inter-Milan-0-Atletico-Madrid-2-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7968572/Inter-Milan-0-Atletico-Madrid-2-match-report.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Inter Milan 0 Atletico Madrid 2: match report|publisher=The Telegraph|author=Henry Winter|date=27 August 2010|access-date=20 October 2018}}{{cbignore}}

He scored his first goal of the season in a 2–2 draw against Twente in the Champions League on 14 September, and followed that up with another goal in Inter's second game against Werder Bremen in a 4–0 win at the San Siro on 29 September.{{cite web|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/34586|title=Champions League: Twente 2-2 Inter|publisher=inter.it|date=14 September 2010|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111442/https://www.inter.it/en/news/34586|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/8031015/Inter-Milan-4-Werder-Bremen-0-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/8031015/Inter-Milan-4-Werder-Bremen-0-match-report.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Inter Milan 4 Werder Bremen 0: match report|publisher=The Telegraph|date=29 September 2010|access-date=21 October 2018}}{{cbignore}} On 26 October, Sneijder was shortlisted for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or award, eventually finishing 4th which Barcelona's Lionel Messi won.{{cite news|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9126721.stm|title=Spanish World Cup winners dominate Fifa award shortlist|date=26 October 2010|access-date=28 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9126721.stm|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} Only two days later, Sneijder signed a five-year contract extension with Inter, tying him to the club until 2015.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9137564.stm|title=Midfielder Wesley Sneijder signs new Inter Milan deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 October 2010|access-date=28 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9137564.stm|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} President Massimo Moratti expressed his delight for the new deal, stating for the club's official website: "Sneijder became a key player for Inter last season and will be this year and for many years to come."{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/sneijder-signs-new-inter-milan-contract-2119957.html|title=Sneijder signs new Inter Milan contract|work=The Independent|date=29 October 2010|access-date=21 October 2018}}

Inter finished second in Group A of the Champions League and were drawn against Bayern Munich (whom they had beaten in the previous season's final) in the round of 16. In the first leg, Sneijder and Inter were uninspired and lost 1–0 to a late Mario Gómez goal at the San Siro.{{cite web|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/35908/ucl-inter-0-1-bayern-late-goal-changes-everything|title=UCL, Inter 0-1 Bayern: Late goal changes everything|publisher=inter.it|date=23 February 2011|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111528/https://www.inter.it/en/news/35908/ucl-inter-0-1-bayern-late-goal-changes-everything|url-status=dead}} On 15 March 2011, Sneijder helped Inter turn it around, scoring in the 63rd-minute leading to a 3–2 win (3–3 on aggregate, Inter progressing on away goals){{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/mar/15/bayern-munich-internazionale-champions-league|title=Goran Pandev strikes late as Inter leave Bayern Munich devastated again|work=The Guardian|author=Nesha Starcevic|date=15 March 2011|access-date=21 October 2018}} at the Allianz Arena,{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/bay-munich-vs-inter/230001|title=Inter inflict new Bayern blow|publisher=Sky Sports|date=15 March 2011|access-date=21 October 2018}} booking a place in the quarter-final against Germany's Schalke 04.{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/895745/figo-warns-inter-of-schalke-threat?cc=5901|title=Figo warns Inter of Schalke threat|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321114703/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/895745/figo-warns-inter-of-schalke-threat?cc=5901|archive-date=21 March 2011|url-status=dead}} The first leg of that quarter-final ended 5–2 to Schalke.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9445389.stm|title=Inter Milan 2 - 5 Schalke 04|publisher=BBC Sport|author=James Boylan|date=5 April 2011|access-date=21 October 2018}} Sneijder also played in the second leg of the tie but could not prevent his team from losing 2–1 and 7–3 on aggregate.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2011/04/13/2440028/schalke-2-1-inter-7-3-agg-raul-howedes-complete-champions|title=Schalke 2-1 Inter (7-3 agg.): Raul & Howedes complete champions' misery|publisher=Goal.com|author=Kris Voakes|date=13 April 2011|access-date=21 October 2018}}

Sneijder begun his third season in Inter colours in strong fashion, netting the opener with a free kick in the 2011 Supercoppa Italiana match against Milan. The match however ended in a 2–1 win for Rossoneri.{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/08/06/italian.super.cup.milan/|title=Milan edge out Inter in Italian Super Cup|publisher=CNN.com|date=6 August 2011|access-date=20 October 2018}} In September, he injured his left thigh during the 3–1 away loss to newcomers Novara.{{cite web|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/37567/novara-3-1-inter-cambiasso-not-enough|title=Novara 3-1 Inter: Cambiasso not enough|publisher=inter.it|date=20 September 2011|access-date=20 October 2018|archive-date=20 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020224043/https://www.inter.it/en/news/37567/novara-3-1-inter-cambiasso-not-enough|url-status=dead}}

The Dutchman returned in action one month later, playing 66 minutes against Chievo and assisting Thiago Motta's header for a 1–0 win at home, the first of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2011/10/23/2724671/inter-1-0-chievo-solitary-thiago-motta-effort-earns-ranieris-men-|title=Inter 1-0 Chievo: Solitary Thiago Motta effort earns Ranieri's men second Serie A win of the season|publisher=Goal.com|date=23 October 2011|access-date=20 October 2018}} His first championship goal came in the very next game where he scored the opener in an eventual 1–1 draw at Atalanta.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2011/10/26/2729414/atalanta-1-1-inter-castellazzi-penalty-stop-saves-the-day|title=Atalanta 1-1 Inter: Castellazzi penalty stop saves the day after Denis cancels out Sneijder strike|publisher=Goal.com|author=Alex Mott|date=26 October 2011|access-date=20 October 2018}}

