Erik Bakker

Erik Bakker (born 21 March 1990) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Career Zwolle Bakker was born in Hoogeveen, Drenthe, Netherlands, and grew up in nearby Koekange. He started his football career in the youth department of local amateur club WIJC, before joining FC Zwolle's youth academy in 2000.

On 10 August 2007, he made his professional debut for their first team, replacing Anton Jongsma in the 82nd minute of a 1–1 away draw against Haarlem in the Eerste Divisie. On 7 September 2007, he scored his first professional goal in a 4–1 home win over Den Bosch. Bakker then signed a two-year contract extension with an option for an additional year on 26 September 2007. In February 2009, Zwolle extended his contract again, keeping him a Blauwvinger until 2012.

Cambuur In June 2011, Bakker signed a two-year contract with Cambuur. On the opening day of the season on 8 August, he debuted for the club, starting and scoring his first goal from a penalty in the 77th minute during a 4–2 away victory against AGOVV. He established himself as a key figure in the first team at the club, playing a pivotal role in Cambuur's clinching of the 2012–13 Eerste Divisie title, which consequently earned them promotion to the Eredivisie. He scored in the final game of the season; a 2–0 away win over Excelsior, which secured the first-place finish. At that point, he had developed into a prolific goalscorer while playing in midfield for Cambuur. He netted 11 goals in 19 league appearances during his first season at the club, followed by 10 goals in 29 league games during the promotion season. On 17 August 2013, he scored his first top-level goal, contributing to his team's 2–0 lead in a 4–1 home victory against Groningen. It was their first Eredivisie win since May 2000.

In October 2014, Bakker signed a contract extension, keeping him at Cambuur until 2017. At the conclusion of the 2015–16 season, Cambuur faced relegation back to the Eerste Divisie after three consecutive seasons in the Eredivisie. Bakker had made 80 appearances at the top level, scoring eight goals. There, he was set to replace Danny Holla, who had left for Twente.

Later career On 27 December 2019, Bakker joined VV Staphorst after a short one-month spell at Finland with FC Honka from August to September.

Honours Cambuur Eerste Divisie: 2012–13