Wout Weghorst
{{Short description|Dutch footballer (born 1992)}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Wout Weghorst
| image = Qarabağ vs Ajax (24.10.2024) (4) (Wout Weghorst).jpg
| upright = 0.9
| caption = Weghorst with Ajax in 2024
| full_name = Wout François Maria Weghorst{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2470630 |title=Updated squad lists for 2021/22 Premier League |publisher=Premier League |date=4 February 2022 |access-date=6 February 2022}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|8|7|df=y}}{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |title=Wout Weghorst {{!}} Netherlands |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/teams/players/250078682--wout-weghorst/ |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=UEFA |language=en}}
| birth_place = Borne, Netherlands
| position = Striker
| currentclub = Ajax
| clubnumber = 25
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = NEO
| youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}–2011
| youthclubs2 = DETO
| youthyears3 = 2011–2012
| youthclubs3 = Willem II
| years1 = 2012–2014
| clubs1 = Emmen
| caps1 = 62
| goals1 = 20
| years2 = 2014–2016
| clubs2 = Heracles
| caps2 = 64
| goals2 = 20
| years3 = 2016–2018
| clubs3 = AZ
| caps3 = 60
| goals3 = 31
| years4 = 2018–2022
| clubs4 = VfL Wolfsburg
| caps4 = 118
| goals4 = 59
| years5 = 2022–2024
| clubs5 = Burnley
| caps5 = 22
| goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2022–2023
| clubs6 = → Beşiktaş (loan)
| caps6 = 16
| goals6 = 8
| years7 = 2023
| clubs7 = → Manchester United (loan)
| caps7 = 17
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2023–2024
| clubs8 = → TSG Hoffenheim (loan)
| caps8 = 28
| goals8 = 7
| years9 = 2024–
| clubs9 = Ajax
| caps9 = 17
| goals9 = 7
| nationalyears1 = 2014
| nationalteam1 = Netherlands U21
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2018–
| nationalteam2 = Netherlands
| nationalcaps2 = 43
| nationalgoals2 = 14
| club-update = 11 February 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 23:03, 19 November 2024 (UTC)
}}
Wout François Maria Weghorst (born 7 August 1992) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Netherlands national team.
Weghorst began his professional career in the second tier of Dutch football with Emmen. He then played in the Eredivisie with Heracles and AZ, before joining VfL Wolfsburg in 2018. After scoring 70 goals in 144 games for Wolfsburg, he was signed by Burnley in January 2022 for a fee of £12 million. After the club were relegated from the Premier League, Weghorst had loan spells at Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş, fellow English club Manchester United and German club TSG Hoffenheim, before returning to the Netherlands with Ajax in mid-2024.
Weghorst made one appearance for the Netherlands under-21 team in 2014, before making his senior international debut in March 2018. He represented the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup (where he notably scored two goals in his side's quarter-final match against Argentina), and Euro 2024.
Club career
=Early career=
Born in Borne, Overijssel, Weghorst started his career at local clubs RKSV NEO and DETO Twenterand,{{cite news |title="Willen is kunnen" – Wout Weghorst |trans-title="To want is to be able" – Wout Weghorst |url=https://www.rksvneo.nl/wout-weghorst-willen-is-kunnen/ |access-date=9 March 2018 |work=RKSVNEO.nl |date=14 April 2013 |language=nl |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410070832/https://www.rksvneo.nl/wout-weghorst-willen-is-kunnen/ |url-status=dead }} before joining Eredivisie club Willem II in 2011.{{cite news |title=Transfer Wout Weghorst levert Willem II 75.000 euro op |url=https://www.bd.nl/willem-ii/transfer-wout-weghorst-levert-willem-ii-75-000-euro-op~ad1122d8/ |website=bd.nl |date=27 June 2018 |access-date=8 January 2023 |language=nl}} Despite having the opportunity to make his way into the first-team, he never broke through, and only featured for the reserve team. He signed for Eerste Divisie club Emmen in 2012,{{cite news |title=De lange weg van Wout Weghorst: van de derde klasse naar de Bundesliga |url=https://www.elfvoetbal.nl/Binnenland/272852/De-lange-weg-van-Wout-Weghorst-van-de-derde-klasse-naar-de-Bundesliga |website=elfvoetbal.nl |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=8 January 2023 |language=nl}} making his debut in a match against Dordrecht on 10 August. Weghorst went on to score his first goal in professional football a month later, in the derby against Veendam, a match that ended in a 2–1 win for Emmen. In his debut season, Weghorst appeared in 28 league matches scoring eight goals. The following season, he scored 13 times from 36 appearances.