Sneijder suffered another injury later in November 2011 when he damaged his right knee's rectus femoris muscle during the warm-up before the start of the match against Cagliari.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/sneijder-injury-blow-for-milan-1182195|title=Sneijder injury blow for Milan|publisher=Independent Online|date=20 November 2011|access-date=20 October 2018}} He was replaced by the youngster Philippe Coutinho who scored in the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2011/11/19/2765098/inter-2-1-cagliari-thiago-motta-coutinho-fire-ranieris-men|title=Inter 2-1 Cagliari: Thiago Motta & Coutinho fire Ranieri's men out of their slump|publisher=Goal.com|author=Adam Wheeler|date=19 November 2011|access-date=20 October 2018}} The injury forced Sneijder to miss the rest of 2011, returning in the field on 15 January as a late substitute for goalscorer Diego Milito in the derby victory over Milan.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jan/16/milan-internazionale-serie-a|title=Diego Milito strikes as Internazionale claim victory in Milan derby|work=The Guardian|agency=Associated Press|date=16 January 2011|access-date=20 October 2018}}

Sneijder made his 100th Inter appearance on 26 February by playing the first half of a 1–0 defeat to Napoli.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italian-football/2012/02/26/2931251/napoli-1-0-inter-lavezzi-strike-increases-pressure-on-ranieri-as-|title=Napoli 1-0 Inter: Lavezzi strike increases pressure on Ranieri as Nerazzurri fall nine points behind third place|publisher=Goal.com|author=Kris Voakes|date=26 February 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}} He then scored a brace against Udinese at Stadio Friuli to lead his team to a 3–1 win, also marking his first goals since October 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2012/04/25/3060039/udinese-1-3-inter-sneijder-and-alvarez-on-target-as|title=Udinese 1-3 Inter: Sneijder and Alvarez on target as Stramaccioni's men edge closer to third|publisher=Goal.com|author=Keeghann Sinanan|date=25 April 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}} Sneijder concluded his third season as Inter playing by making only 20 league appearances, with the injuries making a big impact. The team finished sixth, conceding 55 goals, just five goals short of equalling their all-time worst concession in a single Serie A campaign.{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/20856/looking-out-no-1|title=Looking out for No 1|date=6 June 2012|access-date=4 July 2013|work=Football Italia}} In Coppa Italia, he played two times as Inter were eliminated by Napoli,{{cite news|url=https://calcio.fanpage.it/napoli-inter-2-0-la-doppietta-di-cavani-regala-la-semifinale-di-coppa-italia/|title=Napoli-Inter 2-0, la doppietta di Cavani regala la semifinale di Coppa Italia|trans-title=Napoli-Inter 2-0, Cavani's brace gives the Coppa Italia semi-final|publisher=fanpage.it|language=it|date=25 January 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}} while in Champions League appeared five times in a round of 16 exit by Marseille.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/17361492|title=Inter Milan 2-1 Marseille (agg 2-2)|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 March 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}}

Sneijder's season begun on 2 August by playing against Hajduk Split in the first leg of 2012–13 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. He scored the team's first goal of the season which contributed in a comfortable 3–0 away win.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2009793--hajduk-split-vs-inter/|title=Hajduk Split 0-3 Internazionale|publisher=UEFA|date=2 August 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}} He was on the score-sheet again twenty-four days later in the season opener against Pescara (3–0).{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2012/08/26/3332773/pescara-0-3-inter-sneijder-milito-and-coutinho-secure|title=Pescara 0–3 Inter: Sneijder, Milito and Coutinho secure dominant win|publisher=Goal.com|author=Mark Doyle|date=26 August 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}}

Sneijder suffered another misfortune on 26 September as he was taken off after 26 minutes in the league game against Chievo.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/09/26/italy/serie-a/ac-chievo-verona/fc-internazionale-milano/1351293/|title=Chievo vs. Internazionale 0 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=26 September 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}} It turned out to be his last appearance for the team as he and the club didn't find a mutual agreement for the new contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/serie-a-why-wesley-sneijder-and-inter-1473954|title=The end of the love affair: Why Wesley Sneijder and Inter are set to go their separate ways|publisher=Mirror.co.uk|author=Mina Rzouki|date=5 December 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}} Despite recovering from the injury, Sneijder wasn't called up in the squad, with president Massimo Moratti describing it as a "technical decision" of the coach. The club offered him a contract running until 2016 with a wage of €6 million plus bonuses to €4 million which Sneijder, who earned around €14,7 million, turned down.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wesley-sneijder-tells-inter-milan-1509833|title=Out of Dutch: Wesley Sneijder tells Inter Milan he wants to leave NOW!|publisher=Mirror.co.uk|author=Jim Hughes|date=29 December 2012|access-date=20 October 2018}}

Sneijder left the club officially on 20 January in favour of signing with Turkey's Galatasaray, concluding his Inter spell with 116 games and 22 goals, also winning six trophies.{{cite web|url=https://www.inter.it/en/archivio_giocatore/G0856|title=Wesley Sneijder|publisher=inter.it|access-date=20 October 2018}}

File:Sneijder & Drogba.JPG playing in 2013 against his former team Real Madrid in Champions League quarter finals game.]]

After reportedly falling out of favour with Inter due to contract renewal issues, Sneijder agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Turkish giants Galatasaray on 20 January 2013 for a fee of €7.5 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1954.php|title=Information Regarding Wesley Sneijder|date=21 January 2013|access-date=21 January 2013|publisher=Galatasaray S.K. Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321114703/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/895745/figo-warns-inter-of-schalke-threat?cc=5901|archive-date=21 March 2011|url-status=dead}} Thousands of Galatasaray fans welcomed the Dutch international at the Istanbul Atatürk Airport as soon as Sneijder's exact arrival time was announced by the club on their official website.{{cite news|url= http://www.cnnturk.com/2013/spor/futbol/01/21/sneijder.istanbula.geldi/693352.0/index.html|title=Sneijder İstanbul'a geldi|publisher=CNN Türk}} Sneijder signed the official contract on 21 January at the Türk Telekom Arena, home of Galatasaray. During the press conference, regarding the questions about Gala legend Gheorghe Hagi, Sneijder said, "He was a legend, and I want to become a legend."{{Cite web|url=http://t24.com.tr/haber/sneijder-hagi-gibi-efsane-olmaya-geldim/222112|title=Sneijder: Hagi gibi efsane olmaya geldim|access-date=27 February 2013|archive-date=2 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233504/http://t24.com.tr/haber/sneijder-hagi-gibi-efsane-olmaya-geldim/222112|url-status=dead}} Later, he appeared on the club's official TV station Galatasaray TV, where he answered several questions about his transfer to Galatasaray and personal life. He also sent out a message addressing the Galatasaray fans: "Thank you for the support. I'm really proud, and I will make you guys even more proud. I'm happy to be here, and I can't wait to play my first game for you guys."[//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PUNH1rpkcY Wesley Sneijder ve esi imza toreni sonrasi GSTV'ye konuk oldu. - YouTube]

