Dirk Kuijt, born 22 July 1980 is a Dutch professional footballer who currently plays for English club Liverpool. He started his career as a striker, earning the nickname Dangerous Dirk due to his prowess in front of goal, but he has been converted into a winger and plays the position for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
Kuyt began his professional career with FC Utrecht in 1998 and quickly became part of their first team. He spent five years at the club and in his final season he won his first senior honour, the Dutch Cup, and was chosen as the season's Dutch Golden Shoe Winner. Following this, he left Utrecht in a €1 million transfer to Feyenoord. He became the club captain in 2005 and was a prolific goalscorer at the Rotterdam club; he was the club's top scorer for three consecutive seasons, the top goalscorer in the 2004–05 Eredivisie season, and the 2005–06 Dutch Footballer of the Year. Kuyt missed only five games over seven seasons from 1999 until 2006 and appeared in 179 consecutive matches between 2001–06, striking up a fruitful partnership with fellow Feyenoord teammate Salomon Kalou.
He left Feyenoord after three years, having scored 71 league goals in 101 appearances, and joined Premier League side Liverpool for £10 million. He made his Premier League debut late in 2006 and immediately became part of the first team squad. He scored in his first ever UEFA Champions League final with Liverpool against AC Milan, with Kuyt offering late hope for Liverpool although eventually losing 2–1.
He made his international debut in 2004 and has represented the Netherlands at three major international tournaments, the 2006 and 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008.
Personal information
Full name: Dirk Kuyt
Date of birth: 22 July 1980
Place of birth: Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands
Height: 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position: Winger, Striker
Club information
Current club: Liverpool
Number: 18
Youth career
1985–1998 Quick Boys
Senior career*
1998 Quick Boys 6 (3)
1998–2003 Utrecht 160 (51)
2003–2006 Feyenoord 101 (71)
2006– Liverpool 164 (40)
National team‡
2004– Netherlands 74 (18)