After his spell with Emmen, Weghorst signed a contract with Eredivisie club Heracles on a free transfer.{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst de nieuwe Bas Dost van Heracles Almelo |trans-title=Wout Weghorst the new Bas Dost for Heracles Almelo |url=http://www.rtvoost.nl/voetbal/betaald-voetbal/194362/wout-weghorst-de-nieuwe-bas-dost-van-heracles-almelo#|access-date=9 March 2018 |work=RTVOost.nl |date=20 July 2014 |language=nl}}
On 9 August 2014, Weghorst made his Eredivisie debut for Heracles, in a 0–3 home loss against AZ in the Polman Stadion. {{cite web |title=Weghorst in Numbers |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/weghorst-in-numbers |website=Burnley Football Club |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=13 June 2024}} He scored his first Eredivisie goal in his first start – a 2–1 loss against Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena. He ended the 2014–15 Eredivisie season with eight goals from 31 appearances, as Heracles successfully battled relegation.
In his second season, Heracles finished in sixth place and, through the subsequent play-offs, the club qualified for the Europa League qualifying round – the first time in history that the club qualified for an international competition.{{cite news |title=Heracles gaat Europa in! Dat is geen wonder, dat is echt |trans-title=Heracles goes to Europe! It is not a dream, it is real |url=https://www.tubantia.nl/heracles/heracles-gaat-europa-in-dat-is-geen-wonder-dat-is-echt~a9c9f5c1/|access-date=9 March 2018 |work=Tubantia.nl |date=22 May 2016 |language=nl}} Weghorst was the team's top goalscorer with twelve goals in the Eredivisie.
=AZ=
File:Wout Weghorst 2016.jpg in 2016]]
After his successful season with Heracles, Weghorst signed a four-year contract with Alkmaar-based club AZ in July 2016, with the option for an extra year.{{cite news |title=AZ legt Weghorst vast |trans-title=AZ signs with Weghorst |url=https://www.az.nl/nieuws/az-legt-weghorst-vast/1?catid= |access-date=9 March 2018 |publisher=AZ |date=6 July 2016 |language=nl |archive-date=13 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013232707/http://www.az.nl/nieuws/az-legt-weghorst-vast/1?catid= |url-status=dead }}[http://www.vi.nl/nieuws/weghorst-zet-met-aztransfer-volgende-stap-in-ontwikkeling.htm Weghorst zet met AZ-transfer volgende stap in ontwikkeling] (Dutch). Voetbal International. 5 July 2016.
On 7 August, Weghorst marked his debut for AZ with a goal in a 2–2 draw with Heerenveen. On 24 October, he scored his first European goal in a 1–0 UEFA Europa League group win against Irish team Dundalk.{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst scores to see off Dundalk |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/wout-weghorst-scores-to-see-off-dundalk-35243440.html |newspaper=Irish Independent |access-date=9 March 2018}} On 2 February 2017, he converted the winning kick of the 3–2 penalty shootout win against second division club Cambuur in the KNVB semi-final. On 30 April, he started at centre forward in the 2017 KNVB Cup Final, where AZ were beaten 2–0 by Vitesse at the De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.{{cite web |title= Vitesse capture maiden Dutch Cup |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com//english/2017-05/01/c_136248286.htm |website=Xinhua |date=1 May 2017 |access-date=13 June 2024}}
He ended his first season in Alkmaar with 18 goals from 49 appearances in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2017–18 Eredivisie season, Weghorst was appointed vice-captain to Ron Vlaar.{{cite web |title=Dutch Eredivisie Top Scorers |url=http://www.elfvoetbal.nl/Binnenland/271528/Wout-Weghorst-van-gedwongen-vertrek-bij-Willem-II-tot-oproep-voor-Oranje |website=ELF Voetball|access-date=18 June 2018}} He finished the season as the joint-third top scorer in the Eredivisie with 18 goals, tied with Steven Berghuis, and trailing only Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Bjørn Johnsen, who scored 21 and 19 goals respectively.{{cite web |title=Dutch Eredivisie Top Scorers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/dutch-eredivisie/top-scorers |website=BBC Sport|access-date=18 June 2018}} He also recorded nine goals in six KNVB Cup matches, scoring in every round en route to the final, where AZ were beaten for the second consecutive season, this time by Feyenoord.{{cite news |title=Van Persie zorgt voor hoogtepunt in bekerfinale |url=https://nos.nl/liveblog/2228500-van-persie-zorgt-voor-hoogtepunt-in-bekerfinale |newspaper=NOS |date=22 April 2018 |access-date=13 June 2024 |language=nl}}
=VfL Wolfsburg=
File:Wout Weghorst 2019.jpg in 2019]]
On 26 June 2018, Weghorst joined German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg,[https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/weghorst-joins-wolfsburg-from-alkmaar-50478.html Weghorst joins Wolfsburg from Alkmaar]. VfL Wolfsburg. 26 June 2018. for a reported transfer-fee of €10.5m.{{cite news |last=Honigstein |first=Raphael |title=Weghorst Is the Bundesliga's Newest Star |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1876426/2020/06/23/honigstein-bundesliga-weghorst-wolfsburg-holland/ |newspaper=The New York Times |date=23 June 2020|access-date=13 June 2024}}
