Joshua Zirkzee is a professional Dutch footballer who currently plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and the Netherlands national team. Known for his unique blend of physical power, standing at 1.93m, and technical elegance, he emerged as one of Europe’s most promising talents during a standout 2023–24 season with Bologna. Following his €42.5 million transfer to Old Trafford in July 2024, Zirkzee has become a focal point of United’s tactical evolution under managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Zirkzee’s early development in the Bayern Munich academy, his transformative period in Serie A, and his current role in the Premier League. We will explore his “False 9” playing style, his international career with the Oranje, and key statistics that define his impact on the pitch as of 2026.
Early Life and Family Background
Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee was born on May 22, 2001, in Schiedam, Netherlands, to a Nigerian mother and a Dutch father. He grew up in a multi-cultural household in Spijkenisse, where his passion for football was nurtured from a very young age alongside his cousin, Nelson Amadin.
His Nigerian heritage remains a significant part of his identity, with his middle name “Orobosa” originating from the Edo language. Despite being eligible to represent Nigeria, Zirkzee committed to the Dutch national system early on, progressing through every youth level before his senior breakthrough.
Youth Career and Development Path
Zirkzee’s footballing journey began at the age of five with local club VV Hekelingen before he moved to the prestigious youth ranks of Spartaan ’20 in 2010. His rapid development saw him join ADO Den Haag in 2013 and eventually the Feyenoord academy in 2016, where he caught the eye of international scouts.
In 2017, he made a life-changing move to the Bayern Munich academy in Germany, seeking a path to elite European football. This transition proved successful as he quickly rose through the U17 and U19 squads, displaying a prolific scoring record that fast-tracked him to the senior team.
Professional Breakthrough at Bayern Munich
Joshua Zirkzee made a sensational professional debut for Bayern Munich in December 2019, scoring a winning goal against SC Freiburg just seconds after coming off the bench. He followed this with another late winner against Wolfsburg only days later, cementing his reputation as a “super-sub” during Bayern’s treble-winning 2019–20 season.
While he earned a Champions League winner’s medal that season, regular starts were hard to come by with Robert Lewandowski leading the line. This lack of consistent minutes eventually led to loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht to further his development.
Transformative Loan Season at Anderlecht
The 2021–22 season at Anderlecht proved to be the turning point for Zirkzee’s career as he finished as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions. Playing under manager Vincent Kompany, he developed the “link-up” play that has since become his trademark, providing 13 assists alongside his goals.
This season in Belgium demonstrated that Zirkzee was more than just a poacher; he was a creative engine capable of leading a high-press system. His performances attracted interest from across Europe, setting the stage for a permanent move away from Munich.
Serie A Success with Bologna
In August 2022, Zirkzee signed for Bologna in a deal worth approximately €8.5 million, a move that would redefine his career trajectory. Under the guidance of coach Thiago Motta during the 2023–24 season, he became the centerpiece of a team that made history by qualifying for the Champions League.
Zirkzee was named the Serie A Best Under-23 Player after recording 11 goals and 5 assists in a single league campaign. His ability to drop deep and orchestrate play earned him comparisons to legendary forwards like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Ronaldinho.
Manchester United Transfer and Debut
Manchester United secured Zirkzee’s signature in July 2024 for a fee of £36.5 million (€42.5 million), beating out competition from AC Milan. He signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, becoming the first major signing of the INEOS era under the club’s new sporting structure.
His debut was nothing short of a fairy tale, as he came off the bench to score an 87th-minute winner against Fulham at Old Trafford. This immediate impact instantly endeared him to the Stretford End and solidified his place in the matchday squad.
Tactical Analysis and Playing Style
Zirkzee is often described as a “9.5”—a hybrid between a traditional striker (9) and a creative playmaker (10). His primary strength lies in his “relationist” approach, where he uses his large frame to shield the ball while utilizing elite vision to find overlapping wingers.
Unlike traditional target men who stay in the box, Zirkzee frequently drifts into the “half-spaces” to create numerical advantages in midfield. This fluidity makes him a nightmare for central defenders who are forced to decide between following him deep or holding their defensive line.
International Career with the Netherlands
After representing the Netherlands at every youth level from U15 to U21, Zirkzee received a late call-up to the senior squad for UEFA Euro 2024. He made his debut in the quarter-final victory over Turkey, becoming one of the few players to debut for the Oranje during a major tournament.
As of early 2026, he has become a regular fixture in Ronald Koeman’s squads, often competing with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo for a starting spot. His versatility allows him to play as a lone striker or in a twin-forward system, providing tactical flexibility for the national team.
Performance in the 2025–26 Season
The 2025–26 campaign has seen Zirkzee adapt to the tactical shifts brought in by Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system at Manchester United. While he faced a minor injury setback in early January, he remains a vital rotational piece, contributing key goals in both the Premier League and Europa League.