On 27 January, Sneijder made his debut, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 win against rivals Beşiktaş.{{cite news|date=28 January 2013|url=http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1954.php|title=Galatasaray versus Beşiktaş 2 – 1|access-date=28 January 2013|publisher=Galatasaray S.K. Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1954.php|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} Sneijder received a warm reception when he replaced Umut Bulut. He scored his first goal on 25 February in a 4–2 home win against Orduspor, where he produced a finesse shot from the edge of the box, turning the game back on for the home side as Galatasaray were down by two goals.{{cite news|title=Tribünleri ayağa kaldırdı!|publisher=Lig TV|url=http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1954.php|date=28 January 2013|access-date=28 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1954.php|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

On 9 April 2013, Sneijder scored Galatasaray's second goal in a 3–2 win over his former club Real Madrid in the quarter-final stage of the Champions League.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0208-0e9f4110320f-ccf57ff59b7d-1000--madrid-survive-galatasaray-fightback/|title=Galatasaray 3–2 Real Madrid|publisher=UEFA|date=9 April 2013|access-date=7 July 2016}}

On 5 May 2013, Galatasaray beat Sivasspor 2–1 to win the 2012–13 Süper Lig, this gave Sneijder a league title in a fourth different country.{{cite news|title=Galatasaray retain Turkish title|date=5 May 2013|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=tur/news/newsid=1948833.html|access-date=12 August 2013|work=UEFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=tur/news/newsid=1948833.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

After using the number 14 shirt in his debut season with Galatasaray, Sneijder was given the number 10 shirt previously worn by Felipe Melo for the 2013–14 Süper Lig season following a squad number reshuffle.

On 1 December 2013, when Galatasaray drew with Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü,{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/galatasaray-blows-cold-and-draws-1-1-with-kasimpasa.aspx?pageID=238&nID=58849&NewsCatID=362|title=Galatasaray blows cold and draws 1–1 with Kasımpaşa|date=1 December 2013|access-date=1 December 2013|work=Hürriyet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/galatasaray-blows-cold-and-draws-1-1-with-kasimpasa.aspx?pageID=238&nID=58849&NewsCatID=362|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} Galatasaray manager Roberto Mancini, in response to the question "where is Sneijder?" asked by reporters during a post-match interview answered, "Sneijder has left and I do not know where he has gone,"{{cite news|url=http://yenisafak.com.tr/spor-haber/mancini-sneijder-nereye-gitti-bilmiyorum-02.12.2013-588530|title=Mancini: Sneijder nereye gitti bilmiyorum|date=1 December 2013|access-date=1 December 2013|work=Yeni Safak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://yenisafak.com.tr/spor-haber/mancini-sneijder-nereye-gitti-bilmiyorum-02.12.2013-588530|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} while Galatasaray's official website had earlier informed the media on the reason for Sneijder's absence.

On 11 December 2013, Sneijder scored a late winning goal against Juventus in a 1–0 UEFA Champions League win to qualify Galatasaray for the knockout phase.{{cite web|title=Galatasaray 1 Juventus 0|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25333354|date=11 December 2013|access-date=12 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25333354|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} On 2 February 2014, Sneijder scored a hat-trick in Süper Lig encounter against Bursaspor in a 6–0 win.{{cite news|title=Galatasaray 6 - 0 Bursaspor|publisher=Milliyet|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/futbol/25721755.asp|date=2 February 2014|access-date=2 February 2014|language=tr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/futbol/25721755.asp|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

File:Wesley Sneijder during pre-match training at Galatasaray.jpg

On 6 April 2014, he scored his first derby goal against rivals Fenerbahçe, in a 1–0 home win.{{cite news|title=Galatasaray 1 - 0 Fenerbahçe|publisher=Galatasaray.org|url=http://www2.galatasaray.org/futbol/superlig/haber/19773.php|date=7 April 2014|access-date=7 April 2014|language=tr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408091342/http://www2.galatasaray.org/futbol/superlig/haber/19773.php|archive-date=8 April 2014}} On 7 May 2014, Sneijder played a major part in the Turkish Cup final against Eskişehirspor, scoring the only goal of the game in the 70th minute and receiving the Man of the Match award for his performance.{{cite news|title=Sneijder seals Turkish Cup for Galatasaray|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=tur/news/newsid=2102107.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510234717/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=tur/news/newsid=2102107.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 May 2014|access-date=10 May 2014|newspaper=UEFA|date=7 May 2014}}

Sneijder scored ten goals throughout the season during the 2014–15 Süper Lig campaign. By almost single-handedly winning many games for his team, he has been the man in the spotlight for Galatasaray in securing the league title. On 25 May, Sneijder celebrated the championship alongside Gala fans at the front yard of his residence{{cite web|url=http://tr.eurosport.com/futbol/super-lig/2014-2015/sneijder-sampiyonlugu-taraftarlarla-kutladi_sto4752713/story.shtml|title=Sneijder şampiyonluğu taraftarlarla kutladı|date=26 May 2015}} after Başakşehir drew with Fenerbahçe,{{cite web|url=https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=201&ftxtID=23053|title=İstanbul Başakşehir 2–2 Fenerbahçe - Spor Toto Süper Lig Haberleri TFF}} which brought Galatasaray the triumph. During the official title ceremony,{{cite web|url=https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=201&ftxtID=23101|title=Galatasaray şampiyonluk kupasını aldı - Spor Toto Süper Lig Haberleri TFF}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sampiyon-kupasini-kaldirdi-29158426|title=Şampiyon kupasını kaldırdı|first=Ali Naci|last=KÜÇÜK|website=www.hurriyet.com.tr|date=9 May 2017 }} Sneijder sang the famous Gala chant "Don't cry Fener"{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21h4B2WcVAo| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211111/21h4B2WcVAo| archive-date=11 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=GALATASARAY - FENER AĞLAMA (OFFICIAL STÜDYO VERSIYON)|last=Shahane2009|date=1 May 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} into the microphone in front of 52000 Gala fans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/trafik-canavari-olmayin-113567|title=Trafik canavarı olmayın|website=www.hurriyet.com.tr|date=4 December 2002 }}