He debuted for Wolfsburg against Schalke 04 in the opening match of the 2018–19 Bundesliga season and scored his first goal on Matchday 2 in a 3–1 win at Bayer Leverkusen. On 16 March 2019, he scored his first hat-trick for Wolfsburg, and first by any player for the club since Mario Gómez in April 2017, in a 5–2 league win over Fortuna Düsseldorf.{{cite news |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/wolfsburg-fortuna-dusseldorf-live-line-ups-stats-john-brooks-kownacki-weghorst-3699-3005 |title=Wolfsburg hat-trick hero Wout Weghorst blows away Fortuna Düsseldorf |publisher=Bundesliga |date=16 March 2019|access-date=17 March 2019}} He ended the season with another hat-trick in the final Bundesliga fixture – an 8–1 win over FC Augsburg – giving him a final total of 17 goals, ranking joint-third in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts for the campaign.{{cite web |title=Bundesliga 2018–19 Top Scorer |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/bundesliga-2018-2019/ |website=Worldfootball.net |publisher=Heim:Spiel |access-date=5 February 2021}}
In the 2019–20 Bundesliga season, Weghorst produced another impressive goal return, scoring 16 times in the league.{{cite web |title=German Bundesliga 2019/20 |url=https://www.skysports.com/bundesliga-table/2019 |website=Sky Sports |access-date=13 June 2024}}
On 25 October 2020, he scored a goal in a 2–1 victory against Arminia Bielefeld, from a free-kick routine which was later replicated during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ug/amp/news/netherlands-weghorst-identical-free-kick-routine-world-cup-equaliser-wolfsburg-2020/blt1c0b243b16fb6f2d |title=WATCH: He's done it before! Netherlands striker Weghorst scored identical free-kick routine to World Cup equaliser for Wolfsburg in 2020 |website=Goal |date=9 December 2022}} In the 2020–21 season, he scored 20 goals in the Bundesliga and 25 times in all competitions, helping die Wölfe to a fourth-placed finish and qualification to the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League.{{cite web |title=Wolfsburg 2021/22 Season Preview: Weghorst, Van Bommel |url=https://bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/wolfsburg-2021-22-season-preview-weghorst-van-bommel-16793 |website=Bundesliga |date=9 August 2021 |access-date=13 June 2024}}
Weghorst scored six times in the first 20 Matchdays of the 2021–22 Bundesliga season, before the club accepted an offer for the player from English club Burnley during the January transfer window.{{cite news |last=Critchley |first=Mark |title=Why Burnley Signed Wout Weghorst: The 6ft 6in Ultra-Competitive Upgrade on Chris Wood |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3100034/2022/01/31/why-burnley-signed-wout-weghorst-the-6ft-6in-ultra-competitive-upgrade-on-chris-wood/ |newspaper=The New York Times |date=31 January 2022 |access-date=13 June 2024}}
= Burnley =
On 31 January 2022, Weghorst signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with English Premier League club Burnley for a fee of £12 million.{{Cite web |date=31 January 2022 |title=Clarets seal Weghorst deal |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/clarets-seal-weghorst-deal|access-date=31 January 2022 |publisher=Burnley F.C.}}{{Cite news |title=Burnley sign Weghorst from Wolfsburg |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60197489 |access-date=31 January 2022}} Weghorst made his debut for the club on 5 February, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw with Watford at Turf Moor.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59573774 |title=Six-pointer ends goalless at Turf Moor |website=BBC Sport}} Weghorst scored his first goal for the club on 19 February in a 3–0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion, helping to end an eleven game winless run for his new club.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11661/12544384/brighton-0-3-burnley-clarets-stun-seagulls-to-end-11-game-winless-run |title=Brighton 0–3 Burnley: Clarets stun Seagulls to end 11-game winless run}} His second Burnley goal came on 17 April, in a 1–1 draw against West Ham United.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11661/12589905/west-ham-1-1-burnley-maxwel-cornet-misses-penalty-as-clarets-begin-life-without-sean-dyche-with-draw |title=West Ham 1–1 Burnley: Maxwel Cornet misses penalty as Clarets begin life after Sean Dyche with draw}}
Burnley ended the 2021–22 season in 18th place, resulting in relegation to the EFL Championship, with Weghorst registering only two goals from 20 appearances.{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst won't be at Burnley next season after Premier League relegation|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/20199913.wout-weghorst-wont-burnley-next-season-premier-league-relegation|newspaper=Herald Scotland |date=25 May 2022 |access-date=13 June 2024}}
==Loans to Beşiktaş, Manchester United and TSG Hoffenheim==
