Justin Kluivert says he’s finally found a home at Bournemouth, and now has his sights set on two major goals — European football and a place in the Guinness World Records.
The 25-year-old Dutch forward has played — and scored — in the top flights of six countries: the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and now England. It’s a feat he believes is unmatched in football history.
“I need to be in the Guinness World Records,” Kluivert told Football Focus. “I think I am the first player to score in the top six competitions – if Holland is the sixth.”
Only Florin Raducioiu and Stevan Jovetić have scored in the traditional “top five” leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain), but Kluivert’s Dutch top-tier strike adds a unique sixth.
Kluivert Key to Bournemouth’s European Ambitions
Bournemouth currently sit 10th in the Premier League, just one point off eighth place and with a realistic shot at qualifying for European competition — especially as up to 10 English clubs could qualify for UEFA tournaments in 2025–26.
Kluivert, who joined from Roma in 2023 for £9.6m, has been central to the Cherries’ success. With 12 league goals, six assists, and two hat-tricks, he’s become a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s high-energy system.
“We speak every day about Europe,” said Kluivert. “We believe in it and we will go for it 100%.”
A Journey Across Six Countries Ends in Stability
After loan spells at RB Leipzig, Nice, and Valencia, the winger says settling in Dorset has brought welcome peace — aided by becoming a father and the support of his wife and baby daughter.
“Having my wife and baby gives me calmness,” he said. “It is beautiful being stable.”
‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’
As the son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert, Justin says he’s always felt the pressure — but has learned to thrive under it.
“People were always wondering ‘is he actually good or is he just there because of his dad?’ Pressure makes diamonds – that’s how you shine.”
Shine he has. In November 2024, he became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties in a single game. Two months later, he bagged another treble in a 4-1 win over Newcastle, one of his father’s former clubs.
What’s Next? Bournemouth’s Tough Run-In
Bournemouth’s remaining four fixtures will test their European credentials, as they face Arsenal (A), Aston Villa (H), Manchester City (A), and Leicester City (H).
Club owner Bill Foley has publicly targeted European qualification within five years — a goal that could be realized this month.
“That’s why I came here,” Kluivert said. “The future for Bournemouth is very good. We can for sure achieve Europe this season. Why not?”