Statistically, Zirkzee continues to rank among the top forwards in Europe for successful dribbles and progressive passes per 90 minutes. His ability to facilitate play for teammates like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes remains his most valued attribute in the United lineup.
Relationship with Ruben Amorim
Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, Zirkzee had to adjust to the specific demands of Ruben Amorim’s high-intensity, structured tactical setup. Amorim has publicly praised Zirkzee’s “footballing intelligence,” utilizing him as one of the two “inverted 10s” behind a primary striker.
This shift in role has seen Zirkzee take on more defensive responsibilities, often leading the first line of the press. Despite rumors of a return to Italy in the January 2026 window, Zirkzee has remained committed to the project at Old Trafford.
Comparison to Rasmus Højlund
The dynamic between Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund is a central theme of Manchester United’s current attacking strategy. While Højlund offers explosive pace and direct runs behind the defense, Zirkzee provides the technical security and ball retention required to break down low blocks.
Managers often choose between the two based on the opposition’s defensive line height. Against teams that sit deep, Zirkzee’s ability to find pockets of space is often preferred, whereas Højlund is the go-to option for counter-attacking scenarios.
Physical Attributes and Technical Skills
Standing at 6’4″ (193cm), Zirkzee possesses the physical profile of a classic target man but pairs it with remarkably “soft” feet. His close control in tight spaces is exceptional for a player of his height, allowing him to execute delicate flicks and turns that bypass multiple defenders.
Technically, he is proficient with both feet, though he is naturally right-footed. His heading ability is a growing part of his game, making him an indirect threat during set-pieces and crosses into the box.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the pitch, Joshua Zirkzee is known for his calm demeanor and interest in fashion and basketball, often seen at NBA-related events in London and Paris. He maintains a close-knit circle of friends and family, frequently crediting his parents for his disciplined approach to professional sport.
He is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his training regime and life in Manchester. Despite the pressures of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs, he is noted for his grounded personality and professional conduct.
Transfer Rumors and Future Outlook
Throughout late 2025 and early 2026, Zirkzee has been the subject of intense transfer speculation involving a potential return to Serie A with Juventus or Napoli. However, United management has consistently rebuffed these approaches, viewing him as a long-term asset for the club’s rebuilding phase.
His current contract runs until June 2029, giving Manchester United significant leverage in any negotiations. As he approaches his mid-20s, the focus remains on transforming his elite technical potential into consistent goal-scoring output in the Premier League.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans looking to see Joshua Zirkzee in action at Old Trafford or learn more about his matchday involvements, the following details are essential:
- Match Venue: Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0RA.
- Ticket Prices: Premier League home match tickets typically range from £40 to £100 for standard seating, depending on the opponent.
- How to Get There: The Manchester Metrolink (Tram) stops at Old Trafford and Wharfside stations, both within a 10-minute walk of the stadium.
- What to Expect: A high-energy atmosphere with significant security checks; arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kick-off.
- Stadium Tours: Guided tours are available daily (except on match days) for approximately £25–£35, offering a chance to see the dressing rooms and dugout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Joshua Zirkzee scored for Manchester United? As of early 2026, Joshua Zirkzee has scored 9 goals for Manchester United across all competitions. His first goal came on his Premier League debut against Fulham in August 2024.
What is Joshua Zirkzee’s height and weight? Joshua Zirkzee stands at 1.93 meters (approximately 6 feet 4 inches) tall. He maintains an athletic build of around 89 kg, which allows him to compete physically in the Premier League.
Is Joshua Zirkzee Nigerian or Dutch? Zirkzee holds Dutch citizenship and was born in the Netherlands. However, he is of Nigerian descent through his mother and was eligible to play for Nigeria before committing to the Dutch national team.
What position does Joshua Zirkzee play? He primarily plays as a center-forward or “False 9.” He is also highly effective as an attacking midfielder (number 10) due to his excellent passing and link-up play.
Which club did Zirkzee play for before Manchester United? Zirkzee played for Bologna in Italy’s Serie A for two seasons (2022–2024). Before that, he was a Bayern Munich player with loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht.
How much did Manchester United pay for Joshua Zirkzee? Manchester United triggered a release clause and reached an agreement worth approximately £36.5 million (€42.5 million) in July 2024. The deal also involved significant agent fees.
Has Joshua Zirkzee won any trophies? Yes, Zirkzee won the continental treble (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League) with Bayern Munich in 2020. He also won several individual awards, including the Serie A U23 Player of the Season.
What is Joshua Zirkzee’s jersey number? Zirkzee currently wears the number 11 shirt for Manchester United. He took over the number following his arrival in the summer of 2024.
Who is Joshua Zirkzee’s girlfriend? Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly in a relationship with Celina Kerr, a Dutch model and social media influencer. The couple has been seen together at various high-profile events.
Is Joshua Zirkzee leaving Manchester United in 2026? While there has been significant interest from Italian clubs like Juventus, recent reports indicate that Zirkzee will remain at Manchester United through at least the end of the 2025–26 season.
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