Since his arrival, Sneijder has become the most efficient agent for the Lions regarding the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray rivalry. He has scored three goals against Fenerbahçe in league matches in a year, which is more than enough for Galatasaray society to name a player a club legend. In the home game against Fenerbahçe, which was played on matchday 6,{{Cite web|url=https://beinsports.com.tr/|title=Futbol ve Spor Haberleri | Maç Özetleri | Canlı Maç Sonuçları|website=beinsports.com.tr}} Sneijder sent out two long-range rockets in the 88th and 90th minutes, where Galatasaray claimed the victory against their bitter rivals. Overall, he has scored six long-range goals and three free kicks in league and cup games. In his 100th game for Galatasaray, he also scored the only goal against Gençlerbirliği on matchday 32,{{cite web|url=http://www.ligtv.com.tr/haber/galatasaray-genclerbirligi-2|title=Aslan'ın '100'ünü Sneijder güldürdü!..|date=16 May 2015}} which helped the Lions stay at the top of the league table for the time being.

In the 2014–15 Turkish Cup, he also helped his team reach the final by providing three goals and three assists. Galatasaray won the final 3–2 against Bursaspor{{cite web|url=http://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=267&ftxtID=23119|title=53. Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'ndaŞampiyon Galatasaray - Kupalar TFF}} which was held in Bursa Atatürk Stadium on 3 June. Sneijder assisted the first goal{{cite web|url=http://tr.eurosport.com/futbol/turkiye-kupasi/2014-2015/galatasaray-3-bursaspor-2-mac-ozeti-ve-golleri-burak-yilmaz-in-bursaspor-a-golleri-gs-bursa-ozeti_sto4767678/story.shtml|title=Galatasaray 3–2 Bursaspor (MAÇ ÖZETİ)|date=3 June 2015}} off of striker Burak Yılmaz's hat-trick.

During Galatasaray's 2014–15 UEFA Champions League campaign, where they were knocked out at the group stage, Sneijder scored one goal–a late free kick against Arsenal at home–and made one assist. Sneijder was made vice captain of Galatasaray.

Sneijder began the season scoring the only goal for his team in the 35th Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu, where Galatasaray visited Real Madrid on 18 August.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/match/real-madrid-v-galatasaray/53oh8fdpg97gonjkqoxzz7ap5|title=Real Madrid v Galatasaray Live Commentary & Result, 18/08/2015, Club Friendlies | Goal.com|website=www.goal.com}} The game ended with a 2–1 victory for Real Madrid.

On matchday 3 of the 2015–16 Süper Lig{{cite web|url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=198&hafta=3#macctl00_MPane_m_198_935_ctnr_m_198_935|title=Süper Lig Fikstür ve Puan Cetveli - 2015–2016 Sezonu TFF}} in which Galatasaray visited Konyaspor, Sneijder scored two goals in the second half{{Cite web|url=https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=349901FB8495DF1007F7A989C5324BCE|title=Privacyinstellingen op VI.nl|website=www.vi.nl}} and led his team to a 1–4 away win,{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/konyaspor-vs-galatasaray/347220|title=Football (Sky Sports)|website=SkySports}} despite his side being down to ten men after Lionel Carole's 67th-minute red card, receiving prior to Sneijder's double.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x33lvdj|title=Red Card For Lionel Carole Konya (11) 1–2 Galatasaray (10) Super Lig 29.08.2015 HD - Video Dailymotion|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133147/http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x33lvdj|archive-date=24 September 2015}}

On 3 October, Sneijder signed a three-year contract extension with Galatasaray. He immediately received a €1.3 million signing bonus, and his basic salaries in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons would be €3.2 million, plus various bonuses.{{cite web|url=http://www.kap.gov.tr/en/search/notice-results.aspx?id=470387|title=Sneijder-Sözleşme Süre Uzatımı|date=3 October 2015|access-date=6 November 2015|author=Galatasaray |publisher=Turkish Public Disclosure Platform (KAP)|language=tr}}

On 14 July 2017, Sneijder and Galatasaray terminated his contract resulting in him becoming a free agent. Sneijder was reported to have released himself from the contract by buying himself out of the remaining period for €4.5 million{{Cite web|url=http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/wesley-sneijder-back-transfer-market-galatasaray-release|title=Wesley Sneijder is back on the transfer market after paying off Galatasaray contract}}

On 7 August 2017, Sneijder joined Ligue 1 side Nice on a free transfer.{{cite web |url=http://www.ogcnice.com/en/news/30961/sneijder-the-gyms-new-number-10 |title=Sneijder, the Gym's new number 10 |publisher=OGC Nice |date=7 August 2017 |access-date=7 August 2017 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910123158/http://www.ogcnice.com/en/news/30961/sneijder-the-gyms-new-number-10 |url-status=dead }} During his five-month stay at the club, he made 8 appearances and provided one assist to a Mario Balotelli goal in a UEFA Europa League match against Lazio.