On 5 July 2022, Weghorst signed for Süper Lig club Beşiktaş on loan until the end of the 2022–23 season.{{Cite web |date=5 July 2022 |title=Wout Weghorst moves to Besiktas on loan from Burnley |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/wout-weghorst-moves-to-besiktas-on-loan-from-burnley/2630984|access-date=7 July 2022 |publisher=Anadolu Agency}} He made his Süper Lig debut on 6 August in a 1–0 home win against Kayserispor{{cite news |title=Beşiktaş A.Ş. – Yukatel Kayserispor TFF Maç Detayı|trans-title=Beşiktaş A.Ş. – Yukatel Kayserispor TFF Match Details |url=https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=29&macId=234708 |publisher=Turkish Football Federation |date=6 August 2022 |access-date=21 August 2022 |language=tr |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220821194433/https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=29&macId=234708 |archivedate=21 August 2022}} and scored his first league goal on 21 August, with the opening goal against Fatih Karagümrük in a 4–1 win for Beşiktaş.{{cite news |title=Beşiktaş A.Ş. – Vavacars Fatih Karagümrük TFF Maç Detayı|trans-title=Beşiktaş A.Ş. – Vavacars Fatih Karagümrük TFF Match Details |url=https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=29&macId=234726 |publisher=Turkish Football Federation |date=21 August 2022 |access-date=21 August 2022 |language=tr |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220825173645/https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=29&macId=234726 |archive-date=25 August 2022}} On 7 January 2023, he scored a goal in his last match for Beşiktaş which ended in a 2–1 victory over Kasımpaşa.{{cite web |last=Hoskin |first=Rob |url=https://www.givemesport.com/88102279-wout-weghorst-to-man-utd-besiktas-striker-says-emotional-goodbye |title=Wout Weghorst to Man Utd: Besiktas striker says emotional goodbye |work=GiveMeSport |date=7 January 2023 }}
His loan to Beşiktaş was cancelled in January ahead of a loan to Manchester United,{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12784859/wout-weghorst-man-utd-deal-to-sign-burnley-striker-on-loan-edges-closer-after-besiktas-stay-terminated |title=Wout Weghorst: Man Utd deal to sign Burnley striker on loan edges closer after Besiktas stay terminated |work=Sky Sports |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=12 January 2023}} with a £3 million loan fee being split between Burnley and Beşiktaş.{{cite news |last=Dawson |first=Rob |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4850337/man-united-agree-loan-deal-to-sign-wout-weghorst-player-to-undergo-medical-sources |title=Man United agree loan deal to sign Wout Weghorst, player to undergo medical – sources |work=ESPN |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=12 January 2023}} On 13 January, Weghorst signed for United on loan until the end of the season.{{cite news |title=United complete loan move for Weghorst |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/manchester-united-announce-the-loan-signing-of-striker-wout-weghorst-press-release |work=Manchester United |date=13 January 2023 |access-date=13 January 2023}} He was given the number 27 shirt most recently worn by Alex Telles.{{cite news |title=Confirmed: Wout Weghorst's United number |first=Joe |last=Nelson |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/wout-weghorst-man-utd-number-is-revealed-on-15-january-2023 |work=Manchester United |date=16 January 2023 |access-date=2 February 2023 }} On 18 January, he made his debut by starting in a 1–1 away draw against Crystal Palace.{{cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Tom |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/story/4855239/man-united-end-winning-streak-in-wout-weghorst-debut-vs-crystal-palace |title=Man United end 9-game winning streak in Weghorst's debut, allow Crystal Palace into the match late |work=ESPN |date=18 January 2023 }}
On 25 January, he scored his first goal for United in a 3–0 away win over Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg.{{cite web |last=Bate |first=Adam |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/n-forest-vs-man-utd/report/480670 |title=Nottingham Forest 0–3 Man Utd: Marcus Rashford stunner sends Erik ten Hag's team on way to Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win |work=Sky Sports |date=25 January 2023|accessdate=25 January 2023}} On 26 February, he played in the 2023 EFL Cup final and assisted Marcus Rashford for United's second goal of the match in their 2–0 victory over Newcastle United. It was the first time in his career that he had won a trophy.{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst reacts to finally winning a trophy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/wout-weghorst-carabao-cup-man-utd-b2290245.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=27 February 2023 |access-date=9 March 2023}} On 9 March, he scored his first goal at Old Trafford in a 4–1 win against Real Betis in the Europa League round of 16.{{cite news |last=Unwin |first=Will |title=Wout Weghorst shows why he should be a Plan B rather than a mainstay |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/09/wout-weghorst-shows-why-he-should-be-a-plan-b-rather-than-a-mainstay |website=The Guardian |date=9 March 2023|access-date=10 March 2023}}
On 9 August 2023, he joined TSG Hoffenheim on a season-long loan.{{cite news |url=https://www.tsg-hoffenheim.de/en/news/overview/2023/08/wout-weghorst-stuermt-fuer-die-tsg/ |title=Wout Weghorst to lead the line for TSG |website=TSG 1899 Hoffenheim |date=9 August 2023 |access-date=9 August 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66448803 |title=Burnley transfer news: Wout Weghorst joins Hoffenheim on season-long loan |website=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2023 |access-date=9 August 2023}} During his spell in Hoffenheim, Weghorst scored seven goals from 28 Bundesliga matches. {{cite web |title=Einzelspielerportrait {{!}} Wout Weghorst |url=https://www.tsg-hoffenheim.de/en/teams/first-team/team-en-us/einzelportraet/show/15528 |website=TSG Hoffenheim |access-date=13 June 2024 |language=de}}
