Wout Weghorst, the towering Dutch striker, has become one of the most talked-about players in European football. With his height, physicality, and knack for scoring goals, Weghorst has made a name for himself in several top European leagues, including the Eredivisie, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga. Known for his work ethic, leadership on the pitch, and ability to score from a variety of positions, Wout Weghorst has steadily grown into a well-rounded and dangerous forward.
This article provides an in-depth look at Wout Weghorst’s stats, career highlights, playing style, and much more. Whether you’re a fan of his current club, a follower of his past exploits, or someone looking to understand what makes Weghorst such a unique striker, this article is here to answer all of your questions. We will also touch on his international career with the Netherlands, his key strengths, and the impact he’s had in both club and international football.
Who is Wout Weghorst?
Wout Weghorst is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker. Known for his physical stature, heading ability, and goal-scoring record, Weghorst is considered one of the most prominent centre-forwards in European football today. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.97 meters), his height makes him a formidable presence in the air, while his skill set allows him to be a dynamic player in several attacking roles.
Born on August 7, 1992, in Bovenkarspel, Netherlands, Weghorst began his career in his home country before making the jump to higher-profile European leagues. Over the years, his performances for various clubs and his contributions to the Netherlands national team have earned him recognition across the continent.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born into a family with a strong football background, Wout Weghorst developed an early love for the sport. He joined the local youth club, FC Buitenboys, at a young age, where he quickly stood out for his natural talent and physicality. As he developed, he moved through the ranks of FC Emmen’s youth system, and his ability to dominate in the air and hold up play became apparent early on.
By the time he was 18, Wout was signed by FC Emmen, where he began his professional football career. It was during his time with FC Emmen that Weghorst began to truly establish himself as a forward to watch. His performances in the lower leagues quickly earned him a move to Heracles Almelo, where he took another step in his development before eventually catching the attention of AZ Alkmaar, one of the biggest clubs in the Eredivisie.
Wout Weghorst’s Career Path
Weghorst’s rise to prominence has been built on steady progress and consistent performances. Here’s a breakdown of his career journey:
FC Emmen (2012-2014): Wout Weghorst began his professional career with FC Emmen, playing in the second division of Dutch football. Over the course of his two-year spell, Weghorst quickly made a name for himself with his excellent hold-up play, aerial duels, and ability to score goals.
Heracles Almelo (2014-2016): Following his time at FC Emmen, Weghorst moved to Heracles Almelo, where he began to showcase his talents at a higher level in the Eredivisie. He scored regularly for the club and solidified his place as one of the league’s most promising strikers. His performances at Heracles earned him a move to AZ Alkmaar, a top Dutch club.
AZ Alkmaar (2016-2020): At AZ Alkmaar, Weghorst had his breakthrough season. He scored goals consistently, playing in both domestic and international competitions. In the 2017-2018 season, he netted an impressive 18 goals in the Eredivisie, and his performances helped raise his profile across Europe.
VfL Wolfsburg (2020-2022): After impressing at AZ Alkmaar, Weghorst made the move to Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg in 2020. At Wolfsburg, Weghorst continued his excellent form, becoming one of the standout forwards in the Bundesliga. During his time with Wolfsburg, Weghorst averaged around 12-15 goals per season, showcasing his consistency in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Burnley (2022-2023): In January 2022, Weghorst made a move to the Premier League, signing for Burnley. Unfortunately, Burnley was relegated at the end of the 2022-2023 season, but Weghorst’s presence in the Premier League was an important chapter in his career, with his aerial abilities and physical style of play making him a handful for Premier League defenders.
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Wout Weghorst is known for his towering frame and his ability to influence the game in several key ways. Here are some of his most significant strengths:
Aerial Dominance: One of Weghorst’s most impressive attributes is his heading ability. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, he is a formidable presence in the air, making him an ideal target for crosses and set pieces. His heading ability is complemented by his positioning, which allows him to time his jumps effectively and score with power.
Physicality and Hold-Up Play: Weghorst’s physical presence allows him to hold off defenders and create space for himself and his teammates. His ability to shield the ball, retain possession, and lay it off to other attacking players is a critical part of his game. He is often the focal point of his team’s attacking play, acting as the link between midfield and attack.
Finishing and Shot Power: Weghorst is known for his excellent finishing skills. He has a powerful shot, capable of scoring from a variety of positions. Whether it’s a header, a powerful strike from outside the box, or a composed finish in front of goal, Weghorst can find the back of the net in many ways.
