Lorem ipsumdolor

Full Name: Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee
Date of Birth: May 22, 2001 (Age 23)
Place of Birth: Schiedam, Netherlands
Height: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position: Forward
Current Team: Manchester United

Career Overview

An emerging Forward

    Joshua Zirkzee is an exciting forward who plays for Manchester United in the English Premier League. Born to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother, he began his footballing journey at the age of 5 with the local team VV Hekelingen. After three years, he trained at several academies in the Netherlands. His talents were evident from a young age and he quickly attracted attention from leading academies across Europe. He eventually joined Bayern Munich’s youth setup, known as Bayern Munich II and made his professional debut for the club on July 20, 2019, in a 3. Liga game against Würzburger Kickers. Later that year, he made his senior team debut, scoring a goal in his league debut. After loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht, he joined Bologna permanently in 2022. He ended the 2023/2024 season as Bologna’s top scorer with 11 goals, leading them to a 5th-place finish and securing a Champions League spot for the first time since 1965. In July 2024, he was highly sought after by many leading European clubs and eventually transferred to Manchester United.

Player Man United Summary 2024-2025 Season

Matches Played

1

Minutes

30

Goals

1

Strength

Sidestep attackers

Joshua Zirkzee’s strengths are evident in several key areas of his game. His link-up play and ball retention are exceptional, allowing him to effectively bring his teammates into play. He uses his tactical awareness and positioning to hold up the ball and draw defenders out, creating space for others. Zirkzee’s physicality and body strength make him a formidable presence during set pieces, as he can hold off defenders. His intelligent movement in and around the box allows him to find space and position himself to either create or score. Despite his height, Zirkzee possesses notable pace, which makes him even more effective in attack. His work rate is also commendable, as he consistently contributes defensively by using his strength to press high and disrupt the opposition’s build-up play.
Notable Attributes

Overlapping runs

In addition to his strengths, Zirkzee has several notable attributes that further enhances his game. His versatility in positioning allows him to operate not only centrally but also in wider areas, making him capable of playing anywhere in attack. For a player of his size, his technical skills are quite impressive. He displays flair on the ball, sometimes reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimović and his ability to execute complex moves under pressure makes him an unpredictable force in attack. He also positions himself effectively in the box, creating more opportunities for himself and the team.

Professional Journey

started at VV Hekelingen

Joshua Zirkzee started his football journey at VV Hekelingen in 2007 before joining the youth academies at Spartaan ’20 in 2010, ADO Den Haag in 2013 and Feyenoord. However, it was at Bayern Munich II that he made his professional debut in July 2019. His performances for the youth team were so impressive that former Bayern manager Hansi Flick gave him his senior team debut later that year in a Champions League game against Tottenham Hotspur. He was part of the Bayern team that won the treble in 2020. The following season, he was loaned to Parma in Italy and subsequently to R.S.C. Anderlecht in Belgium after failing to secure adequate game time at the Italian club. He later returned to Italy in 2023, joining Bologna FC in Serie A. There, he quickly became one of the most important players for the team under the tutelage of Thiago Motta. Zirkzee ended the 2023/2024 campaign with Bologna by scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists, helping the team finish the season in 5th place and earning a Champions League spot.

His impressive performances for Bologna earned him a move to English giants Manchester United in July 2024. He immediately made an impact, coming off the bench to score the only goal in a 1-0 win against Fulham on his debut.

Internationally, although eligible to play for Nigeria, Zirkzee opted to represent the Netherlands. He has represented the Dutch national team at all youth levels from U-15 to U-21 and eventually earned a senior call-up for Euro 2024, making his debut in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against Turkey.
Conclusion

excellent reader of the game

    Joshua Zirkzee is a promising and exciting young forward who is quickly establishing himself as a rare talent. Standing at 6 ft 4 in, I have seen only a few forwards with his frame who can match his skills on the ball. He is a pure joy to watch, with versatility and intelligence that allow him to play anywhere in attack, even as a supporting striker. With his recent move to Manchester United, Zirkzee has already begun to make his mark on the game. If he continues to develop at the current trajectory and maintains his level of performance, he could become a key figure for both club and country in a few seasons. He has already shown his quality to Manchester United fans, scoring with a deft touch on his debut. If he stays consistent and becomes more clinical, he could be regarded as one of the best forwards by the end of his career. One thing is certain: the future looks bright for this rising star!

Want us to feature a Rising Star?

Please, enter the player’s name and your email address. Our team member would reach out to you


    * Your mail address will be fully secure . We don’t share!