==Return to Burnley==
On 21 May 2024, Burnley said the player would be returning once the loan ended.{{Cite web |title=CLUB CONFIRM RETAINED LIST {{!}} BurnleyFC |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/club-confirm-retained-list |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.burnleyfootballclub.com |language=en}} He made his EFL Championship debut as a substitute for Lyle Foster in Burnley's opening game of the 2024–25 season, a 4–1 win over Luton Town on 12 August; it was his first appearance for the club in over two years.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cwyjx7n8wdgt#Line-ups|title=Luton Town 1–4 Burnley: Scott Parker starts Clarets reign with huge win|date=12 August 2024|website=BBC Sport}}
=Ajax=
On 29 August 2024, Weghorst joined Eredivisie club Ajax on two-year deal.{{cite web |title=Ajax signs Wout Weghorst |url=https://english.ajax.nl/articles/ajax-signs-wout-weghorst/ |publisher=AFC Ajax |access-date=29 August 2024 |date=29 August 2024 }}
On 6 October 2024, Weghorst scored his first goal for Ajax, scoring in injury time in a 3–1 victory over Groningen.{{cite web |url=https://eredivisie.eu/competition/match/ajax-groningen/ |title=Eredivisie: Ajax – Groningen |date=6 October 2024 |website=eredevisie.eu}}
International career
=Youth=
On 3 October 2014, Weghorst was called up to the Netherlands under-21 team for the first time for their two-legged 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification play-off against Portugal.{{Cite web
|url=https://streekstadcentraal.nl/8086-jong-oranje-in-az-stadion-zonder-az-spelers
|title=Jong Oranje in AZ Stadion zonder AZ spelers|website=Streekstadcentraal|date=3 October 2014|access-date=13 June 2024|language=Dutch}} He made his first and only appearance for the Jong Oranje in the second leg, scoring the team's first goal and winning a penalty kick converted by Nathan Aké for their fourth in a 5–4 defeat.{{cite web |title=Portugal Under 21s 5 Holland Under 21s 4 |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/portugal-u21-vs-holland-u21/326725 |website=skysports.com |publisher=Sky Sports UK |date=14 October 2014|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{cite web |title=Wout Weghorst Jong Oranje |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185185/speler/11978 |website=onsoranje.nl |access-date=8 January 2023}}
=Senior team=
Weghorst received his first full international call-up in Ronald Koeman's first Dutch squad in March 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/5166179/weghorst-plek-in-voorselectie-oranje-stap-allergrootste-droom.html |title=Weghorst: 'Plek in voorselectie Oranje stap naar allergrootste droom' |language=nl |website=nu.nl |publisher=Sanoma Media Netherlands |date=7 March 2018|access-date=23 March 2020}} He made his senior international debut in a friendly against England on 23 March at the Amsterdam Arena, appearing an 89th-minute substitute for Stefan de Vrij.{{cite web |title=Koeman's debut as Netherlands boss ends with defeat to England |url=http://www.football-oranje.com/koemans-debut-netherlands-boss-ends-defeat-england/ |website=football-oranje.com |publisher=Football Oranje |date=23 March 2018|access-date=23 March 2020}}
==UEFA Euro 2020==
On 26 May 2021, Weghorst was selected in the Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2020,{{cite news |title=Euro 2020: Tottenham's Steven Bergwijn cut from Netherlands squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57249618 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2021 |access-date=8 January 2023}} Weghorst scored his first senior international goal in the team's final pre-tournament friendly against Georgia on 6 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/weghorst-intl.html|title=Wout Weghorst - International Appearances|access-date=12 June 2024|website=RSSSF}}
He started in the Netherlands' opening match of the tournament, scoring the team's second goal of a 3–2 win against Ukraine in Amsterdam.{{cite news |title=Netherlands 3–2 Ukraine – Denzel Dumfries grabs late winner to spare Dutch blushes in group C at Euro 2020 |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/euro-2020/2021/euro-2020-news-netherlands-v-ukraine-follow-the-amsterdam-arena-affair-live_sto8361622/story.shtml |website=eurosport.co.uk |date=13 June 2021 |access-date=8 January 2023}} He went on to start the second match against Austria and appear as a substitute in the third against North Macedonia, as well as the round of 16 loss to Czechia.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51198518|title= Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic: Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick goals shock Dutch|date=26 June 2021|access-date=7 June 2024|website=BBC Sport}}
==2022 FIFA World Cup==
In November 2022, Weghorst was selected as a member of the Dutch squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.{{cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-elftal/80525/van-gaal-maakt-26-koppige-wk-selectie-bekend |title=Van Gaal maakt 26-koppige WK-selectie bekend |trans-title=Van Gaal announces 26-man World Cup squad |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |date=11 November 2022 |access-date=12 November 2022 |language=nl}} He made substitute appearances against both Ecuador and Qatar in the group stage, as well as the United States in the round of 16.
