Wout Weghorst—he’s not just another towering striker; he’s a kind of carbonated mix of grit, aerial power, and surprising finesse. And while this reads like a cliché, it’s in part because his story is full of unexpected twists. From rising through the ranks in Dutch lower leagues to finding his place in global football’s notable squads, Weghorst’s career is both methodical and delightfully unpredictable.
Early Career and Domestic Rise
From Emmen to Heracles—A Steady Climb
Weghorst began his professional journey at FC Emmen in the Eerste Divisie during the 2012–13 season, scoring roughly eight times in his debut year before netting around a dozen the next season . That earned him a step up to Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo, where he made an immediate impact. In his first Eredivisie campaign he scored about eight goals, and in the next season, he doubled that tally, helping Heracles reach Europa League qualifiers—an era-defining achievement for the club .
Breakthrough at AZ
A move to AZ in 2016 brought another layer of polish to his game. He notched 18 goals in around 49 outings in his first season, then matched that again in 2017–18, even finishing among the Eredivisie’s top scorers . It was both steady and dramatic—a kind of narrative that said, “He’s here to stay.”
Bundesliga Experience with Wolfsburg
Consistent Goals and Growth
In mid‑2018, Wolfsburg acquired Weghorst for around €10.5 million . He scored a hat-trick early on, marking himself as more than a target-man stereotype . Over the seasons, he continued to deliver:
- 2018–19: Around 17 league goals, sharing third top scorer honors .
- 2019–20: Roughly 16 Bundesliga goals, holding firm as a reliable frontman .
- 2020–21: About 20 goals in the league and 25 across all competitions, propelling Wolfsburg into the Champions League .
By his exit, he had racked up approximately 70 goals in around 144 appearances for the club .
Premier League and Multiple Loans
Short Spell at Burnley
In January 2022, Burnley splashed around £12 million to bring in Weghorst . The results were mixed. He scored only a couple of goals in 20 Premier League appearances—enough to stand out, but not enough to prevent relegation .
Loan Odyssey: Beşiktaş, Manchester United, Hoffenheim
What happened next felt like footballing musical chairs:
- Beşiktaş (2022–23): He found more rhythm, managing around 9 goals in 18 appearances during a one-season loan .
- Manchester United : A surprise loan, where United needed an aerial presence badly after Ronaldo’s departure. He brought physicality and scoring ability, though the goals didn’t flood in—just a couple across 17 or so matches .
- Hoffenheim (2023–24): Another Bundesliga adventure, where he added around 7 goals in roughly 30 appearances .
Return to the Netherlands: Ajax Era
In August 2024, Weghorst returned home, signing a two-year contract with Ajax valid through mid-2026 . He inherited the number 25 shirt, notable in its own right—one he had never worn before . The technical director was not shy in his praise:
“Wout stands for an absolute top sports experience… a prolific striker who constantly makes things difficult for every opponent.”
Contemporary Form and Challenges
Fast forward to the 2025–26 season, and he’s featured in over a dozen games, with six goals and an assist to his name . Yet not everything’s smooth sailing. Ajax narrowly missed out on the Eredivisie title, a moment that visibly frustrated Weghorst—captured in an emotional outburst where he slapped a camera away, later explaining that he felt overwhelmed by the focus on him rather than the team .
International Impact with the Netherlands
Youth Debut
Weghorst had a brief but memorable appearance with the Netherlands U21s in 2014—coming off the bench, scoring, and winning a penalty in a close qualifier against Portugal .
Senior Milestones
He earned his senior debut in March 2018 against England . Steadily, he became more integral—especially during Euro 2024 qualifiers, where he scored key winners against Ireland and Poland, notably scoring off his first touch against Poland shortly after coming on as a sub . His international tally now sits near 14 goals in about 49 appearances .
Style of Play and Persona
Target-Man with Pressing Prowess
Standing nearly 2 meters tall, Weghorst plays a classic target-man role—holding up play, finishing decisively, dropping deep—but with a twist. During the 2021–22 Premier League season, he led the league in presses per 90 minutes . His blend of aerial power and work rate makes him effective in modern pressing systems.
Emotional Intensity and Media Tensions
He’s not afraid to show emotion—or to push back. The camera incident at Ajax reflects his discomfort with over-personalized scrutiny. He’s a player who thrives in team contexts, but tightly wound under personal spotlight—making him unpredictable, for sure.
Conclusion: The Complex Arc of a Relentless Striker
Wout Weghorst’s journey stretches from Dutch second-tier sentimental beginnings to the tactical demands of Bundesliga, to the Premier League’s brash theatrics, and back home with Ajax. Along the way, he’s proven that a tall striker can be so much more than a header specialist. He’s pressing, linking, emotional, and yes, inconsistent—but always captivating. His blend of experience, aerial finesse, and tenacious work rate makes him a unique asset, especially in setups that prize both physicality and movement.
FAQs
How many clubs has Weghorst played for?
He has featured professionally for around nine clubs: Emmen, Heracles, AZ, Wolfsburg, Burnley, Beşiktaş (loan), Manchester United (loan), Hoffenheim (loan), and Ajax .
What stands out about his playing style?
He combines traditional target-man attributes—height, hold-up play—with impressive pressing statistics. That union makes him effective in both older and new-school systems .
How has he fared internationally?
Weghorst has represented the Netherlands over 45 times, scoring in double digits, including decisive performances in Euro 2024 qualifiers and a notable quarter-final brace in the 2022 World Cup .
Why the dramatic camera reaction at Ajax?
It was a moment of raw emotion—the result of media pressure zeroing in on him post-defeat. He later said it felt unfair that the focus was on him rather than the collective team effort .
What is his current contract status?
He signed with Ajax in August 2024 on a deal that runs until June 2026 .
Is he still performing well?
Yes—during the ongoing 2025–26 Eredivisie season, he’s already logged around six goals in just over a dozen starts, showing he remains a significant attacking threat .
