Tijjani Reijnders: Embracing His Indonesian Roots While Excelling with the Netherlands
AC Milan star and Netherlands national team player Tijjani Reijnders cannot detach himself from the Indonesian heritage flowing in his veins. In an interview with FIFA, Tijjani expressed his pride in having Indonesian ancestry, even as he plays a pivotal role in the Dutch national team.
“My background in Indonesia is something I am very proud of. It’s a significant part of who I am. My mother is from Indonesia, and I feel a deep connection to its culture and people,” he stated.
Whenever he has the opportunity, especially during major competitions, Tijjani always feels the support from the Indonesian community, particularly from the ancestral hometown of his grandmother, Ambon.
“It’s very special to know that I have fans supporting me in Indonesia, and I always strive to represent both my Dutch and Indonesian roots with pride,” he added.
Tijjani Reijnders’ Indonesian Heritage
Tijjani Reijnders has Indonesian roots through his grandfather, Jantje Lekatompessy, who was of Ambonese descent, born in Jatinegara on December 29, 1947. Tijjani’s mother, Angelina Syane Lekatompessy, was also born in Jakarta on November 18, 1976. The Lekatompessy family hails from Maluku, specifically from Negeri Latuhalat in the Nusaniwe district of Ambon.
Angelina married Martin Reijnders, a Dutch man and former professional footballer from Zwolle.
“My father played a significant role in my football journey. He was a professional footballer himself, so he knows what it takes to reach the top,” Tijjani said.
At just 26 years old, Reijnders has many opportunities ahead to achieve further success. He takes pride in being part of the Dutch tradition known for producing high-quality players.
“It’s an honor to be part of such an incredible team; the Netherlands has produced many legends like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard, and wearing the same jersey means everything to me. It motivates me to keep working hard to carry on the legacy of Dutch football,” he expressed.
Additionally, Tijjani and his brother Eliano Reijnders bear the surname Lekatompessy, which originates from Waai, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku.
Support for the Indonesian National Team
Tijjani Reijnders’ connection to Indonesia is quite strong. While playing for the Netherlands national team in the 2024 World Cup, he expressed gratitude to fans in Ambon. The former AZ Alkmaar player shared a video of the supporters known as the Oranje celebrating. In the video, he wrote, “Thank you,” as an expression of appreciation.
“I hope you can advance to the next stage of the 2026 World Cup. Go Garuda!” Tijjani Reijnders is set to join AC Milan starting in the summer of 2024, indicating that his career continues to flourish in the world of football.
