# Maarten Stekelenburg

> Dutch footballer (born 1982)

**Wikidata**: [Q182685](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q182685)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maarten_Stekelenburg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maarten-stekelenburg

## Summary
Maarten Stekelenburg is a Dutch professional footballer born in 1982, known for his career as a goalkeeper. He has played for prominent clubs and received recognition, including the AFC Ajax–player of the year award.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 22, 1982
- **Nationality**: Dutch (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- **Occupation**: Association football player (goalkeeper)
- **Known for**: Professional football career, notably as a goalkeeper
- **Employer(s)**: AFC Ajax (notable affiliation)
- **Field(s)**: Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Maarten Stekelenburg has contributed to the sport of football primarily through his role as a goalkeeper. His career includes playing for AFC Ajax, where he was recognized as the AFC Ajax–player of the year. His work on the field has involved participating in numerous matches, contributing to team successes, and maintaining a professional presence in the sport.

## FAQs
**What position does Maarten Stekelenburg play?**
Maarten Stekelenburg is a goalkeeper, a critical defensive position in association football.

**Which clubs has Maarten Stekelenburg played for?**
He is notably associated with AFC Ajax, where he achieved recognition as the club's player of the year.

**What awards has Maarten Stekelenburg received?**
He has been awarded the AFC Ajax–player of the year, highlighting his contributions to the club.

**When did Maarten Stekelenburg start his professional career?**
His professional career began in 2002, marking the start of his journey in professional football.

## Why They Matter
Maarten Stekelenburg's career as a goalkeeper has had a significant impact on the teams he has played for, particularly AFC Ajax. His skills and contributions on the field have helped shape the outcomes of matches and have been recognized through awards. His presence in the sport has influenced younger players and contributed to the legacy of Dutch football.

## Notable For
- Being a professional footballer specializing as a goalkeeper.
- Receiving the AFC Ajax–player of the year award.
- Starting his professional career in 2002.
- Representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the sport of football.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Maarten Stekelenburg was born on September 22, 1982, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As a citizen of the Netherlands, he grew up in a country with a rich footballing tradition, which likely influenced his career path.

### Professional Career
Stekelenburg began his professional football career in 2002. His primary role has been as a goalkeeper, a position that requires significant skill, agility, and strategic thinking. Throughout his career, he has played for several clubs, with a notable affiliation with AFC Ajax, one of the most prominent football clubs in the Netherlands.

### Awards and Recognition
One of the highlights of Stekelenburg's career is receiving the AFC Ajax–player of the year award. This recognition underscores his contributions to the club and his performance on the field. Such awards are typically given to players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact during their time with the club.

### Physical Attributes
Stekelenburg's physical attributes, such as his height and weight, are crucial for a goalkeeper. His height of 197.0 cm and weight of 84.0 kg are well-suited for the demands of the position, allowing him to cover a significant portion of the goal and make critical saves.

### Influence and Legacy
Stekelenburg's career has contributed to the broader landscape of Dutch football. His performances have not only aided his teams but have also inspired younger players aspiring to become professional footballers. His recognition and awards serve as a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.

### International Presence
As a Dutch footballer, Stekelenburg represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a country known for its strong footballing culture and history. His career is part of a larger tradition of Dutch footballers who have made significant contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally.

### Additional Identifiers
Stekelenburg's career and achievements are documented in various databases and platforms, including Wikidata, where he is identified with specific properties and sitelinks. These identifiers help track his career statistics, awards, and affiliations, providing a comprehensive overview of his professional journey.

## References

1. Transfermarkt
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013