In the quarter-final match against Argentina, Weghorst came on as a 78th minute substitute with the Netherlands trailing 2–0. After pulling a goal back with an 83rd minute header, he equalised with a left-footed finish from Teun Koopmeiners' disguised free-kick eleven minutes into added time to send the match into extra time and an eventual penalty shootout.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/12762817/world-cup-2022-netherlands-2-2-argentina-aet-3-4-on-pens-argentina-survive-dutch-rally-to-win-after-shootout-and-set-up-croatia-semi |title=World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-2 Argentina (AET, 3-4 on pens): Argentina survive Dutch rally to win after shootout and set up Croatia semi |website=Sky Sports |date=10 December 2022 |access-date=13 June 2024}} After saves by Emiliano Martínez from the Netherlands' first two kicks by Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, Weghorst's successful fourth kick was in vain as the Oranje were eliminated 4–3 in the shootout.{{Cite news |date=7 December 2022 |title=World Cup: Argentina reach semi-finals after dramatic penalty-shootout win |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/61047818 |access-date=9 December 2022}} The bad tempered match came to be known as the Battle of Lusail due to the World Cup record 18 yellow cards and one red card, including a booking for Weghorst for dissent prior to his entrance as a substitute. After the match, Weghorst was engaged in a confrontation with Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain refused to swap shirts with him.{{Cite news |title="Qué mirás, bobo": la historia detrás del enfado de Lionel Messi que se volvió viral |url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/deportes-63953002 |access-date=2024-02-24 |work=BBC News Mundo |language=es}} Weghorst interrupted Messi's post-match interview with TyC Sports, calling "Hey, Messi, eh, Messi," to which Messi replied dismissively by saying “Qué mirá(s), bobo? ¿Qué mirá(s), bobo? Andá pa allá, bobo. Andá pa allá.” ("What are you looking at, idiot? What are you looking at, idiot? Get lost, idiot. Get lost."){{cite web |title=Lionel Messi y sus hijos: la frase "¿Qué mirás bobo? Anda pa'allá" que se hizo viral |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/lionel-messi-hijos-frase-que-mira-bobo-anda-pa-alla |website=TUDN |language=Spanish|date=4 February 2023|access-date=13 June 2024}} The response went on to become a popular meme on social media, particularly in Latin America,{{cite web| title = Messi's Que Miras Bobo?| url = https://wearemitu.com/wearemitu/culture/messis-que-miras-bobo/| website = We Are Mitú|date=20 December 2020|access-date = 13 June 2024}} and Weghorst became known by the nickname "Bobo" by his Argentine teammate Lisandro Martínez during his loan spell at Manchester United in 2023.{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/lionel-messis-nickname-for-wout-bobo-weghorst-lives-on-at-manchester-united-n/ |title=Lionel Messi's nickname for Wout 'Bobo' Weghorst lives on at Manchester United |website=AS.com |date=10 February 2023|access-date=16 April 2024}}
==UEFA Euro 2024==
During UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, Weghorst scored three goals from eight appearances{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67388348|title=Republic of Ireland 1-2 Netherlands: Wout Weghorst scores winner in Euro 2024 qualifying|date=10 September 2023|access-date=12 June 2024|website=BBC Sport}} including winning goals in both fixtures against the Republic of Ireland,{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12956003/republic-of-ireland-1-2-netherlands-cody-gakpo-and-wout-weghorst-effectively-end-irelands-hopes-of-euro-2024-qualification|title=Republic of Ireland 1-2 Netherlands: Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst effectively end Ireland's hopes of Euro 2024 qualification|date=10 September 2023|access-date=12 June 2024|website=Sky Sports}} the latter of which ensured the Netherlands' qualification for the tournament finals in Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67388348|title=Republic of Ireland 1-2 Netherlands: Wout Weghorst scores winner in Euro 2024 qualifying|date=10 September 2023|access-date=12 June 2024|website=BBC Sport}}
On 29 May 2024, Weghorst was named in the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5526712/2024/05/29/netherlands-euro-2024-squad-confirmed/|title= Netherlands Euro 2024 squad: Ian Maatsen dropped, Georginio Wijnaldum and Daley Blind retained |date=29 May 2024|access-date=7 June 2024|website=The New York Times}} He scored in the team's two final warm-up matches against Canada and Iceland respectively. {{Cite web |title=Reijnders en scorende Weghorst met ruime zege op IJsland richting EK |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/2389239/reijnders-en-scorende-weghorst-met-ruime-zege-op-ijsland-richting-ek |website=RTV Oost |language=Dutch|date=10 June 2023|access-date=13 June 2023}} In opening match against Poland, he came off the bench in the 81st minute, before scoring two minutes later off of his first touch to give his country a 2–1 victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/028e-1b258ee1aafb-6e23d8c07bf7-1000--poland-1-2-netherlands-super-sub-weghorst-secures-oranje-win/ |title=Poland 1-2 Netherlands: Super-sub Weghorst secures Oranje win |publisher=UEFA |date=16 June 2024 }}
