Dirk Kuyt: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Dirk Kuyt is a winger for the Dutch national team, which takes on Argentina in today’s World Cup semifinal.

Watch the video above to see an interview with Kuyt, and read on for more about his life and career.

1. It’s His Third World Cup

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Kuyt has played for the Dutch national team during the last two World Cups. He spent most of the 2006 World Cup on the bench, while finishing the 2010 World Cup with one goal and three assists.

He made his national team debut in 2004 under coach Marco van Basten. He has also played for the Dutch team in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

2. His Plays for Fenerbahce

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Kuyt has played for Turkish Fenerbahce S.K. since 2012. His contract with the club expires in 2015.

Prior to Fenerbahce, Kuyt played for Liverpool F.C. where he was called, “a cult hero in the making,” by The Daily Mirror.

Before signing with Liverpool in 2006, he played for Dutch club Feyenoord where he had been since 2003. He began his professional career at Dutch Club FC Utrecht.

3. He Was the 2006 Dutch Player of the Year

Kuyt’s been awarded several individual honors, including the award for Dutch Football Player of the Year in 2006. He was awarded the Dutch Golden Shoe in 2003 and was an Eredivisie Top Scorer in 2005. He was part of the Fenerbahce team that won the Turkish Cup for the 2012-2013 season and helped Liverpool win the League Cup for the 2011-2012 season.

4. He’s Proved to Be an Important Part of the Dutch National Team

Kuyt has been called a “vital cog” in the Netherland’s quest for 2014 World Cup domination, after impressive performances in the Dutch matches against Mexico and Costa Rica. Kuyt managed to play a strong game against Mexico in spite of it being the seventh anniversary of his father’s death. Kuyt’s goal against Costa Rica helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of the World Cup after a post-game shoot-out during the Round of 16.

5. He’s Married With Children

Kuyt married his wife Gertrude on June 6, 2003. Gertrude is a favorite of the Dutch media because of her down-to-Earth attitude. Even after marrying Kuyt, she continued to work as a nurse in a nursing home until the birth of the couple’s daughter, Noelle. They also have three boys, Roan, Jorden and Aidan.

Both Gertrude and Dirk share photos of their big, happy family frequently on social media. Here are a few of the shots you need to see:

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