After getting released by Nice, Sneijder joined Qatari club Al-Gharafa. He made his debut on 12 January 2018, captaining the team and giving an assist in the league 2–1 win over Al Ahli Doha at the Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sneijder-off-winning-start-qatar-190233391--sow.html|title=Sneijder off to winning start in Qatar |agency=AFP |date=12 January 2018 |access-date=12 January 2018}}

On 12 August 2019, Sneijder announced his decision to retire from football, and begin working for FC Utrecht.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49328323|title=Wesley Sneijder: Former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Netherlands midfielder retires|date=13 August 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/netherlands-great-sneijder-retires-from-football/1l62cdlfvanzg1lnk68t8odoli|title=Wesley Sneijder retires: Netherlands great and former Real Madrid star calls time on football career | Goal.com|website=www.goal.com}}

Sneijder made his debut for the Netherlands under-21 side against the Czech Republic on 28 March 2003.{{Cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/history/season=2004/round=1585/match=69401/index.html|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130105005308/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/history/season=2004/round=1585/match=69401/index.html|archive-date=5 January 2013 |url-status=dead|title=UEFA European U-21 C'ship}} His first game with the senior Dutch side was against Portugal on 30 April that same year{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=215002/profile-detail.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612020750/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=215002/profile-detail.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 June 2014|title=Wesley SNEIJDER|access-date=30 June 2014|work=FIFA}} when he became the eighth-youngest player to play for the Netherlands in the first team's history.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} On 9 June 2017, he became the nation's most capped player of all-time when he made his 131st appearance in a 5–0 win over Luxembourg, surpassing the record which had previously held by Edwin van der Sar for 4002 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/0253-0d821289f992-2e8f666fa91e-1000--wesley-sneijder-calls-time-on-netherlands-career/|title=Wesley Sneijder breaks Netherlands caps record|website=UEFA|date=9 June 2017|access-date=10 June 2017}}

Sneijder reached the UEFA Euro 2004 semi-finals with the Netherlands. He began the competition mainly on the bench, and was subbed into two group stage matches: his team's first match against Germany and their third match against Latvia. He had also contributed two goals in the qualifying tournament.

File:Sneijder VDV.jpg looks on]]

Sneijder started all four games for the Netherlands at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He received one of the record 16 yellow cards doled out during the infamous Round of 16 clash with Portugal (titled the "Battle of Nuremberg") after pushing the Portuguese midfielder Petit to the ground during a brawl between Portuguese and Dutch players; Portugal went on to win 1–0.

In the build-up to Euro 2008, Sneijder scored a free kick in a friendly against Wales on 31 May, making it his second strike from a direct free kick in a row. The game ended 2–0 with a goal from fellow Real Madrid teammate Arjen Robben.

Sneijder marked his 24th birthday in style by scoring one of the goals of the tournament; the second goal in the 31st minute of the Euro 2008 match against the World Cup champions, Italy. Following Giovanni van Bronckhorst's goal-line clearance and subsequent run into the Italian half, Sneijder received a headed ball from Dirk Kuyt and volleyed it with an acrobatic strike past Gianluigi Buffon. This brought the score to 2–0 after Ruud van Nistelrooy's opener five minutes prior. The match finished with a 3–0 victory to the Dutch after a third goal was scored by van Bronkhorst after another run by him, following a crucial save from Edwin van der Sar. Sneijder's goal contributed to the Netherlands' first victory over Italy in 30 years, which was the biggest defeat Italy had suffered since Sweden beat them by the same margin in 1983. Many fans and pundits agreed that this goal was one of the best of the tournament. On 13 June, he scored another goal for the Oranje in the Euro 2008 group stage match against France: in the 92nd minute, from outside the box, Sneijder struck the ball into the corner of the net, bouncing off the crossbar on its way in. The match finished 4–1 for the Netherlands. Although the Dutch lost to the Russians in the quarter-final, Sneijder was named in the Team of the Tournament for his strong performances.

File:Sneijder crop.jpg

Sneijder was in the starting line-up for their first match in the competition, a 2–0 victory over Denmark.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061478/report.html|title=Netherlands-Denmark|publisher=FIFA|date=14 June 2010|access-date=16 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061478/report.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} He scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Japan.{{cite news|date=21 June 2010|access-date=2 July 2010|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/06/19/netherlands.japan.group.e/index.html|title=Cameroon knocked out as Denmark win puts Dutch into second round|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/06/19/netherlands.japan.group.e/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} In the first two matches of the group stage at the FIFA World Cup, he was selected as the man of the match in both.{{cite web|url=http://www.digicelfutbol.com/en/wc-qualifiers/news/danes-no-match-for-dutch|title=Danes no match for Dutch|publisher=Digicel|date=14 June 2010|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.digicelfutbol.com/en/wc-qualifiers/news/danes-no-match-for-dutch|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300111117/index.html |publisher=FIFA |title=Sneijder sees Dutch past Japan |date=19 June 2010 |access-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619091450/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300111117/index.html |archive-date=19 June 2010 }}{{cite web|title=Wesley Sneijder|url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=57132/profile/index.html|publisher=UEFA|access-date=2 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=57132/profile/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} In the Netherlands' round of 16 match against Slovakia, Sneijder scored in a 2–1 victory.{{cite web|date=2 July 2010|access-date=2 July 2010|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/online/fairplay/2010/07/the-dutch-risk-it-all.html|title=The Dutch Risk It All|publisher=Vanity Fair|first=David|last=Gendelman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=57132/profile/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} He also provided what was at first thought to be an assist for the first goal against Brazil in the quarter-finals, but was later credited with the goal.{{cite web|date=3 July 2010|access-date=8 July 2010|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1266860/index.html|title=Sneijder credited with first goal in Dutch quarter-final victory|publisher=FIFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1266860/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} He then scored the first header of his career direct from a corner and consigned Brazil to a 2–1 defeat, bringing his goal total in the tournament to four. Sneijder was again named man of the match on FIFA's website.{{cite web|date=2 July 2010|access-date=2 July 2010|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249718/match=300061507/index.html|title=Dutch fightback buries Brazil|publisher=FIFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249718/match=300061507/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

