From San Siro to the Etihad, a new chapter is underway for Tijjani Reijnders. The midfielder who made his mark at Milan with key goals and a calm presence joined Manchester City not as a headline act, but as a player of balance.
In a sport often driven by noise, his story is one of quiet confidence, discipline and steady impact.
Manchester City’s squad was in urgent need of renewal after Kevin De Bruyne's departure left a creative vacuum. City moved swiftly, bringing in Reijnders as part of a reimagined midfield that now also includes the mercurial Rayan Cherki.
A classic box-to-box midfielder, the Dutchman thrives on identifying and exploiting space – both on and off the ball.
As evidenced by his performance in the Club World Cup so far, Reijnders has slotted in at his new club with ease. “He is a really, really good player. You feel it, you smell it. The pace, in the final third, with the ball, when he will get a little bit more rhythm, he will be top,” said Pep Guardiola of his new acquisition.
After arriving at Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, Reijnders' quality quickly shone through. Named Serie A’s best midfielder of the season, he scored 15 goals in all competitions, the most of any central midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues. He emerged as a rare bright spot in an underwhelming Milan side.
Reijnders credits his family’s influence and closeness for the growth of his career.
“My mother is Indonesian and my father is Dutch,” he said. “My siblings and I are a mix. My son Xavien is an incredible mix because my wife is from Iraq.
“As a child, I had Indonesian and Dutch influences which shaped me into who I am today. From Dutch culture, I learnt to stay grounded, and from the Indonesian side, to be very proud of what you do and achieve.”
That blend of cultures extends even to his name. Tijjani Reijnders was named after Nigerian winger Tijani Babangida, a former Ajax star whose talent left a lasting impression on his parents. Drawn to the name as much as the player’s flair, they chose it for their son, a not-so-subtle nod to the game that would soon shape his life.
Football ran deep in the family. His father, Martin Reijnders, was also a footballer, a forward who played in the Netherlands, Finland, and the United States.
Following in his footsteps, Tijjani pursued the sport from a young age. But humility was always part of the journey. While rising through the ranks at PEC Zwolle’s academy, his parents insisted he take a job stacking shelves at Aldi to learn the value of money and ensure discipline.
He met his Iraqi wife, Marina, on Instagram, pursuing her until she agreed to meet him for tea. From the start, he told her that his first girlfriend would be his wife, and so it proved.
Marina was by his side as Reijnders' career gathered momentum, and in February last year their son Xavien was born in Milan. Reijnders describes him as “a beautiful blend of cultures” and is proud that his first word was in Arabic: “Baba.”
Reijnders has often expressed his deep gratitude to Milan – the city that embraced his young family and the club that offered him the platform to thrive. But his journey there might never have happened.
When Barcelona came calling, it was his dad who advised him to walk away. “Obviously it’s flattering that they had him in their sights, after all, we are talking about Barca,” Reijnders senior told Algemeen Dagblad.
“But they were looking for a replacement for Sergio Busquets. I immediately said to Tijjani: ‘You’re not that type of player. Before you know it, you’ll be on the bench, just another talent who didn’t make it abroad'.”
In Milan, Reijnders found exactly what he needed: consistency, clarity, and the space to grow. “Speaking with [Stefano] Pioli [Milan’s former coach] I discovered that the club had followed me all year and the coach knew exactly what I could add to the team and had also been very clear about my role as an attacking midfielder,” he said.
Reijnders is most comfortable as a number eight – a dynamic presence who shuttles between boxes and contributes to both attacking and defensive phases.
Under Paolo Fonseca, who succeeded Pioli, his versatility became even more evident. He was at times deployed just behind the striker, and at others as a deep-lying number six shielding the back line.
What truly set him apart, however, was his composure on the biggest stages. He scored in three Milan derbies last season and delivered a standout performance against Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League.
Sergio Conceicao's arrival saw Reijnders evolve further, becoming both the heartbeat of Milan’s midfield and a visible leader on the pitch. When trailing 1–0 to Cesc Fabregas’s Como in Serie A, he showcased the full scope of his game. He assisted Christian Pulisic’s equaliser and rattled the crossbar before finally curling in the winner.
Amid managerial upheaval, Reijnders provided consistency. His tactical intelligence flourished, his game matured and his influence grew, catching the attention of Manchester City, among others.
“It feels like the right time for Reijnders to make this move,” Italian football expert Nicky Bandini told The National.
“To me it seemed like the world sat up and paid attention a bit after his performances for the Netherlands at Euro 24 but if anything, the last year has given him a chance to show even more what a player he has become.
“This was a difficult season for Milan, changing managers in the summer then again in December, and more than any other player Reijnders showed he could adapt to different systems and fill different roles in the team – something that a manager such as Guardiola, with his constantly evolving schemes, will always appreciate.
“I don't think City fans should necessarily expect him to keep up his scoring rate from this season – 15 goals across all competitions – because that's still not his primary role as a footballer.
“But I think that number reflects how he has matured and become more confident in his decisions in the final third. He has talked about being less hasty on the pitch, and it shows.”
Reijnders earned praise for his positional discipline and ability to shield the ball during City’s opening match against Wydad Casablanca. Yet questions remain over his defensive bite and effectiveness in duels – areas still ripe for development.
Rested against Al Ain, his upcoming test against Juventus will offer another snapshot of his talents against familiar opposition.
It will be fascinating to see whether Guardiola, alongside Reijnders' compatriot and new assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders, can help him evolve into a truly complete midfielder.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier
Sunday's results:
- UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
- Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
- Oman v Hong Kong, no result
Tuesday fixtures:
- Malaysia v Singapore
- UAE v Oman
- Nepal v Hong Kong
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENetflix%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKris%20Fade%2C%20Ebraheem%20Al%20Samadi%2C%20Zeina%20Khoury%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
The years Ramadan fell in May
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Manchester United's summer dealings
In
Victor Lindelof (Benfica) £30.7 million
Romelu Lukaku (Everton) £75 million
Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) £40 million
Out
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Released
Wayne Rooney (Everton) Free transfer
Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad) £9.8 million
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Results
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner No Riesgo Al Maury, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Marwa W’Rsan, Sam Hitchcott, Jaci Wickham.
6pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Dahess D’Arabie, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi.
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner Safin Al Reef, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,200m
Winner Thulbaseera Al Jasra, Shakir Al Balushi, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 80,000 2,200m
Winner Autumn Pride, Szczepan Mazur, Helal Al Alawi.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
