35 Facts About Ibrahim Afellay

Ibrahim Afellay is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Ibrahim Afellay played youth football at Elinkwijk before joining the PSV Eindhoven youth academy at age 10.

Ibrahim Afellay was present at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, making over 50 appearances in total.

Ibrahim Afellay is of Moroccan Riffian descent; his parents left their hometown Al Hoceima in the 1960s to work in the Netherlands.

Ibrahim Afellay grew up in Overvecht, a neighbourhood in Utrecht with a large immigrant population.

Ibrahim Afellay started to play football at local side VSK, but joined USV Elinkwijk after one season.

Ibrahim Afellay signed a new contract at PSV in May that would run until 2007.

Ibrahim Afellay scored twice and provided an assist in the match.

Ibrahim Afellay formed a midfield partnership with Timmy Simons and Phillip Cocu.

Ibrahim Afellay missed second-to-final match against FC Twente in which PSV could seal the championship, but the team failed to do so.

Ibrahim Afellay's season started well though, with the Johan Cruyff Shield victory against Feyenoord and three goals in the opening two Eredivisie matches.

Ibrahim Afellay signed a contract for four and a half years.

Ibrahim Afellay made his Blaugrana debut on 5 January 2011 in the Copa del Rey match against Athletic Bilbao, replacing David Villa in injury time.

Ibrahim Afellay continued to play 28 Barcelona matches in his first season, of which 18 were as a substitute.

Ibrahim Afellay was given his first start on 19 January 2011 against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.

Ibrahim Afellay made his Champions League debut for Barcelona against Arsenal and went on to appear in the quarter-finals against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Ibrahim Afellay was reunited with Jefferson Farfan and coach Huub Stevens.

Ibrahim Afellay made his debut the next day against FC Augsburg.

Ibrahim Afellay scored four goals at Schalke, including the opening goal in the Revierderby against Borussia Dortmund and a goal against Arsenal in the Champions League.

Ibrahim Afellay decided to start training two weeks earlier than the rest of the squad in order to focus on his recovery.

Ibrahim Afellay enjoyed a successful season in Greece with Olympiacos as they won the league and cup double.

Ibrahim Afellay joined Premier League side Stoke City on a two-year contract on 27 July 2015.

Ibrahim Afellay was sent-off against West Bromwich Albion on 29 August 2015, for slapping Craig Gardner.

On 22 April 2016 Ibrahim Afellay suffered a serious knee injury in training, ruling him out for up to eight months.

Ibrahim Afellay made his return from injury against Liverpool on 27 December 2016.

Ibrahim Afellay signed a two-year contract extension with Stoke on 2 March 2017.

Ibrahim Afellay suffered another injury in April 2017 and underwent knee surgery.

Ibrahim Afellay then had a training ground bust up with new manager Paul Lambert in March 2018 and was told to stay away from the club.

On 31 January 2021, Ibrahim Afellay announced his retirement from professional football.

Ibrahim Afellay ultimately decided to play for the Dutch national team despite the heavy competition for places in midfield.

Ibrahim Afellay made his international debut in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovenia on 28 March 2007.

Ibrahim Afellay played in the 2008 European Championships as a substitute.

On 12 October 2010, Ibrahim Afellay scored his first international goals in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Sweden.

Ibrahim Afellay was part of the Dutch team for the 2010 World Cup managed by Bert van Marwijk.

Ibrahim Afellay was part of the starting eleven against Germany as well.