Style of play
At {{convert|1.97|m}}, Weghorst commonly plays as a striker, in particular a 'target man' role, due to his ability to hold up the play.{{cite news |title=Why Burnley signed Wout Weghorst: The 6ft 6in ultra-competitive 'upgrade' on Chris Wood |url=https://theathletic.com/3100034/2022/01/31/why-burnley-signed-wout-weghorst-the-6ft-6in-ultra-competitive-upgrade-on-chris-wood/ |website=theathletic.com |date=31 January 2022 |access-date=8 January 2023}} {{subscription required}} He is renowned as a goal poacher, with good reactive finishing inside the penalty area,{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst: Wolfsburg's Dutch dynamo in attack |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/wout-weghorst-wolfsburg-dutch-striker-dynamo-in-attack-509688.jsp |website=bundesliga.com |access-date=8 January 2023}} but also regularly drops deep to help link play.{{cite news |title=Who is Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/euro-2020-who-is-netherlands-striker-wout-weghorst-the-wolfsburg-late-bloomer/a-57886928 |website=dw.com |date=14 June 2021 |access-date=8 January 2023}} In the 2021–22 Premier League season, Weghorst averaged more presses per 90 minutes than any other player.{{cite web |title=Wout Weghorst to Man Utd: Have pressing stats attracted Erik ten Hag? |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12782429/wout-weghorst-to-man-utd-have-pressing-stats-attracted-erik-ten-hag |website=skysports.com |access-date=8 January 2023}} His style of play has been compared to that of Edin Džeko.{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst: Who is Wolfsburg's latest goalscoring sensation? |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/who-is-wout-weghorst-dutch-striker-manchester-united-burnley-wolfsburg-hoffenheim-3276 |website=bundesliga.com |access-date=8 January 2023}}{{cite news |title=Wout Weghorst: Wolfsburg's unorthodox goalscoring machine |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/wout-weghorst-wolfsburg-goal-machine-netherlands-dzeko-grafite-gomez-dost-4715 |website=bundesliga.com |access-date=8 January 2023}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 9 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Wout Weghorst » Club matches |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/wout-weghorst/2/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=22 May 2024}}
| 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 KNVB Cup, DFB-Pokal, Turkish Cup, 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=3|Emmen
|28 | 8 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 30 | 8 | ||||
| 2013–14
|Eerste Divisie |34 | 12 | 2 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 36 | 13 | ||||
| colspan=2|Total
!62 | 20 | 4 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 66 | 21 | ||||
| rowspan=3|Heracles Almelo
|31 | 8 | 3 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 34 | 9 | ||||
| 2015–16
|Eredivisie |33 | 12 | 2 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 4{{efn|name=PO}} | 2 | 39 | 15 | |||
| colspan=2|Total
!64 | 20 | 5 | 2 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 4 | 2 | 73 | 24 | |||
| rowspan=3|AZ
|Eredivisie |29 | 13 | 4 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 12{{efn|name=UEL}} | 1 | 4{{efn|name=PO|Appearances in Eredivisie play-offs}} | 4 | 49 | 18 | ||
| 2017–18
|Eredivisie |31 | 18 | 6 | 9 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 37 | 27 | ||||
| colspan=2|Total
!60 | 31 | 10 | 9 | colspan=2|— | 12 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 86 | 45 | ||
| rowspan=5|VfL Wolfsburg
|34 | 17 | 2 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 36 | 18 | ||||
| 2019–20
|Bundesliga |32 | 16 | 2 | 2 | colspan=2|— | 9{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 2 | colspan=2|— | 43 | 20 | |||
| 2020–21
|Bundesliga |34 | 20 | 4 | 3 | colspan=2|— | 3{{efn|name=UEL}} | 2 | colspan=2|— | 41 | 25 | |||
| 2021–22
|Bundesliga |18 | 6 | 1 | 1 | colspan=2|— | 5{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 24 | 7 | |||
| colspan=2|Total
!118 | 59 | 9 | 7 | colspan=2|— | 17 | 4 | colspan=2|— | 144 | 70 | |||
| rowspan=3|Burnley
|20 | 2 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 20 | 2 | |||||
| 2024–25
|2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 2 | 0 | ||||
