Career Timeline of John Heitinga: Major Achievements and Milestones

How John Heitinga built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

John Heitinga is a Dutch football coach and former player, primarily a centre-back. He is currently an assistant first-team coach at Liverpool Football Club, a Premier League club. His career involved playing professional football before transitioning to coaching.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 2001: Debut for Ajax First Team

On 26 August 2001, John Heitinga made his debut for the Ajax first team against Feyenoord, joining a wave of talent including Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Cristian Chivu. He was also featured in the documentary "Ajax: Hark the Herald Angel Sings" alongside other Ajax academy pupils.

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2001: Joined Ajax first squad

In 2001, John Heitinga, a product of the Ajax Youth Academy, joined the first squad of Ajax.

2003: Second comeback after injury

In 2003, John Heitinga made his second comeback at the start of the 2003–04 season and impressed in his first game since injury against Volendam.

February 2004: Debut for Netherlands national team

In February 2004, John Heitinga made his debut for the Netherlands national team.

February 2004: Senior debut for Netherlands

On 18 February 2004, John Heitinga made his senior debut for the Netherlands in a friendly game against the United States and made an immediate impact.

2004: Never lost his spot in the national team under Marco van Basten

In 2004, Despite club struggles, John Heitinga never lost his spot in the national team under Marco van Basten.

2004: Euro 2004 participation

In 2004, John Heitinga was included in the squad for the Euro 2004 in Portugal. He started as first choice right back but was suspended for a match after being sent off. He returned in the quarter-final against Sweden, converted his penalty, but the Dutch were eliminated by Portugal in the semi-finals.

2006: Represented Netherlands at the World Cup

In 2006, John Heitinga represented the Netherlands at the World Cup.

2006: Selected for the Dutch national team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup

John Heitinga was selected by Van Basten for the Dutch national team to compete in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Germany. The Dutch side qualified for the second round but were knocked out by Portugal.

2007: Moved to Atlético Madrid

At the end of the 2007–08 season, John Heitinga moved to Atlético Madrid for a fee of £8.8 million.

2007: Announcement of leaving Ajax

In 2007, it was announced that John Heitinga would be leaving Ajax at the end of the 2007–08 season.

2008: Departure from Ajax

In 2008, John Heitinga ended his time with Ajax after playing for their first squad since 2001.

2008: Represented Netherlands at the European Championship and Named Dutch Footballer of the Year

In 2008, John Heitinga represented the Netherlands at the European Championship and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year.

2008: Called up to the Dutch squad for Euro 2008

John Heitinga was called up to the Dutch squad for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

September 2009: Joined Everton

In September 2009, John Heitinga joined English Premier League club Everton on a five-year contract for a fee of around €7.04 million (£6.2 million). He was given squad number 5.

November 2009: Made 50th appearance for the Netherlands

On 18 November 2009, John Heitinga made his 50th appearance for the Netherlands in a friendly against Paraguay.

2009: Signed for Everton

In 2009, John Heitinga signed for Everton after a one-year spell at Atlético Madrid.

2010: Played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final

In 2010, John Heitinga played in every game as the Netherlands reached the final of the FIFA World Cup. He was sent off in the 109th minute after receiving his second yellow card. The Netherlands lost the final 1–0 to Spain.

2010: Represented Netherlands at the World Cup

In 2010, John Heitinga represented the Netherlands at the World Cup.

2011: Scored first goal for Everton

In 2011, John Heitinga scored his first goal for Everton in a 1–1 draw at home to Birmingham City.

2012: Represented Netherlands at the European Championship

In 2012, John Heitinga represented the Netherlands at the European Championship.

January 2014: Agreed terms with West Ham United but turned down the move

In January 2014, Everton and West Ham United agreed terms for the transfer of John Heitinga, but he turned down the move.

January 2014: Joined Fulham

In January 2014, John Heitinga joined Fulham for a six-month spell.

May 2014: Released from Fulham

On 23 May 2014, John Heitinga was released from Fulham at the end of his contract.

June 2014: Signed for Hertha BSC

In June 2014, John Heitinga signed a two-year contract with German club Hertha BSC.

June 2015: Returned to Ajax

In June 2015, John Heitinga returned to his boyhood club, Ajax, for a single season.

June 2021: Appointed manager of Jong Ajax

In June 2021, John Heitinga was appointed manager of Jong Ajax, the reserve team of Ajax competing in the Eerste Divisie. He signed a contract for two seasons running until June 2023.

2022: Contract extension with Ajax

In 2022, John Heitinga extended his contract as manager of Jong Ajax until 2025.

January 2023: Appointed interim manager of Ajax

On 27 January 2023, John Heitinga was appointed interim manager of Ajax's first team for the remainder of the season, following the dismissal of Alfred Schreuder.

June 2023: Departure from Ajax management

On 1 June 2023, it was announced that John Heitinga would not continue as manager of Ajax beyond his interim spell, with the club deciding to appoint Maurice Steijn instead.

September 2023: Appointed First-Team Coach at West Ham United

In September 2023, John Heitinga was appointed first-team coach at West Ham United as assistant to David Moyes.

May 2024: Left West Ham United

In May 2024, John Heitinga left West Ham United following the departure of David Moyes.

July 2024: Appointed Assistant Coach at Liverpool

On 17 July 2024, John Heitinga was appointed as the new assistant coach at Liverpool.

February 2025: Took Charge of Liverpool

On 26 February 2025, John Heitinga took charge of Liverpool for the first time in a 2-0 win over Newcastle United, whilst manager Arne Slot and assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff were suspended.