Max de Ligt

Max de Ligt (born 20 July 2004) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Sparta Rotterdam, where he also represents Jong Sparta Rotterdam.

Club career

Youth career De Ligt began his football development in the youth academy of Feyenoord. In 2015, he joined the youth setup of FC Utrecht, where he played for several youth teams before moving to the academy of Sparta Rotterdam in 2022.

Senior career From the 2022–23 season onwards, De Ligt became part of Jong Sparta Rotterdam, the reserve side competing in the Tweede Divisie. He quickly established himself as a regular starter in defence.

On 5 April 2024, De Ligt signed his first professional contract with Sparta Rotterdam until mid-2026, with an option for an additional year, which was later activated.

On 18 December 2024, De Ligt made his first-team debut for Sparta Rotterdam in a KNVB Cup match against Go Ahead Eagles. He came on during extra time, as Sparta were eventually eliminated after a penalty shoot-out.