{{Short description|Dutch footballer (born 2001)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Ruben Kluivert |image = Ruben Kluivert 1 (06-09-2022).jpg |caption = Kluivert with Utrecht in 2022 |full_name = Ruben Caine Kluivert<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ligue1.com/en/player-sheet/l1_championship_player_2025_159_105138|title=Ruben Caine Kluivert|access-date=19 August 2025|website=Ligue 1}}</ref> |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2001|5|21|df=y}} |birth_place = Amsterdam, Netherlands |height = 1.87 m |position = Centre-back, left-back |currentclub = Lyon |clubnumber = 21 |youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2018 |youthclubs1 = AFC |youthyears2 = 2018–2020 |youthclubs2 = Utrecht |years1 = 2020–2023 |clubs1 = Jong Utrecht |caps1 = 52 |goals1 = 2 |years2 = 2022–2023 |clubs2 = Utrecht |caps2 = 14 |goals2 = 0 |years3 = 2023–2024 |clubs3 = Dordrecht |caps3 = 20 |goals3 = 0 |years4 = 2024–2025 |clubs4 = Casa Pia |caps4 = 21 |goals4 = 1 |years5 = 2025– |clubs5 = Lyon |caps5 = 16 |goals5 = 1 |pcupdate = 17 May 2026 }}
'''Ruben Caine Kluivert''' (born 21 May 2001) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or left-back for Ligue 1 club Lyon.
==Career==
=== Early years === Born in Amsterdam, Kluivert began playing as a youth for local club AFC before moving to Utrecht, where he made his senior debut with the reserve team in the Eerste Divisie. In December 2019, at the age of 18, Kluivert signed his first professional contract with Utrecht, initially running until 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Espn |date=2019-12-14 |title=Ruben becomes third Kluivert to turn professional, signs deal with FC Utrecht |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37579780/ruben-becomes-third-kluivert-turn-professional-signs-deal-fc-utrecht |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On 16 March 2022, he extended his contract until 2024 with an option for an additional season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nieuw FC Utrecht-contract voor Ruben Kluivert |url=https://www.fcutrecht.nl/nieuws/2022/maart/nieuw-fc-utrecht-contract-voor-ruben-kluivert/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=FC Utrecht}}</ref> He made his first-team debut on 11 May 2022 in the Eredivisie as an added-time substitute for Willem Janssen in a 2–2 home draw with AZ.<ref>{{cite news |title=Liveblog: Douvikas maakt in extremis gelijk voor FC Utrecht tegen AZ |url=https://www.rtvutrecht.nl/sport/3398779/liveblog-douvikas-maakt-in-extremis-gelijk-voor-fc-utrecht-tegen-az |access-date=12 October 2022 |publisher=RTV Utrecht |date=11 May 2022 |language=Dutch}}</ref>
In September 2023, after five seasons at Utrecht, he left the club due to limited first-team prospects as judged by the technical management.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ruben Kluivert vervolgt loopbaan bij FC Dordrecht |url=https://www.fcutrecht.nl/nieuws/2023/september/ruben-kluivert-vervolgt-loopbaan-bij-fc-dordrecht/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=FC Utrecht}}</ref>
=== Dordrecht (2023-2024) === On 1 September 2023, Kluivert signed a two-year contract with Dordrecht.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Dordrecht|url=https://fcdordrecht.nl/geen-categorie/fc-dordrecht-versterkt-zich-met-ruben-kluivert/|title=FC Dordrecht versterkt zich met Ruben Kluivert|trans-title=FC Dordrecht strengthens itself with Ruben Kluivert|date=1 September 2023|access-date=1 September 2023|language=nl}}</ref>
=== Casa Pia (2024-2025) === In late June 2024, he joined Primeira Liga side Casa Pia.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Mário Rui Ventura|url=https://www.flashscore.pt/noticias/futebol-liga-portugal-confirmado-filho-de-patrick-kluivert-vai-ser-reforco-do-casa-pia/K69Rk5r9/|title=Confirmado: Filho de Patrick Kluivert vai ser reforço do Casa Pia | Flashscore.pt|website=www.flashscore.pt|language=pt|date=27 June 2024}}</ref> During the 2024–2025 season, he played 24 matches (21 in the league and 3 in cup competitions)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Jeune, rapide, abordable : Ruben Kluivert, une allégorie du mercato de l'OL |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Jeune-rapide-abordable-ruben-kluivert-une-allegorie-du-mercato-de-l-ol/1579863 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> and scored his first professional goal on 25 October 2024 in a 1–0 victory over Nacional.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/712683/cd-nacional-casa-pia |title=Casa Pia 1–0 C.D. Nacional |publisher=ESPN |date=25 October 2024 }}</ref>
