It’s a page that is turning for Kevin Strootman. At 34, the Dutch midfielder announced his retirement, after leaving Genoa this summer and remaining without a club.
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It was on social networks, with a sober black and white publication, that the former Dutch international made the end of his career official, thus closing a rich journey but marked by injuries which slowed down his rise. Kevin Strootman has never been spared from physical problems. The turning point in his career came in 2014, when a cruciate ligament rupture deprived him of the World Cup in Brazil. This injury kept him away from the field for many months and had a strong impact on the rest of his career, despite attempts to return to his best level.
A move to OM
Trained at PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup and Super Cup in 2012, the midfielder then played for several prestigious clubs. He notably wore the colors of AS Roma, where he played 154 matches between 2013 and 2018. At Roma, Kevin Strootman left an unforgettable memory, even becoming captain and receiving an ovation from the public during his return with the Genoa in 2023. On the other hand, his time at Olympique de Marseille was more mixed. Hampered by injuries, he failed to establish himself as a manager, despite a significant salary which sparked much criticism.
With a total of 487 club matches played, Kevin Strootman has had moments of glory and difficulty. If his spells at Rome and PSV remained the most memorable, his adventure in Marseille left a more bitter taste, with a limited sporting impact due to recurring injuries. On the international stage, Strootman has also had his ups and downs. With 46 caps between 2011 and 2020, he has long been a key part of the Netherlands team. But, again, injuries slowed down his rise. He thus leaves the world of professional football with a taste of unfinished business, despite strong moments at club. At 34, he closes a chapter in a career that has been marked by resilience and a love of the game.
