Wout Weghorst is one of those footballers whose journey to the top wasn’t written in stardust from the beginning. Born in Borne, a small town in the Netherlands, on August 7, 1992, Weghorst wasn’t always earmarked as a future star. But through sheer perseverance, towering determination, and an unmatched work ethic, he’s carved out a remarkable professional career that spans some of Europe’s top leagues and includes standout moments with the Dutch national team.
Growing up, Weghorst got his start at local club RKSV NEO, where his imposing frame and raw enthusiasm for the game stood out. He moved to DETO Twenterand during his teens before earning a spot in the youth academy of Willem II. Though he didn’t break into the senior team at Willem II, the technical and tactical foundation laid there prepared him for the challenges to come.
His first real breakthrough came with FC Emmen in the Eerste Divisie. He joined the club in 2012 and immediately began to showcase his potential as a goal scorer. During his time at Emmen, Weghorst netted 20 goals across two seasons, a return that earned him a move to Heracles Almelo in the Eredivisie. At Heracles, the striker truly started to turn heads. His blend of physicality and intelligent movement made him a nightmare for defenders. He struck 20 goals across two seasons in the Dutch top flight, building a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable target men.
It was at AZ Alkmaar, however, where Wout Weghorst reached a new level. Signing with AZ in 2016, he quickly established himself as a key player, and in just two seasons he tallied 31 goals in Eredivisie competition. His performances for AZ didn’t just earn him accolades at home; they put him on the radar of Bundesliga clubs. In 2018, Weghorst took the leap to Germany, signing for VfL Wolfsburg.
At Wolfsburg, he didn’t miss a beat. His debut season in the Bundesliga saw him finish with 17 goals, and he would go on to become the club’s main attacking threat for the next three years. Over 118 Bundesliga appearances, Weghorst scored an impressive 59 goals. His time in Germany solidified his status as one of Europe’s most consistent and hardworking strikers, combining a powerful aerial game with underrated technical skill and relentless pressing.
The Premier League came calling in January 2022 when Burnley signed him during their fight to avoid relegation. Although the team struggled collectively, Weghorst’s professionalism and commitment never wavered. Following Burnley’s drop to the Championship, he went on loan to Beşiktaş in Turkey. There, he once again demonstrated his ability to adapt to different leagues, scoring 8 goals in 16 appearances and becoming a fan favorite.
Another high-profile opportunity came in January 2023 when he joined Manchester United on loan. It was a dream move for any footballer, and while goals were few and far between during his spell at Old Trafford, Weghorst contributed significantly with his work rate and link-up play, even appearing in a League Cup final and helping the club secure silverware.
After another loan stint with TSG Hoffenheim in Germany, he returned to the Netherlands in 2024, signing with Ajax. Donning the number 25 shirt, he quickly brought leadership, experience, and, crucially, goals to a youthful Ajax squad. As of early 2025, he had already made his presence felt, scoring 8 goals in his first 20 appearances and helping Ajax maintain their challenge for the Eredivisie title.
On the international stage, Weghorst made his debut for the Netherlands in 2018. Known for his impact off the bench, he was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But his moment of true national glory came during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. In a crucial group stage clash against Poland, Weghorst came off the bench and scored the winning goal just two minutes and 24 seconds after stepping onto the pitch. It was the fastest goal ever scored by a Netherlands substitute in the history of the European Championships and a perfect showcase of his knack for delivering in high-stakes moments.
With over 40 international caps and more than a dozen goals, Weghorst has become a trusted figure in the Dutch national setup. He’s not always the flashiest name in the lineup, but his physical presence, relentless effort, and eye for goal make him a weapon that managers value deeply.
Wout Weghorst's story is a refreshing reminder that success in football doesn’t always follow the same script. He wasn’t a teenage prodigy or an academy wonderkid, but through dedication and belief in his own abilities, he’s risen to compete at the highest level of European football. From Emmen to Ajax, via Wolfsburg, Burnley, Manchester United, and beyond, his career is a journey defined not by glamour, but by grit. And whether it’s scoring in a European Championship or leading the line for Ajax, Wout Weghorst continues to prove that persistence pays off.
