Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee was born on 22 May 2001 in Schiedam, Netherlands. A tall, technically gifted forward, he developed a reputation for combining the physical presence of a traditional centre-forward with the close control, imagination and link-up play more commonly associated with an attacking midfielder.
Zirkzee began playing football in the Netherlands and spent time in the youth systems of ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord before joining Bayern Munich in 2017. He progressed through Bayern’s youth and reserve teams, impressing sufficiently to earn an opportunity with the German club’s senior side.
His breakthrough came during the 2019/20 season. Zirkzee made his competitive first-team debut in a UEFA Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2019 before announcing himself in the Bundesliga in dramatic fashion. Introduced as a late substitute against Freiburg, he scored almost immediately to put Bayern ahead in a match they eventually won 3-1. Days later, he came off the bench and scored again in a victory over Wolfsburg.
Zirkzee made 17 senior appearances during a memorable campaign in which Bayern won the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Although still a young player learning his profession, he had become part of one of the most successful squads in the club’s history.
With regular first-team opportunities difficult to secure in Munich, Zirkzee joined Italian side Parma on loan in February 2021. His spell in Serie A was disrupted by injury, but another loan move—to Belgian club Anderlecht for the 2021/22 season—proved much more productive.
Playing under former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, Zirkzee became an important member of the Anderlecht attack. He gained valuable senior experience, scored regularly and demonstrated that he could both lead the forward line and create opportunities for teammates. His performances in Belgium helped revive his career and attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
In August 2022, Zirkzee returned to Italy when Bologna signed him permanently from Bayern Munich. His first season at the club was one of adjustment, but he flourished during the 2023/24 campaign under head coach Thiago Motta.
Operating as a mobile centre-forward, Zirkzee frequently moved away from the penalty area to receive possession, combine with midfielders and bring other attackers into play. His touch, balance and ability to retain the ball made him a focal point of an exciting Bologna side. He scored 11 Serie A goals as the club finished fifth and qualified for the European Cup or UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1960s. His performances also earned him a place in Serie A’s Team of the Season.
Manchester United completed the signing of Zirkzee on 14 July 2024. The Netherlands international agreed a contract running until June 2029, with the option of an additional year. United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth described him as an outstanding talent who was ready to make an impact at the club.
Zirkzee made an unforgettable start to his United career at Old Trafford on 16 August 2024. Coming on as a second-half substitute against Fulham, he met Alejandro Garnacho’s cross with a deft finish in the 87th minute to score the only goal of the opening Premier League match of the season. He became the fourth Dutch footballer to score on his Premier League debut for United, following Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alexander Büttner and Donny van de Beek. His late goal secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham.
Further goals followed during his first season, including two in a commanding 4-0 victory over Everton and important strikes against Leicester City, Real Sociedad and Olympique Lyonnais. He also converted the decisive penalty in United’s FA Cup third-round shootout victory away to Arsenal. His debut campaign ended prematurely after he suffered an injury against Newcastle United in April 2025, although he recovered in time to appear as a substitute in the UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Competition for places limited Zirkzee’s opportunities during the 2025/26 season, but he remained part of the United first-team squad. A memorable equaliser helped United come from behind to defeat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in November 2025, while he also found the net against Wolverhampton Wanderers the following month. By the conclusion of that campaign, he had made 75 competitive appearances and scored nine goals for Manchester United.
At international level, Zirkzee represented the Netherlands throughout the junior age groups. He received a late call-up to Ronald Koeman’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024 and made his senior international debut as a substitute during the quarter-final victory over Turkey.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, Zirkzee offers considerably more than his height and strength might suggest. He is comfortable receiving the ball with his back to goal, dropping between the lines and linking midfield with attack. Rather than operating exclusively as a penalty-area striker, he can play as a number nine, a supporting forward or in the number ten position.
His combination of size, technique and creativity gives him a distinctive playing style and provides Manchester United with a versatile option across the forward line.
