Matthijs De Ligt has endured a difficult year on-and-off the field, but it appears that there is a positive outcome with the latter.
De Ligt split with his wife AnneKee Molenaar last summer, just a year after they had got married in May 2024.
Reports emerged at the time that tension in their relationship stemmed over her lifestyle, with Dutch outlet DenD reporting that it was ‘definitely over’.
De Ligt, 26, could apparently ‘no longer handle AnneKee’s exaggerated “spiriwiri-content”‘, according to Realityfbi.
And fast-forward to now and the same publication claim that De Ligt has found a new partner in Dutch model Amber Yuusef.
De Ligt and Yuusef were spotted kissing and cuddling together in Ibiza recently.
Matthijs De Ligt has confirmed he is in a new relationship after being spotted out in Ibiza
He is dating Dutch model Amber Yuusef, who has been linked to Jobe Bellingham in the past
De Ligt and split from his wife AnneKee last summer, just a year after they had got married
The defender was confronted by the photos and addressed it on Realityfbi’s Instagram account, after some screenshot allegations that Yuusef was only attracted to his fame and money.
‘Normally I never feel the need to respond, but I do this time,’ he said.
‘In this day and age, we know that anything can be faked, and that is the case with this screenshot as well.
‘Amber and I are getting to know each other better, and we would like to do that in privacy.’
De Ligt isn’t the first footballer that Yuusef has been romantically linked with. As reported by Sportnieuws, she was spotted cuddling Jobe Bellingham, the brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham, last year.
As for his on-field excursions, De Ligt underwent surgery last month and is not expected to play again until the early part of next season.
The injury meant he was ruled out of the Netherlands World Cup squad but ended uncertainty about the issue.
Speaking last month, he said: ‘Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football.
‘I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.’
Last month, De Ligt underwent back surgery and could even miss the start of next season
United issued a statement too at the same time, saying: ‘Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury. Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.
‘De Ligt will now begin a new phase of his recovery and is expected to return for United in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.
‘The 26-year-old Netherlands international made an excellent start to the season, featuring in every minute of every Premier League game until the end of November.
‘De Ligt was deservedly voted our Player of the Month for November by supporters. Everyone at Manchester United wishes Matthijs well for his recovery and will continue supporting him every step of the way.’
