Arthur Renard, an expert in Dutch football, explores how Tijjani Reijnders' path through grassroots football in the Netherlands, and his family's support, laid the foundations for his rise and eventual transfer to Manchester City.
Martin Reijnders had been coaching CSV'28 for several years when he came up with a carefully thought-out plan.
His sons Tijjani and Eliano had been playing in the FC Twente youth academy for four years, but the lengthy commutes had made them want to spend more time in their home environment with family and friends – and local professional side PEC Zwolle were keen to draft the siblings in their youth set-up.
The only problem was that the club had to pay a compensation fee which they couldn’t commit to.
That was the moment Reijnders senior, who played more than 250 professional games himself, started to think and consulted the handbook of the Dutch FA.
He found that his sons would be able to make the move if there was one year in between and he then came up with the ingenious idea to let them play at his own team which was competing in the amateur lower leagues.
And that’s what happened.
Teenagers in men's football
Tijjani, 17 at the time, could go straight into the team at CSV'28, but Eliano had to wait until he turned 15 in October of that season (2015/16).
They were allowed to train with and play friendlies in Zwolle’s youth side, but would then also gain invaluable experience in men’s football with their father’s team.
Still physically small, they became the centre of attention. "Before games you saw people from the opposition looking at us, like: 'who do they have in their team?!'" recalls Danielle Rijksen, team manager of CSV’28.
Reijnders 092002
CSV'28 team photo in 2015/16. Tijjani is standing in the middle row, second from left. On his left is his father Martin and above Martin is Daniëlle Rijksen. Photo credit: Danielle Rijksen
"But once they heard they were the sons of Martin, who they knew had played professionally, they understood it a bit and they would do even more so when they saw the boys in action.
"When they got the ball, the other team was in for a tough afternoon – with their moves and turns they were too quick for the opponent."
At first, Rijksen was worried they would be kicked, but soon she realised they could stand their ground. "We were playing physical teams with big players, the difference in size was clearly visible.
Reijnders WA0013
Eliano (in front) and Tijjani (at the back). Photo credit: CSV'28 archive
"You shouldn’t dribble too much in that league – you need to pass the ball, because otherwise you might be caught. It was a concern for me at first, but they were just so fast and technical, so they avoided much contact.
"Tijjani later said that he learned how to avoid tackles, which has served him well in his professional career."
Back then, the Reijnders boys' small stature made for amusing situations, both on and off the pitch. "With our kits, medium was the smallest size, but they didn’t fit them, it was like a baggy dress to them," Rijksen laughs.
"So we had to order shirts for them, size S (small) for Tijjani and I think even XS (extra small) for Eliano."
The boys became completely integrated in the CSV'28 team, because of their qualities but also because of their likable and carefree personalities.
"They would hang around with the rest of the squad after training sessions, except that they wouldn’t drink any beers," says Rijksen. "But they fully immersed themselves in the club culture."
Reijnders WA0012
Reijnders brothers leaving CSV'28 with team-mate Amrullah Alakzoi. Photo credit: Martin Reijnders
"After Tijjani had made his debut, he had to sing a song. Everyone thought he would go for a mainstream hit, but he opted for "De Ring" by local singer Wimmie Bouma.
"Another day, I remember someone had a song by Queen on, and he started imitating Queen, using a broom in his hand. He had a great sense of humour."
Staying grounded off the pitch
But Tijjani was also committed to team discipline. "They had to do the usual chores – pumping balls, filling bottles, cleaning the dressing room – all which is part of club life," says Rijksen.
"Tijjani is very down-to-earth, sociable – never one to get ahead of himself. And he always has that big smile. When I see him on TV now, I just think: yes, that’s Tijjani!"
After one season at CSV'28, both Tijjani and Eliano made the permanent move to the PEC Zwolle academy.
Their father remained close to their development, also as he took up the role of agent for his sons.
Tijjani would go into the U19 team at Zwolle, before making his first-team debut on the first day in the 2017/18 season.
Before the match, Rijksen had messaged him, with a tongue-in-cheek request. "At the time I had a season ticket and I messaged him beforehand, saying: 'Good luck. If you make your debut and you’re walking a lap afterwards, give us a wave at block 14.'
"I said it with a wink emoji, but, sure enough, he made his debut as he came on with a few minutes to play and afterwards I saw him looking to our seats and he waved. That is how he is."
Reijnders, who was named after former Ajax player Tijani Babangida, was shaped by his upbringing, as his parents instilled a social awareness in him.
To help him understand the value of money, they encouraged Tijjani to work in the local supermarket, even though he was on the books of Zwolle and not that far from first-team football.
"I think his mum saw a vacancy in the Aldi store and then she asked Tijjani to fill out the form," says Rijksen.
"His parents said, 'You have to experience how it is to work for your money. If you do make it as a professional player, you shouldn’t take material things for granted.'"
Reijnders took their advice to heart and started working at Aldi with two of his friends.
Later, in 2023, he told Dutch broadcaster NOS about that period.
"I used to stock the shelves, work behind the till and earn a few hundred euros a month."
He explained in the same interview how it gave him a different perspective on life after he became a professional footballer.
"Recently I was talking with my family about that contrast and we concluded that my time at Aldi was really good for me. I've seen both sides of the coin."
From Zwolle to the Premier League
Soon after making his debut for Zwolle, Reijnders would leave for AZ, where his development took further strides.
"I think the move to AZ was important – everything there was a bit more professional, with a stronger focus on physical development and his diet," says Rijksen.
"That’s also when he really started to grow in terms of physical presence. But still he had to be patient – he didn’t break into the starting XI right away and he was loaned out to RKC Waalwijk as well."
Even after that loan period, patience was required before Reijnders eventually broke through at AZ.
"It took a long time to get there. Doubt crept in now and then, but my close family helped me stay strong and keep going," said Reijnders, in his interview with NOS.
"I’d say I’m a late bloomer, but in the end, I’ve made my childhood dream come true."
That was even before he made the move to AC Milan. The midfielder, who scored 15 goals in 54 games for the Rossoneri in 2024/25, has been able to continue developing, with his move to Manchester City being the reward for his unwavering dedication.
Back at home in the Netherlands, Rijksen is enjoying watching every step in Reijnders' career, and the same is true for many other people who have been able to experience his rise from close up.
Rijksen says: "I still sometimes talk to people locally, who proudly say: 'I actually played against him, you know?' That’s really cool.'"
It reflects the profound connection Reijnders has with his roots. And now, equipped with invaluable life experience, he is about to start a new chapter in Manchester.