Donyell Malen

Donyell Malen is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a winger or striker. Known for his explosive pace, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, he has carved out a career across some of Europe's top leagues. Malen came through the youth academies of Ajax and Arsenal before breaking through at PSV Eindhoven, where his goal-scoring form made him one of the Eredivisie's most exciting young talents. That led to a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund in 2021, and later stints with Aston Villa and AC Milan. For the Netherlands, he has been a regular since his senior debut in 2019, representing his country at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. As of 2026, he is on loan at AC Milan, where he continues to contribute goals and assists in Serie A and European competition. His direct style and versatility across the front line make him a valuable attacking option.[edit]

Malen was born in Wieringen, a small town in North Holland, and grew up with a ball at his feet. His father, a Surinamese immigrant, named him after American basketball player Donyell Marshall. He started his youth career at AVV Zeeburgia, an Amsterdam amateur club, before joining the Ajax Youth Academy. At Ajax, he honed his technical skills and tactical understanding, playing alongside future stars like Frenkie de Jong. In 2015, at age 16, he moved to England to join the Arsenal Academy after impressing during trials. He spent two years in Arsenal's youth setup, playing for the U18 and U23 teams, but never made a senior appearance. Frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities, he returned to the Netherlands in 2017 and signed with PSV Eindhoven, initially joining their youth team. That decision set the stage for his breakthrough.[edit]

Malen made his senior debut for PSV Eindhoven on September 1, 2018, against FC Utrecht. He scored his first senior goal later that December against AZ Alkmaar. The 2019-20 season was his breakout: he netted 11 goals in 19 Eredivisie matches, earning a call-up to the Netherlands senior team. In July 2021, he transferred to Borussia Dortmund for a reported €30 million and scored on his Bundesliga debut against Eintracht Frankfurt. Over three seasons at Dortmund, he totaled 27 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, including a hat-trick against VfL Bochum in September 2022. In January 2025, he moved to Aston Villa for around €25 million, then joined AC Milan on loan in the summer of 2025. At Milan, he became a regular starter, contributing in Serie A and the Europa League. Internationally, he debuted for the Netherlands in 2019 and scored at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. As of 2026, he has over 35 senior caps.[edit]

Malen is known for his direct, explosive playing style, rapid acceleration, close ball control, and a powerful shot. Off the pitch, he favors casual streetwear, often in Nike gear. Dutch and German media describe him as explosive and direct, sometimes comparing him to Arjen Robben for his cutting inside from the right. Dortmund fans nicknamed him Malen the Machine during hot streaks. His goal celebration, pointing to the sky, is widely recognized. On social media, he maintains a professional tone with occasional humor, engaging fans through Instagram Q&As.[edit]

Donyell Malen's support base is a fluid coalition of club loyalists and national team fans rather than a singular, named legion. While he commands deep affection from the *Oranje* faithful and the vibrant communities of his former clubs like Dortmund and Villa, there is no formal organization or unique moniker dedicated solely to him. His popularity remains rooted in his on-pitch dynamism and the genuine connection he shares with supporters through standard social channels, where he often highlights family moments and career milestones. This organic following has grown alongside his high-profile moves across Europe, culminating in his recent resurgence at AS Roma where his leadership on the pitch has further solidified his standing among Italian football enthusiasts. His presence is felt most strongly during major tournaments, where his contributions to the Netherlands' campaigns become central to the national narrative. The iFANN Global Fame Rankings reflect this steady rise in global visibility. Donyell Malen is currently the 22nd most famous person from the Netherlands, a position he holds steady from the previous cycle.[edit]

Named after the NBA player Donyell Marshall by a father who admired the athlete, Malen holds dual Dutch-Surinamese nationality and carries a lion tattoo on his right arm as a symbol of his heritage. His journey began early; he served as a ball boy for Ajax during a Champions League match in 2014, and his childhood friend Frenkie de Jong also emerged from the same academy. A prodigy from the start, he scored a hat-trick on his full senior debut for PSV in a cup match. He speaks Dutch, English, and some German, and credits Thierry Henry as his favorite player growing up. Off the field, he owns a pet dog named Messi and favors casual Nike streetwear. In 2026, he became a central figure for AS Roma after a permanent transfer, leading the team to a crucial victory against Bologna in April that stabilized the squad during a period of turmoil. His goal-scoring prowess continued to shine, netting 14 goals in the 26/27 season, cementing his status as a key striker. Despite rumors linking him to American football, he remains strictly a soccer icon, with his legacy defined by his technical skill and leadership rather than any fabricated crossover events.[edit]

Malen keeps his family life private. He is of Surinamese descent through his father, who named him after basketball player Donyell Marshall. His parents supported his football ambitions from a young age. He has not publicly named his parents or siblings. As of 2026, he is in a relationship with Dutch influencer Nikki van der Vlugt; they have no children together. He owns a home in the Netherlands and rents in Milan.[edit]

Malen has shared the pitch with numerous top players. At Dortmund, he played alongside Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Marco Reus. At AC Milan, he partnered with Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão. Internationally, he has been teammates with Frenkie de Jong (a childhood friend), Memphis Depay, Matthijs de Ligt, and Cody Gakpo. His former PSV teammate Cody Gakpo joined him in the Netherlands setup.[edit]

Malen was briefly linked to an unnamed Dutch woman around 2018-2020, but the relationship was never confirmed. In 2021, he began dating Dutch influencer and model Jade Anna van Vliet. The couple was seen together at Dortmund matches and on vacations, but they split amicably in 2023, citing busy schedules. Since early 2024, Malen has been in a relationship with Nikki van der Vlugt, a Dutch fashion influencer and entrepreneur. They went public in early 2024 and remain together as of 2026.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Donyell Malen's net worth stands at $15 Million as of 2026. His financial foundation rests primarily on his football salary, with his current contract at AC Milan generating approximately €4.5 million annually gross. Previous tenures at Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa provided similar earnings. Transfer agreements have also yielded significant signing bonuses, estimated between €1 million and €3 million for each move. Commercial partnerships with Nike and EA Sports contribute an additional $500,000 to $1 million yearly. Regarding assets, he maintains a residence in the Netherlands valued near €800,000 while renting property in Milan. No major external business ventures or investment portfolios are publicly documented.[edit]

Malen won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with the Netherlands in 2016. He was named PSV Eindhoven's Talent of the Year in 2019 and earned the Eredivisie Player of the Month award in September 2019. In Germany, he was Bundesliga Rookie of the Month in August 2021. He was a DFB-Pokal runner-up with Borussia Dortmund in 2023.[edit]