Jeremain Lens is a Dutch former professional footballer born in 1987.
Lens made his professional debut in the 2005–06 season with AZ Alkmaar, where he initially struggled but later thrived under new management.
He initially played for the Suriname national team before becoming a regular member of the Netherlands national team.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Jeremain Marciano Lens, born in 1987, is a Dutch former professional footballer known for his versatility on the field. He primarily played as a left winger or striker, but his skills allowed him to excel as a second striker as well. Lens has Surinamese roots, which influenced his decision to represent the Suriname national team early in his career before ultimately choosing to play for the Netherlands.
Club Career
Lens began his professional journey with AZ Alkmaar in the 2005–06 season, making his debut in two matches. He was loaned to N.E.C. for the 2007–08 season, where he made a significant impact by scoring eight goals in 16 matches, helping the team qualify for the UEFA Cup preliminaries. After returning to AZ, he faced challenges but eventually thrived under new management, contributing to the team's success. In 2010, he signed with PSV Eindhoven, where he continued to build his reputation. His career further progressed with stints at FC Dynamo Kyiv and Sunderland A.F.C., showcasing his talent in various leagues, including the Premier League.
International Career
Lens's international career began with the Netherlands under-19 and under-21 teams. He later chose to represent Suriname, scoring two goals in three matches during the Parbo Bier Cup. However, he returned to the Dutch national team, making his debut in 2010 and becoming a key player under coach Louis van Gaal. He played a vital role in the Netherlands' 2014 World Cup campaign, contributing to their third-place finish.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Lens achieved notable honors, including the Eredivisie title with AZ, the KNVB Cup with PSV, and the Ukrainian Premier League with Dynamo Kyiv. His contributions to the national team during the World Cup solidified his status as a significant figure in Dutch football history.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of 15 May 2021
International
Scores and results list Templatonia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lens goal.
Suriname
Although Lens previously played for the Netherlands under-21 team, he chose to play for the Suriname national team, since his roots (parents) are Surinamese. In 2009, Lens was called up for Suriname's squad by national team coach Wensley Bundel, for the Parbo Bier Cup. He scored two goals in three matches and helped Suriname finish second in the tournament. Since the tournament was not under the auspices of FIFA, Lens was still eligible for a call-up for the Netherlands.
Netherlands
On 3 May 2010, Lens was called up for the Dutch national team, as a part of the preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, on 27 May 2010, Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk announced that the player would not be part of the final 23-man squad participating in the competition. On 11 August 2010, Lens made his debut in a 1–1 friendly draw with Ukraine, scoring the only goal for the Oranje. Lens became a regular member of the Dutch team under the management of his former AZ coach Louis van Gaal. He scored five goals and made a further five assists during the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign. Lens was named in the Netherlands squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He appeared as a substitute in the Netherlands' first two Group B games (a 1–5 win over Spain and a 2–3 victory against Australia) before starting in a 2–0 victory over Chile.
AZ
Lens made his debut into professional football in the 2005–06 season. He played two matches for AZ that season. Before that, he played in the youth team of AZ, Omniworld, Ajax and his regional team, Spartaan. In June 2007, AZ reached a deal concerning a loan involving Lens; it meant he would play the 2007–08 season for NEC, and that he would return to AZ the season afterwards. Lens agreed with the deal, and the player officially joined NEC on loan in the summer of 2007.
NEC (loan)
After a difficult beginning with his new club NEC before the winter, Lens' as well as his team's situation improved with Lens scoring eight goals in 16 matches. NEC qualified for the UEFA Cup preliminaries. For a long time, it seemed he would join NEC permanently, but he eventually decided to return to AZ.
Return to AZ
In July 2008, Lens had an operation on his left foot, which meant he was out for some time. The 2008–09 season was a personal disappointment for Lens, who did not contribute much to AZ's championship win. When head coach Louis van Gaal left the team for Bayern Munich, Lens saw a chance for himself to play more matches. He grabbed the chance under the new coach, and he played well and scored important goals for AZ.
PSV
On 21 May 2010, PSV contracted Lens for four years, swapping Dirk Marcellis as part of the deal. Lens was given the number 9 shirt, and his first year at the club was a successful one for the player. He was moved from a…
- Club
- AZ Alkmaar (2006–2010)
- Club
- N.E.C. (2007–2008)
- Club
- PSV Eindhoven (2010–2013)
- Club
- Netherlands national under-19 football team (2006–2006)
- Club
- Netherlands national under-21 football team (2007–2008)
- Club
- Netherlands national association football team (2010–)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- Netherlands
- Club
- FC Dynamo Kyiv (2013–2015)
- Club
- Sunderland A.F.C. (2015–)
Legacy
AZ
Eredivisie: 2008–09 Johan Cruyff Shield: 2009 PSV
KNVB Cup: 2011–12 Johan Cruyff Shield: 2012 Dynamo Kyiv
Ukrainian Premier League: 2014–15 Ukrainian Cup: 2013–14, 2014–15 Netherlands
FIFA World Cup Third place: 2014
Clubs
- Netherlands national association football team2010current
- Sunderland A.F.C.2015current
- AZ Alkmaar2006–2010
- Netherlands national under-19 football team2006–2006
- N.E.C.2007–2008
- Netherlands national under-21 football team2007–2008
- PSV Eindhoven2010–2013
- FC Dynamo Kyiv2013–2015
Played together with
- Abdelkrim El HadriouiAZ Alkmaar · 1998–2002
- Abdisalam IbrahimN.E.C. · 2011–2012
Abe LenstraNetherlands national association football team · 1940–1959- Abel XavierPSV Eindhoven · 1998–1999
Adam JohnsonSunderland A.F.C. · 2012–2016
Adam MaherAZ Alkmaar · 2010–2013- Adam MaherNetherlands national association football team · 2012
- Adam MaherPSV Eindhoven · 2013–2018
Adam MatthewsSunderland A.F.C. · 2015
Adamo NagaloPSV Eindhoven · 2024
Aderinsola Habib EseolaFC Dynamo Kyiv · 2009–2010
Adil AouchicheSunderland A.F.C. · 2023–2025
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Jeremain Marciano Lens is a Dutch former professional footballer. He was a versatile attacking player, known for his pace and stamina, primarily being used as a left winger or a striker, but he could also successfully play as a second striker.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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