In the semi-final against Uruguay, Sneijder scored in the 70th minute, taking his total in the competition to five, raising him at the time to first place in terms of goals scored, along with Spain's David Villa.{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Bevan|title=Uruguay 2–3 Netherlands|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_61/default.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2010|access-date=7 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_61/default.stm|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} The Netherlands won the match 3–2 and progressed to the final. Sneijder was yet again named on FIFA's website as the Budweiser man of the match according to the public online vote.{{cite web|date=6 July 2010|access-date=6 July 2010|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249719/match=300061512/index.html|title=Oranje edge five-goal thriller|publisher=FIFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249719/match=300061512/index.html|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} In the World Cup Final, the Dutch lost to Spain 1–0 after extra time, conceding the only goal of the match after 116 minutes to Andrés Iniesta.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/gamecast?id=264123&cc=5739&ver=global|title=Netherlands 0–1 Spain|date=11 July 2010|work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=30 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/gamecast?id=264123&cc=5739&ver=global|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}

For Euro 2012, the Netherlands were in Group B, also known as the "group of death," alongside Portugal, Germany, and Denmark. Sneijder was deployed as an attacking midfielder as the Netherlands lost 1–0 and 2–1 to Denmark and Germany, respectively. Against Portugal, they lost again 2–1, with Sneijder playing on the left wing to see the Netherlands have an early exit from Euro 2012.

In August 2012, after the retirement of Mark van Bommel, Sneijder was named as captain of the Netherlands.{{cite news|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/08/wesley_sneijder_is_oranjes_new.php|title=Wesley Sneijder is Oranje's new captain|date=15 August 2012|access-date=30 June 2014|work=Dutch News}} Less than a year later, however, he was replaced with Robin van Persie by coach Louis van Gaal.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup-2014/news/12021/8768833/holland-boss-louis-van-gaal-explains-move-to-axe-wesley-sneijder-as-captain|title=Holland boss Louis van Gaal explains move to axe Wesley Sneijder as captain|date=10 June 2013|access-date=20 June 2014|work=BSkyB}}

Sneijder was named in the Netherlands' squad for the 2014 World Cup and made his 100th international appearance in the team's opening match, a 5–1 demolition of world champions Spain on 13 June. In the round of 16, Sneijder scored an 88th-minute equaliser, as the Netherlands recovered from a 0–1 deficit to overcome Mexico 2–1 in Fortaleza.

In the quarter-final, Sneijder scored the Netherlands' third penalty kick in a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat of Costa Rica.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28069208|title=Netherlands 0–0 Costa Rica|date=5 June 2014|access-date=6 June 2014|work=BBC}} The semi-final match against Argentina was also decided by a shootout, with Sneijder one of two Netherlands players to have his kick saved by goalkeeper Sergio Romero in a 4–2 defeat.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28122293|title=Netherlands 0–0 Argentina|date=9 July 2014|access-date=10 July 2014|work=BBC}} Sneijder was originally part of the Dutch starting line-up in the bronze game against Brazil, but he was replaced by Jonathan de Guzmán after an injury during the pre-match warm-up prevented him from playing.

Sneijder appeared in all of the 10 matches of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and in six of the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign, which both ended in failure for the Netherlands. He announced his retirement from international football on 4 March 2018, holding a record 133 appearances for the national team.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37547110/wesley-sneijder-retires-international-football-netherlands|title=Wesley Sneijder retires from international football with Netherlands|date=4 March 2018|access-date=11 March 2018|work=ESPN}} He made his 134th and final international appearance in a friendly match against Peru, at the Johan Cruyff Arena, on 6 September 2018; the match ended in a 2–1 home victory for the Dutch.{{cite news|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/wisseling-van-de-wacht-is-een-feit-sneijder-gaat-de-jong-komt~a75b2434/|title= Wisseling van de wacht is een feit, Sneijder gaat, De Jong komt|date=6 September 2018|access-date=7 September 2018|work=AD.nl|language=nl}}

