Eleven years have passed since the Netherlands claimed the runner-up spot at the 2010 World Cup. What has become of the stars who donned the Oranje jersey in that historic campaign? Let’s dive in.

Maarten Stekelenburg

Stekelenburg lost his spot in the national team to younger goalkeepers in 2012 but earned a recall four years later. At Euro 2020, he started for the Netherlands when first-choice keeper Jasper Cillessen tested positive for Covid-19. Now 40, Stekelenburg continues to play for Ajax.

Gregory van der Wiel

The talented right-back stayed with Ajax until 2012 before joining Paris Saint-Germain. Struggling to break into PSG’s star-studded lineup, he left in 2016. Stints at Fenerbahce and Cagliari failed to revive his peak form, leading him to Toronto FC. Since March 2019, van der Wiel has paused his playing career.

John Heitinga

Heitinga, infamously sent off in the 2010 World Cup final, retired in February 2016 at age 32. He transitioned into coaching and currently manages Ajax’s U21 team.

Joris Mathijsen

During the 2010 World Cup, Mathijsen was with Hamburg. He moved to Malaga in 2011 and returned to Feyenoord a year later, playing three more seasons before retiring in 2015. Mathijsen now serves as sporting director for Willem II Tilburg.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

The 2010 World Cup final against Spain was van Bronckhorst’s last match before retiring at 35. He joined Feyenoord as a coach, progressing from youth teams to first-team manager in 2015. In 2020, he coached Guangzhou City in China, then led Rangers in 2021, departing after a year.

Mark van Bommel

The defensive midfielder, born in 1977, retired from international duty in 2012 and ended his playing career at Feyenoord in 2013. Van Bommel turned to coaching, assisting his father-in-law Bert van Marwijk with Saudi Arabia and Australia. He managed PSV in 2018 and now leads VfL Royal Antwerp.

Dirk Kuyt

Known for his tireless work ethic, Kuyt retired from international football in 2014 and hung up his boots in 2017 after winning the Eredivisie with Feyenoord. He moved into coaching, managing Feyenoord’s U19s before taking charge of ADO Den Haag in 2022.

Nigel de Jong

De Jong amassed 81 caps for the Netherlands before retiring from international football in 2015. The 1984-born midfielder played for numerous European clubs, as well as in the U.S. and Qatar, where he currently features for Al-Shahania SC.

Robin van Persie

Branded a “traitor” for leaving Arsenal for Manchester United, van Persie proved his worth with a stellar spell at Old Trafford. In 2015, he joined Fenerbahce, playing three years before returning to his boyhood club, Feyenoord. After retiring in 2019, the 1983-born striker stayed on as Feyenoord’s assistant coach.

Wesley Sneijder

In 2010, Sneijder was at the peak of his powers, an indispensable pillar of the Oranje. He continued playing for the Netherlands until 2017, retiring with a record 133 caps. Sneijder stepped away from football after his playing days ended.

Arjen Robben

Robben spent much of his career at Bayern Munich, winning a slew of titles. In the summer of 2019, the left-footed wizard retired, only to return a year later with his hometown club, Groningen. Robben has since permanently retired from playing.