June 29th 2026, 15:00
Matthijs de Ligt played for Juventus between 2019 and 2022 after emerging as one of the standout players in the Ajax team that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
On their way to the last four, Ajax eliminated both Real Madrid and Juventus, with De Ligt catching the eye of the Bianconeri, who quickly acted on their interest by signing him. He joined Bayern Munich in 2022 and now plays for Manchester United.
Juventus Years and Development
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During his time in Turin, he adapted quickly to Italian football and developed alongside experienced defenders in the squad, with Giorgio Chiellini playing a key role in helping him settle into the dressing room.
He has now recalled what it was like to walk into the Juventus dressing room and revealed, as told to [Tuttosport](https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2026/06/28-149526268/de_ligt_juve_all_inizio_stato_difficile_chiellini_mi_ha_aiutato_ronaldo_primo_idolo/2), that Giorgio Chiellini was the teammate who helped him settle quickly at the club.
“Chiellini was really very helpful to me at the beginning. When I arrived at Juventus, he tried in every way to help me settle in and become the best player I could be.
“It was difficult at the beginning because you enter a locker room where these players have won everything. But it’s important to remain yourself and show yourself for who you are. At a certain point, I realised they were normal people and that we were there for the same goal. What did I learn in Italy? A lot. In every championship, I learned something.”
Lessons From Italy and Juventus Squad
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When De Ligt joined Juventus, the squad contained world-class players throughout, and only the very best earned regular places in the team.
De Ligt’s reflections underline his appreciation for his time in Italy and the influence of senior teammates on his development as a defender at Juventus and beyond.