Vincent Janssen

Early career

Janssen started playing at the amateur branch of TOP, after which he became part of the youth academy of the professional branch of the club. Through a merger of the TOP and N.E.C. academies, he became part of the academy of NEC. From NEC, he transferred to Feyenoord youth teams, winning the U19s national title with Feyenoord in 2013. After being released by Feyenoord, he joined Eerste Divisie team Almere City in 2013. He made his debut for Almere on 3 August 2013 in a 3–2 home defeat against Volendam. After netting ten goals in the 2013–14 season, he reached 19 goals the following season. He scored 32 goals in 74 appearances in all competitions for Almere.

AZ

After two seasons with Almere, Janssen moved to Eredivisie side AZ in 2015, signing a contract with the club until 2019. He was signed by director Robert Eenhoorn, a Dutch former Major League Baseball player who signed based on data, following the example of his friend and advisor Billy Beane; due to financial constraints, Eenhorn signed Janssen and fellow second division player Alireza Jahanbakhsh for under £1 million and sold them for a combined £33 million. Janssen scored his first official goal for the club against İstanbul Başakşehir in a UEFA Europa League qualifier on 30 July 2015. His first goal in the Eredivisie was on 4 October 2015, where he scored the first and second goal in a 3–1 home win against Twente. After failing to score in his first eight matches for the club, he went…

Janssen received his first call up to the senior Netherlands team in March 2016 for friendlies against France and England. In his first international start, a 2–1 win against England on 29 March, he scored his first senior international goal and provided his first assist on the other. In May 2022, Janssen received a call up from coach Louis van Gaal for UEFA Nations League fixtures, ending a nearly five-year hiatus from the national team. In November, he was included in the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. Janssen announced his international retirement via social media on 12 March 2023, aged 28, citing the schedule for club football. He was criticised for his decision by former internationals Rafael van der Vaart and Ibrahim Afellay.

A two-footed player, Janssen is credited with good finishing, movement and pace. Due to his strength, he is an "exceptional" hold-up man who can bring teammates into play, and as a good passer of the ball, he can set up goal-scoring opportunities for teammates. He is also praised for his work ethic, as well as his competitive mentality. Janssen's style of play has invited comparisons with Ruud van Nistelrooy. His weaknesses are shots from outside the penalty box, the timing of his movement and ball control.

Janssen is the son of Annemarie Verstappen, a former world champion swimmer and Dutch Sportswoman of the year. He was awarded the 2016 Johan Cruyff Trophy, the Dutch "Talent of the Year" award.