=== Lyon (since 2025) === On 25 July 2025, Kluivert joined Ligue 1 side Lyon for a fee of €3.78 million and signed a contract until June 2030.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Arrivée de Ruben Kluivert à l’OL jusqu’en 2030|url=https://www.ol.fr/fr/actualites/arrivee-de-ruben-kluivert-a-l-ol-jusqu-en-2030|date=25 June 2025|publisher=Olympique Lyonnais|language=fr}}</ref>
==== 2025-2026 season ==== His early months in France were marked by adaptation difficulties. Initially deployed as a right-back, he faced criticism for his inexperience and committed several defensive errors.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2026-01-24 |title=Ligue 1 : Kluivert s'est fait une place à Lyon |url=https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/sports/ligue-1-kluivert-s-est-fait-une-place-a-lyon-1769274503 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=lanouvellerepublique.fr |language=fr}}</ref> On 2 October 2025, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 win over RB Salzburg in the Europa League.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pickering |first=Andrew |url=https://www.tribalfootball.com/article/soccer-europa-league-satriano-and-kluivert-lead-lyon-past-rb-salzburg-7c23635b-1b77-4685-bb65-4dfc2fa142d0 |title=Satriano and Kluivert lead Lyon past RB Salzburg |publisher=Tribal Football |date=3 October 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Patrick peut fanfaronner : ses trois fils Justin, Ruben et Shane Kluivert ont tous marqué cette semaine |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Patrick-peut-fanfaronner-ses-trois-fils-justin-ruben-et-shane-kluivert-ont-tous-marque-cette-semaine/1598896 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> His situation shifted in January 2026. Taking advantage of the absences of Moussa Niakhaté and Clinton Mata (both away at the AFCON), he was repositioned to his natural role as a centre-back. He became a fixture in Paulo Fonseca's starting eleven, contributing to a streak of eight consecutive victories, notably against Monaco, Lille, and Young Boys in European competition.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=« C'est un autre joueur maintenant, plein de confiance » : Ruben Kluivert peut-il bousculer la hiérarchie en défense centrale à l'OL ? |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/-c-est-un-autre-joueur-maintenant-plein-de-confiance-convaincant-avec-l-ol-depuis-le-debut-de-l-annee-ruben-kluivert-peut-il-bousculer-la-hierarchie-en-defense-centrale/1635994 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> However, his performances remained marked by lapses in concentration.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Un travail "mental" et "psychologique" : l'OL peut-il vraiment faire confiance à Ruben Kluivert ? |url=https://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-europa/2025-2026/un-travail-mental-et-psychologique-lol-peut-il-vraiment-faire-confiance-a-ruben-kluivert_sto23263840/story.shtml |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=www.eurosport.fr}}</ref> On 25 January 2026, during a 5–2 win against Metz, he scored his first Ligue 1 goal but also committed a direct turnover error that led to an opposition goal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-25 |title=Ligue 1. Les tops et flops de Metz – OL : la tornade Endrick voit triple, encore un cadeau défensif |url=https://www.leprogres.fr/sport/2026/01/25/les-tops-flops-de-metz-ol-la-tornade-endrick-voit-triple-encore-un-cadeau-defensif |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=www.leprogres.fr |language=FR-fr}}</ref> On 2 February 2026, he was named for the first time in the ''L'Équipe'' Team of the Day following a 1–0 victory over Lille.<ref>{{Cite web |title=L'équipe type de la 20e journée de Ligue 1 : la renaissance monégasque et plein de petits nouveaux |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-equipe-type-de-la-20e-journee-de-ligue-1-la-renaissance-monegasque-et-plein-de-petits-nouveaux/1638662 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> In early February 2026, he suffered an injury that sidelined him for several matches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berkane |first=Hanif Ben |date=2026-02-06 |title=OL : encore de grosses absences face à Nantes |url=https://www.footmercato.net/a6247795003074114046-ol-encore-de-grosses-absences-face-a-nantes |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert |language=fr}}</ref>