Work Rate and Leadership: Another standout trait of Weghorst is his work ethic. He is known for tracking back, putting pressure on opposing defenders, and helping out defensively when needed. His leadership on and off the pitch has also earned him praise, and he often acts as a vocal presence in his team’s forward line.
Impact at Various Clubs: Wolfsburg, Burnley, and More
Weghorst S career in the Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg was one of the key periods in his career. His impressive goal-scoring ability helped the club compete in European competitions, with Weghorst consistently finishing as the team’s top scorer. His physical presence and ability to score in critical moments made him a key player in Wolfsburg’s attacking setup.
Weghorst’s stint at Burnley in the Premier League, though brief, gave him the chance to showcase his ability in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. While Burnley faced relegation, Weghorst’s performances in the English top flight were notable, and his time in the Premier League has helped him gain international recognition.
Wout Weghorst’s International Career with the Netherlands
Wout Weghorst has become a prominent figure in the Netherlands national team since making his debut in 2021. Known for his leadership and physicality, Weghorst has been called up for key international fixtures, including European qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League. Although not always a starter, Weghorst has proven to be an important asset for the national team, offering a different dimension to their attack with his aerial prowess and physicality. He has contributed with goals in key matches and has been seen as a valuable squad member for the Dutch national side.
Transfer Movements: Where Has Wout Weghorst Played?
Weghorst has had a successful and varied club career, playing for multiple top-flight teams in different European leagues. His moves from Heracles Almelo to AZ Alkmaar, and then to Wolfsburg, and later to Burnley showcase his rise through the ranks of European football. His next move is likely to be a topic of great interest, as several clubs have shown interest in acquiring his services due to his quality and experience.
What’s Next for Wout Weghorst?
Wout Weghorst’s football journey is one of steady progress, from his humble beginnings in the lower divisions of Dutch football to his rise in top European leagues. His blend of physicality, technical ability, and leadership has made him one of the most formidable centre-forwards in European football.
With his experience in various leagues and his growing importance to the Netherlands national team, Weghorst’s future looks bright. Whether he stays with Burnley or moves to another top European club, there’s no doubt that Wout Weghorst will continue to make a significant impact on the pitch for years to come. Fans and football analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on his career, as he strives to reach new heights in his quest to become one of the top strikers in the world.
FAQs
How many goals has Wout Weghorst scored for the Netherlands?
As of February 2025, Wout Weghorst has scored 12 goals for the Dutch national team in competitive matches. His international debut came in 2018, and since then, he has been a key figure in the Netherlands’ attack, particularly during their recent UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, where he scored several crucial goals.
What are Wout Weghorst’s best performances in club football?
Weghorst’s best performances in club football include standout seasons in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, where he was consistently one of the top scorers in the league. In the 2020/2021 season, Weghorst scored 20 goals in 34 Bundesliga matches. Additionally, his time at Burnley and his loan spell at Manchester United showcased his ability to adapt to different styles of play in the Premier League.
How many goals did Wout Weghorst score for Burnley in the Premier League?
During his time at Burnley in the Premier League (2022/2023 season), Wout Weghorst scored 2 goals in 20 Premier League appearances. Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, Weghorst’s physicality and work rate were highly regarded, even though his goal-scoring record was modest during his spell at the club.
How many goals did Wout Weghorst score at Wolfsburg?
Wout Weghorst had a highly successful period at VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga from 2018 to 2022. Over four seasons, he scored a total of 70 goals in 144 appearances for the club. His best individual season was in 2020/2021, where he netted 20 goals in the league, helping Wolfsburg secure a top-four finish.
Has Wout Weghorst ever played in a World Cup?
Yes, Wout Weghorst has represented the Netherlands in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup. He played an important role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored twice in the dramatic quarter-final match against Argentina, sending the game to extra time before the Dutch were eliminated in a penalty shootout.
In Summary
Wout Weghorst has established himself as a prominent figure in European football, known for his impressive physicality, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the field. His journey from Heracles Almelo to VfL Wolfsburg, Burnley, and Manchester United has showcased his adaptability across different leagues, and his move to Galatasaray in 2024 marks an exciting new chapter in his career. With notable achievements for both club and country, including his key contributions to the Netherlands national team and his consistent performances in the Super Lig, Weghorst continues to be a force to reckon with.
As he moves further into the later stages of his career, Wout Weghorst remains a vital asset to his teams, both in domestic and international competitions, and his future in football still holds much promise. Whether as a towering striker in the box or as a physical presence that dominates aerial battles, his statistics and career trajectory are a testament to his enduring quality and impact on the pitch.
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