Timothy Derijck
A versatile Belgian defender who provided steady reliability for a string of clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium over a 17-year professional career.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Belgian footballer·Birthday: May 25·Millennials
Biography
Timothy Derijck's football journey is a testament to durability and adaptability. The Belgian centre-back, who could also slot in at right-back, spent the majority of his career away from the spotlight of Europe's biggest leagues, becoming a familiar and trusted figure in the Eredivisie and the Belgian Pro League. After coming through the PSV Eindhoven youth system, he never quite cemented a place there but found his footing with ADO Den Haag, where his consistent performances made him a fan favorite. A move to FC Twente followed, and he later became a defensive mainstay for Zulte Waregem. His career came full circle when he returned to ADO Den Haag for a second stint, eventually transitioning into a coaching role upon retirement, bringing his on-pitch intelligence to the sidelines.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Timothy was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Timothy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Timothy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Belgian Cup in 2017 with Zulte Waregem.
- Played over 150 Eredivisie matches across spells with ADO Den Haag and FC Twente.
- Served as captain for ADO Den Haag during his second period with the club.
Did You Know?
Derijck scored a memorable long-range volley for ADO Den Haag against Ajax in the 2011-2012 season.
He played alongside Belgian star Romelu Lukaku during their shared time at RSC Anderlecht's youth academy.
After retiring, he quickly moved into coaching, becoming an assistant manager for KAA Gent in Belgium's top flight.
“I've played over three hundred games, most of them in Holland.”