| colspan=2|Total
!22 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 22 | 2 | |||
| Beşiktaş (loan)
|16 | 8 | 2 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 18 | 9 | ||||
| Manchester United (loan)
|Premier League |17 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6{{efn|name=UEL}} | 1 | colspan=2|— | 31 | 2 | ||
| TSG Hoffenheim (loan)
|Bundesliga |28 | 7 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 30 | 7 | ||||
| Ajax
|Eredivisie |17 | 7 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 5{{efn|name=UEL}} | 1 | colspan=2|— | 24 | 8 | |||
| colspan=3|Career total
!404 | 156 | 39 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 494 | 189 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 19 November 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=30193 |title=Wout Weghorst |website=EU-Football.info|access-date=22 May 2024}}
| class=wikitable style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| rowspan="7"|Netherlands
|2018 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 8 | 2 |
| 2022 | 7 | 3 |
| 2023 | 10 | 3 |
| 2024 | 14 | 6 |
| colspan="2"|Total | 43 | 14 |
|---|
{{updated|match played 19 November 2024}}
:Netherlands score listed first, score column indicates score after each Weghorst goal.
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition !scope=col|No. !scope=col|Date !scope=col|Venue !scope=col|Cap !scope=col|Opponent !scope=col|Score !scope=col|Result !scope=col|Competition |
| scope=row| 1
| 6 June 2021 || De Grolsch Veste, Enschede, Netherlands ||align="center"| 6 || {{fb|GEO}} ||align="center"| 2–0 ||align="center"| 3–0 || Friendly |
|---|
| scope=row| 2
| 13 June 2021 || Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands ||align="center"| 7 || {{fb|UKR}} ||align="center"| 2–0 ||align="center"| 3–2 || UEFA Euro 2020 |
| scope=row| 3
| 8 June 2022 || Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales ||align="center"| 13 || {{fb|WAL}} ||align="center"| 2–1 ||align="center"| 2–1 || 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A |
| scope=row| 4
| rowspan=2|9 December 2022 || rowspan=2|Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar ||align="center" rowspan=2| 19 || rowspan=2|{{fb|ARG}} ||align="center"| 1–2 ||align="center" rowspan=2| 2–2 {{pen|3–4}} || rowspan=2|2022 FIFA World Cup |
| scope=row| 5
| align="center"| 2–2 |
| scope=row| 6
| 7 September 2023 || Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands ||align="center"| 24 || {{fb|GRE}} ||align="center"| 3–0 ||align="center"| 3–0 || UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying |
| scope=row| 7
| 10 September 2023 || Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland ||align="center"| 25 || {{fb|IRL}} ||align="center"| 2–1 || align="center"| 2–1 || UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying |
| scope=row| 8
| 18 November 2023 || Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands ||align="center"| 28 || {{fb|IRL}} ||align="center"| 1–0 || align="center"| 1–0 || UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying |
| scope=row| 9
| 22 March 2024 || Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands ||align="center"| 30 || {{fb|SCO}} ||align="center"| 3–0 || align="center"| 4–0 || Friendly |
| scope=row| 10
| 6 June 2024 || De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands ||align="center"| 32 || {{fb|CAN}} ||align="center"| 3–0 || align="center"| 4–0 || Friendly |
| scope=row| 11
| 10 June 2024 || De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands ||align="center"| 33 || {{fb|ISL}} ||align="center"| 4–0 || align="center"| 4–0 || Friendly |
| scope=row| 12
| 16 June 2024 || Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany ||align="center"| 34 || {{fb|POL}} ||align="center"| 2–1 || align="center"| 2–1 || UEFA Euro 2024 |
| scope=row| 13
| 7 September 2024 || Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands ||align="center"|40 ||{{fb|BIH}} ||align="center"|4–2 |align="center"| 5–2 ||2024–25 UEFA Nations League A |
| scope=row| 14
| 16 November 2024 || Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands ||align="center"| 42 || {{fb|HUN}} ||align="center"| 1–0 || align="center"| 4–0 || 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A |
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185184/speler/11978 Profile] at the Royal Dutch Football Association website {{in lang|nl}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{AFC Ajax squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Netherlands squads
| bg = #F1771D
| fg = white
| bordercolor = #21468B
| list1 =
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{Netherlands squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Weghorst, Wout}}
Category:People from Borne, Overijssel
Category:Footballers from Overijssel
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