A creative and versatile midfielder,{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/7279642/David-Beckhams-Madrid-successor-Wesley-Sneijder-ready-to-upstage-him-in-Milan.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/7279642/David-Beckhams-Madrid-successor-Wesley-Sneijder-ready-to-upstage-him-in-Milan.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=David Beckham's Madrid successor Wesley Sneijder ready to upstage him in Milan|publisher=The Telegraph|author1=Oliver Brown|date=20 February 2010|access-date=31 October 2015}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/Wesley-sneijder-qualities-could-help-manchester-united-in-2012-010212|title=Precarious fit of Sneijder, Man United|work=Fox Sports|author1=James Horncastle|date=2 January 2012|access-date=13 August 2016}} Sneijder was recognised as one of the classic playmakers of the 2010s.{{cite web|first=Jonathan|last=Wilson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/apr/04/playmaker-toni-kroos-mesut-ozil|title=The Question: How is interpretation of the playmaker role changing? |work=The Guardian|date=4 April 2013|access-date=31 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/world-cup-central/59/post/1933592/erratic-netherlands-playmaker-wesley-sneijder-a-man-for-the-key-moments|title=Sneijder a man for the key moments |publisher=ESPN FC|first=Rory|last=Smith|date=5 July 2014|access-date=31 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/03/26/trequartista-engance-classic-no-10sstruggle/|title=How the 2000s changed tactics #2: Classic Number 10s struggle |publisher=Zonalmarking.net|date=26 March 2015|access-date=31 October 2015}} From his impeccable placement and confirmed ability to score from free kicks, Sneijder earned the reputation as a dead-ball specialist.{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Wilson|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/world-cup/you-don-t-have-to-love-wesley-sneijder-to-appreciate-the-talents-of-the-netherlands-pivotal-player-1.1039829|title=You don't have to love Wesley Sneijder to appreciate the talents of the Netherlands' pivotal player|publisher=HeraldScotland|date=7 June 2010|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/world-cup/you-don-t-have-to-love-wesley-sneijder-to-appreciate-the-talents-of-the-netherlands-pivotal-player-1.1039829|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/groups_and_teams/team/netherlands/wesley_sneijder|title=Wesley Sneijder|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 July 2010|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/groups_and_teams/team/netherlands/wesley_sneijder|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} Because of his short stature, he was quick and strong on the ball, and his passing range was enhanced by his ambidexterity;{{Cite news|first=Kevin|last=McCarra|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/11/euro2008.euro2008groupc1|title=Two-footed Sneijder the fulcrum of Holland's new counter-attacking style|work=The Guardian|date=11 June 2008|access-date=10 June 2010|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/11/euro2008.euro2008groupc1|archive-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead}} he was also renowned for his powerful striking ability from long range, with either foot. In addition to his vision and ability to create chances for teammates, Sneijder was also noted for his intelligence and great technical ability.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/2230230/massimiliano-allegri-eager-for-wesley-sneijder-transfer-at-juventus-from-galatasaray|title=Massimiliano Allegri eager for Wesley Sneijder transfer at Juventus |publisher=ESPN FC|first=Ben|last=Gladwell|date=6 January 2015|access-date=31 October 2015}}{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Stewart|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/11/2570144/intelligent-brilliant-wesley-sneijder-would-thrive-at-manchester-|title='Intelligent' & 'brilliant' Wesley Sneijder would thrive at Manchester United - Gary Neville |publisher=Goal.com|date=11 July 2011|access-date=31 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/club/internazionale/110/blog/post/1851965/its-time-for-inter-to-offload-sneijder|title=It's time for Inter to offload Sneijder|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Mike Whittaker|date=4 October 2012|access-date=13 August 2016}} Although he began his career in his preferred role as an attacking midfielder behind the forwards, he was capable of playing in several midfield positions and was also deployed on the wings or on occasion even up front as a second striker or main striker; in later seasons, he was usually played in the centre, as a deep-lying playmaker, due to his ability to dictate the tempo of his team's play in midfield with his passing, although he had stated that he did not favour this position.{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-galatasaray-match-report|title=Arsenal 4-1 Galatasary|publisher=Arsenal F.C.|author1=Chris Harris|date=1 October 2014|access-date=13 August 2016}} During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was also deployed in a new role which was later described as a false-10 or central winger, due to Sneijder's tendency to drift from the centre into a wide position when in possession of the ball.{{cite web|url=http://www.tomwfootball.com/2010/06/16/world-cup-tactics-after-the-false-nine-the-false-10/|title=The False-10|access-date=16 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225125742/http://www.tomwfootball.com/2010/06/16/world-cup-tactics-after-the-false-nine-the-false-10/|archive-date=25 December 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web | url = http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/12/03/introducing-the-central-winger/ | title = Introducing…the central winger? | publisher = zonalmarking.net | date = 3 December 2010 | access-date = 27 August 2013 | archive-date = 7 November 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191107203917/http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/12/03/introducing-the-central-winger/ | url-status = dead }} Despite his talent he also drew criticism at times for his limited defensive work-rate as well as his lack of pace, and was also known to be prone to injury.

Sneijder has been married to Dutch-Spanish actress and presenter Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen since July 2010, although the couple are no longer together; he has two sons, one of them from his first marriage.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} Inspired by his wife and by Inter teammate Javier Zanetti, Sneijder converted to Roman Catholicism and was baptized in Milan.{{cite web|title=Wesley Sneijder został katolikiem|url=http://www.fronda.pl/news/czytaj/wesley_sneijder_zostal_katolikiem|publisher=Fronda|access-date=24 June 2010|date=24 June 2010|language=pl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.fronda.pl/news/czytaj/wesley_sneijder_zostal_katolikiem|archive-date=16 February 2010}}

Sneijder has two brothers: Jeffrey, a former footballer,{{cite web|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/football-spy/Wesley-Sneijder-profile-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-Manchester-United-target-plus-video-of-him-in-action-article516757.html?nocache=1287756375690&showResult=604867#poll_604867 |title=10 Things you need to know about Wesley Sneijder |date=6 July 2010|access-date=22 October 2010|publisher=MirrorFootball}} and Rodney, a former Eredivisie player who now plays for DHSC, an amateur club from Utrecht. In May 2008, it was reported that Sneijder had blocked a summer transfer of Rodney to his own club at the time, Real Madrid. Wesley Sneijder said, "Real Madrid wanted him and Rodney was very happy about that. But when I heard [of it], I stopped the discussions. I am not in favour of juniors increasingly going to top clubs. I've told him that he first must make a breakthrough at Ajax."[http://ajaxinside.nl/spelers/profiel/63 Rodney Sneijder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724143517/http://www.ajaxinside.nl/spelers/profiel/63 |date=24 July 2011 }} Ajaxinside.nl{{cite web|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=91768|title=Sneijder blocked Real Madrid move for kid brother|access-date=20 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512112910/http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=91768|archive-date=12 May 2008|url-status=dead}}

During an interview in a radio station in Thessaloniki, Sneijder's brother Rodney confirmed that he and Wesley Sneijder (along with their other brother Jeffrey) have part-Greek descent, since their paternal grandmother was a Greek woman born in Kavala who moved to Utrecht before World War II.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/article/631800/kavaliotis-o-snainter|title=Καβαλιώτης ο Σνάϊντερ (in Greek) |access-date=9 July 2014}}

In October 2008, Dutch magazine Voetbal International conducted a poll to decide who was the best Dutch free kick taker. Sneijder received an overwhelming 70% of the votes, while Robin van Persie came second with 21% and striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was third with 3% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/News/1193040487675/1202743981130/noticia/Noticia/Sharpshooter_Sneijder.htm|title=Sharpshooter Sneijder|publisher=Real Madrid|date=13 October 2008|access-date=27 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419234451/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/News/1193040487675/1202743981130/noticia/Noticia/Sharpshooter_Sneijder.htm|archive-date=19 April 2010|url-status=dead}} He was voted as the best player of the 2009–10 season by Goal.com.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2010/08/12/2067852/inter-and-netherlands-star-wesley-sneijder-proud-to-win|title=Inter and Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder 'proud' to win Goal.com 50|date=12 August 2010|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815045748/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2010/08/12/2067852/inter-and-netherlands-star-wesley-sneijder-proud-to-win|archive-date=15 August 2010|url-status=dead}}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sneijder goal.

