Forum: Netherlands

We*bring you the names of some of the best known figures on Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.*

AZ Alkmaar began the defence of their Dutch Eredivisie title with a 3-2 defeat at Heracles Almelo.

Current*Netherlands and Ajax*No1 Maarten Stekelenburg is hoping to emulate predecessor Edwin van der Sar's success for club and country.

FIFA.com takes you on a tour of all the happenings in the women's game during the month of July, including joy for LA Sol and Abby Wambach.

Ajax coach Martin Jol has talked down the Amsterdammers' chances of wresting the Eredivisie crown away from AZ Alkmaar this season.

Roda JC will be without Rihairo Meulens when they take on Heerenveen in their upcoming Eredivisie bow, after the player sustained a knee injury.

In our regular Sunday feature, we bring you the names of some of the best-known figures on Planet Football who will be celebrating this week.

Swedish champions Kalmar have confirmed they*turned down offers from Heerenveen and Valenciennes for 21-year-old*midfielder*Rasmus Elm.

AZ Alkmaar have completed the signing of Danish youngster Morten Nielsen from Chelsea.

Despite earning admirers for his performances last term, left-back Sebastien Pocognoli has committed his future to Eredivisie champions AZ until 2014.

FIFA.com users had their say in last week's poll, picking out Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola as the title-winning coach most likely to repeat the...

After impressing in a trial, Danish teenager Morten Nielsen, who was recently released by Chelsea, is poised to sign for Eredivisie champions AZ.

Defender Khalid Boulahrouz will begin the season on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in*Stuttgart's friendly win over Bayern Munich.

Louis van Gaal is uncertain whether to retain Mark van Bommel as Bayern Munich captain, but has affirmed Franck Ribery will be a mainstay of his team.

Utrecht have ended their search for an understudy to Michel Vorm by signing experienced goalkeeper*Khalid Sinouh on a one-year deal.

NEC Nijmegen have signed defender Niels Wellenberg on a three-year deal after the 26-year-old's contract expired at FC Twente.

Despite speculation linking him with a move away from Eindhoven, highly-rated midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has vowed to see out his contract at PSV.

NAC Breda are close to filling the void created by Patrick Mtiliga's departure to Malaga by signing*Waalwijk's 24-year-old*left-back Ferne Snoyl.

Jason Oost is looking for a new club after failing to land a contract for next season at NEC Nijmegen, despite having played in two trial games for...

Stuttgart look to be closing in on the signing of Holland striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Real Madrid, with the clubs having reportedly agreed a fee.

Dutchman Boudewijn Zenden has revealed he has the option to sign a new contract*at Marseille or join*Fulham, Genoa, Olympiacos or Panathinaikos.

Following his release by Borussia Monchengladbach, veteran Dutch midfielder Patrick Paauwe has signed for Venlo in his homeland.

FC Seoul midfielder Ki Sung-Yong, who has previously admitted a desire to play in Europe,*has said he knows nothing about a possible move to PSV.

After committing his long-term future to Arsenal, Robin van Persie, 25,*has backed*Arsene Wenger and championed the potential of his young squad.

Eredivisie champions AZ have revealed Ajax have been in touch regarding Demy de Zeeuw, but*have stressed the highly-rated midfielder is not for sale.

Robin van Persie, Arsenal's top scorer last season, has agreed a new long-term deal to end speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.