Even then his main quality was the ability to take the lead in a dynamic game, demonstrate spectacular dribbling, and distribute accurate and rapid passes to team mates. In 2007 he made his debut for the national team, with manager Marco van Basten counselling the cause of Holland, Afellay’s birth nation, over Morocco, the land of his parents. Being the mercurial light of a PSV Eindhoven side which dominated Dutch football, and making an impression in the Champions League, only strengthened his status in the team, and van Basten took him to the Euro's, where Ibrahim entered football history, playing in a great game. Having played the next couple of seasons and featuring at the 2010 World Cup, he was finally bought by a top club when in 2010 he achieved a lifelong dream by signing with FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. In his last PSV match against Roda JC, he was granted a farewell by the fans, before on the 15th of November completing his €3 million transfer, signing a contract for four-and-a-half years. He joined a star-studded team and had the opportunity to play alongside football legends such as Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez.
Although he struggled with injuries during his time with the Spanish giants, he still managed to make substantial contributions to the team's success. Playing alongside some of the world's best talents he won numerous domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League. However, injuries continued to hinder his career and he subsequently had loan spells at clubs such as Schalke 04 and Olympiakos. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, he joined Stoke City in the Premier League, but the man who achieved six league titles across Holland, Spain and Greece to his name, found his career hit rock-bottom. His arrival at Stoke City was hailed as a coup but it was not a productive time as he was hampered by knee injuries. As he struggled to make a significant impact he was finally told he could not train at the club by Paul Lambert after he became unhappy with Ibrahim's attitude and performances in training. His contract with Stoke was terminated by mutual consent on the 28th of January 2019 but on the 18th of June 2019, PSV announced his return after nine years, but he ultimately retired from professional football in 2019 and shifted his focus towards various philanthropic endeavors.
Unfortunately his career was plagued by injuries and he suffered several setbacks, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.Throughout his career, he represented the Netherlands national team with distinction earning 53 caps, representing his country in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. His technical prowess, combined with his ability to read the game and provide creative solutions, made him a valuable asset for the Dutch squad. Even though his career was hampered by injuries, his skill and contributions to Dutch and European football cannot be overlooked. His versatility, technical abilities, and intelligence on the field enabled him to play alongside and compete with some of the world's best players. His journey from a talented youngster at PSV Eindhoven to representing renowned clubs like Barcelona is a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication to the sport.
see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2024/08/footballs-nearly-men-giovani-dos-santos.html
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