File:Sneijder Heitinga.jpg) and John Heitinga were teammates at Ajax]]

Ajax{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/wesley-sneijder/34/|title=W. Sneijder|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=13 August 2016}}

• Eredivisie: 2003–04
• KNVB Cup: 2005–06, 2006–07
• Johan Cruyff Shield: 2006

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2007–08

Inter Milan

• Serie A: 2009–10
• Coppa Italia: 2009–10, 2010–11
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2010
• UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2010

Galatasaray

• Süper Lig: 2012–13, 2014–15
• Turkish Cup: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16
• Turkish Super Cup: 2013, 2015, 2016

Al-Gharafa

• Qatari Stars Cup: 2018–19

File:Oranje uitgezwaaid - Sneijder.jpg departing for the World Cup]]

Netherlands

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2010; third place: 2014{{cite web|title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: Brazil-Netherlands|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255957/match=300186502/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707122322/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255957/match=300186502/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2014|publisher=FIFA|date=12 July 2014|access-date=21 August 2014}}

Individual

• Ajax Talent of the Future (Sjaak Swart Award) 2001–02
• Johan Cruyff Trophy: 2004{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/14136334 |title=Manchester United boss Ferguson denies Sneijder approach |publisher=BBC Sport |date = 14 July 2011 |access-date=9 January 2018}}
• Ajax Player of the Year (Rinus Michels Award): 2006–07
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008{{cite web|url= https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7bf2cd6faf-9ac9cf681760-1000--spain-dominate-team-of-the-tournament/|title=Spain dominate Team of the Tournament|publisher=UEFA|date=30 June 2008|access-date=30 June 2008}}
• UEFA European Championship top assist provider: 2008{{cite web|title=UEFA EURO 2008 Statistics |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/statistics/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207040210/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/statistics/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 December 2011 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=25 October 2017}}
• UEFA European Championship Best Goal of the Tournament: 2008{{cite web|title=Best goal of Euro 2008 |publisher=SoccerBlog.com |url=http://www.soccerblog.com/2008/07/best_goal_of_euro_2008.htm |access-date=12 December 2010 |date=4 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716101520/http://www.soccerblog.com/2008/07/best_goal_of_euro_2008.htm |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}
• UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2009–10{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/seasons/2010/statistics/ |title=UEFA Champions League 2009/10 - History - Statistics – UEFA.com |publisher=UEFA |access-date=25 October 2017}}
• UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year: 2009–10
• FIFA World Cup Silver Ball: 2010{{cite web |url = https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/awards/index.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101206032402/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/awards/index.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 6 December 2010 | title = 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa – Awards | publisher = fifa.com | access-date = 31 October 2015}}
• FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot: 2010
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2010{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/castrolindex/topeleven.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211083633/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/castrolindex/topeleven.html |title=2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa statistics |publisher=FIFA |archive-date=11 February 2011 |access-date=2 September 2020}}
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2010{{cite web |url = https://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=1274177/index.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140521034724/http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=1274177/index.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 21 May 2014 | title = Spaniards dominate Dream Team | publisher = fifa.com | date = 15 July 2010 | access-date = 5 September 2014}}
• Goal 50: 2010{{cite web|title=Messi, Ronaldo and all the winners of The Goal 50|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/2466/goal-50/2015/11/27/16606402/messi-ronaldo-and-all-the-winners-of-the-goal-50|publisher=goal.com}}
• FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2010
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2010{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=1584314.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122045904/http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=1584314.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 January 2011 |title=Team of the Year 2010 |publisher=UEFA |date = 19 January 2011 |access-date=9 January 2018}}
• ESM Team of the Year: 2009–10
• Süper Lig Best Foreign Player: 2014–15{{Cite web |title=2015 ÖDÜL TÖRENİMİZ |url=https://markafutbol.com/odul-torenlerimiz/2015-odul-torenimiz |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=markafutbol.com}}
• Süper Lig Team of the Season: 2014–15{{Cite web |title=2015 ÖDÜL TÖRENİMİZ |url=https://markafutbol.com/odul-torenlerimiz/2015-odul-torenimiz |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=markafutbol.com}}
• Süper Lig top assist provider: 2016–17{{Cite web |title=Trendyol Süper Lig |url=https://www.ntvspor.net/futbol/lig/spor-toto-super-lig |access-date=28 September 2023 |website=NTVSpor.net |language=tr}}
• Inter Milan Hall of Fame: 2021{{Cite web |date=9 February 2022 |title=Wesley Sneijder inducted into the Inter Hall of Fame|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/2022/02/09/wesley-sneijder-hall-of-fame.html |access-date=9 February 2022 |website=Inter Official Site}}

• List of footballers with 100 or more caps

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.inter.it/aas/squadra/player1?codgioc=G0856&L=en&stagione=2009/10 Sneijder Wesley 2009/10 profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112150619/http://www.inter.it/aas/squadra/player1?codgioc=G0856&L=en&stagione=2009%2F10 |date=12 January 2013 }} Inter Milan
• [http://www.sportepoch.com/player/view/18800/Wesley-Sneijder Sneijder Wesley profile] Sportepoch
• {{ESPN FC}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140913083722/http://www.worldkickboxing.net/wesley-sneijder-owes-place-national-team-gokhan-saki-kickboxing/ Wesley Sneijder Owes His Place in National Team to Gökhan Saki and Kickboxing] on WorldKickboxing.Net
• {{UEFA player|57132|archive=20200712022643}}
• {{NFT player}}

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{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2004}}

{{Netherlands squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2008}}

{{Netherlands squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2012}}

{{Netherlands squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{2010 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA Club Football Awards}}

{{Dutch Football Talent of the Year}}

{{AFC Ajax Player of the Year}}

{{AFC Ajax Talent of the Future}}

{{2010 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{Inter Milan Hall of Fame}}

{{2010 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sneijder, Wesley}}

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