== Style of play == Kluivert is a versatile defender capable of playing as a centre-back or lateral.<ref name=":2" /> He is distinguished by his pace and physical strength in duels.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> While he is effective in offensive heading situations, his profile is noted for lapses in concentration and technical inconsistency in his clearances.<ref name=":3" />
==Personal life== Kluivert hails from a footballing family. His grandfather Kenneth played for Surinamese team Robinhood and moved to the Netherlands in 1970. His father, Patrick, played for European clubs including Ajax and Barcelona, and was a long-time Dutch international.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49118787|title=Patrick Kluivert: Former Barcelona striker rejoins club as academy director|date=25 July 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=27 August 2019}}</ref> His older brother Justin is also a professional footballer for AFC Bournemouth and the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|title= Justin Kluivert joins RB Leipzig on loan |url=https://www.dierotenbullen.com/en/news/articles/2020-21-season/RBL-loan-Kluivert.html |accessdate=5 October 2020 |publisher=RB Leipzig |date=5 October 2020}}</ref> He has two younger brothers, Quincy and Shane, who play for Zeeburgia and Barcelona U18 respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hendrix |first=Hale |date=20 July 2024 |title=Who is Justin Kluivert? The Legacy of Patrick Kluivert's Son |url=https://footballbiography.com/justin-kluivert-fathers-legendary-footsteps/ |access-date=10 January 2025 |website=Football Biography |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 17 May 2026}}<ref>{{Soccerway|ruben-kluivert/567698|access-date=1 June 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes KNVB Cup, Taça de Portugal, Coupe de France}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="5"|Jong Utrecht |2019–20 |Eerste Divisie |2||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||2||0 |- |2020–21 |Eerste Divisie |21||1||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||21||1 |- |2021–22 |Eerste Divisie |16||1||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||16||1 |- |2022–23 |Eerste Divisie |13||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||13||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !52!!2!!colspan="2"|–!!colspan="2"|–!!colspan="2"|–!!52!!2 |- |rowspan="3"|Utrecht |2021–22 |Eredivisie |1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||0||0||1||0 |- |2022–23 |Eredivisie |13||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||14||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !14!!0!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|–!!colspan="2"|–!!15!!0 |- |Dordrecht |2023–24 |Eerste Divisie |20||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in Eerste Divisie promotion play-off}}||0||22||0 |- |Casa Pia |2024–25 |Primeira Liga |21||1||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||1 |- |Lyon |2025–26 |Ligue 1 |16||1||2||0||6{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||1||colspan="2"|–||24||2 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !125!!4!!4!!0!!6!!1!!2!!0!!137!!5 |} {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Olympique Lyonnais squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kluivert, Ruben}} Category:2001 births Category:Living people Category:Dutch people of Curaçaoan descent Category:21st-century Dutch sportsmen Category:Dutch people of Surinamese descent Category:Sportspeople of Surinamese descent Category:Dutch men's footballers Category:Footballers from Amsterdam Category:Men's association football central defenders Category:Eredivisie players Category:Eerste Divisie players Category:Ligue 1 players Category:Amsterdamsche FC players Category:FC Utrecht players Category:Jong FC Utrecht players Category:FC Dordrecht players Category:Casa Pia A.C. players Category:Olympique Lyonnais players Category:Dutch expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Portugal Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in France Ruben