1. Overview
Rick Karsdorp is a Dutch professional footballer known for his role as a right-back. He began his career in the youth system of Feyenoord, developing into a key player for the club before moving to AS Roma. Despite facing significant injury challenges during his time in Italy, he later returned to the Netherlands on loan with Feyenoord and eventually joined PSV Eindhoven. Karsdorp has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels and has also made appearances for the senior national team. He is characterized by his speed, powerful runs, and attacking contributions from the right flank.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
Rick Karsdorp was born on 11 February 1995. He began his football journey at VV Schoonhoven, a local club where his father, Fred, worked as a trainer. Karsdorp was later scouted by Feyenoord, and following his parents' divorce, he and his father relocated to Bergambacht. During his youth, Karsdorp faced academic challenges, leading his father and Feyenoord to agree that he would be temporarily removed from football training until his school performance improved. He viewed this period as a crucial lesson in his development. After demonstrating better behavior and academic progress, he briefly returned to VV Schoonhoven for six months before rejoining Feyenoord. He rose through the ranks of the Feyenoord Academy, initially playing as an attacking midfielder. During this time, he also received guidance from Hans Kroon, a prominent former bodybuilder and power-training specialist in Rotterdam, whose methods significantly contributed to Karsdorp's powerful and energetic playing style.
2.1. Feyenoord Youth Years
Karsdorp's early football education at Feyenoord primarily saw him play in the midfield, often as a number 10, where he excelled and represented various youth national teams. In the 2013-14 season, he was recognized as the best player in the national A-youth league. During this period, he began regularly participating in first-team training sessions. In December 2013, Karsdorp signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord, securing his place at the club until 2015.
3. Club Career
Rick Karsdorp's professional career began at Feyenoord, where he transitioned from an attacking midfielder to a prominent right-back. His career trajectory then took him to Italian club AS Roma, where he faced significant injury setbacks, before a loan spell back at Feyenoord and ultimately a move to PSV Eindhoven.
3.1. Feyenoord (2014-2017)
Karsdorp spent several pivotal seasons at Feyenoord, making his professional debut and developing into a key player, contributing to the club's success in domestic competitions.
3.1.1. 2014-15 season
Ahead of the 2014-15 season, Karsdorp was assigned the number twenty-six shirt for Feyenoord. His first-team debut came on 6 August 2014, against Beşiktaş in a UEFA Champions League third-round qualifier, where he replaced Jordy Clasie in the 69th minute during a 3-1 away defeat. Two weeks later, on 24 August 2014, he made his league debut against FC Utrecht, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute in a 2-1 loss.
Karsdorp, who had primarily played as an attacking midfielder in his youth, was converted to a right-back by coach Fred Rutten. He later admitted feeling "demoted" by the position change, but Rutten believed his attacking qualities could be effectively utilized there and continued to trust his potential. In a UEFA Europa League match against HNK Rijeka on 23 October 2014, Karsdorp was involved in a misjudgment that led to a goal, contributing to a 3-1 loss. However, he learned from his mistakes and later assisted a crucial equalizer against A.S. Roma in the Europa League.
In November 2014, Karsdorp signed a contract extension, keeping him at Feyenoord until 2018. Initially, he often found himself on the substitute bench due to competition from fellow right-backs Khalid Boulahrouz and Luke Wilkshire. However, by February, he had established himself as a first-team regular in the right-back position following the absences of Boulahrouz and Wilkshire. He provided an assist for Anass Achahbar in a 2-1 win against PSV Eindhoven on 22 March 2015 and another in a 4-1 loss against Vitesse on 11 May 2015. In a subsequent match against PEC Zwolle, Karsdorp received a straight red card in the 71st minute as Feyenoord lost 3-0. After serving a one-match suspension, he returned for the second leg of the league's play-off semi-final against Heerenveen, which Feyenoord lost 3-2 on aggregate. He concluded the 2014-15 season with 21 appearances across all competitions.
3.1.2. 2015-16 season
For the 2015-16 season, Karsdorp switched to the number two shirt. In the opening game against FC Utrecht, he was sent off in the 50th minute for a professional foul during a 3-2 win, but his red card was later rescinded, allowing him to continue playing. He then contributed to two consecutive clean sheets against SC Cambuur and Vitesse. Karsdorp recorded three assists in three matches between 13 September and 27 September 2015 against Willem II, Roda JC, and PEC Zwolle.
In October 2015, he suffered a groin injury during training, which sidelined him for a month. While recovering, Karsdorp signed another contract extension with Feyenoord on 23 October, tying him to the club until 2020. He returned to the first team on 1 November 2015 against ADO Den Haag. His assisting form continued, as he set up a goal in a 5-0 win against FC Twente on 22 November and provided two more assists in a 4-2 win against SBV Excelsior. Upon his return, he consistently held his place at right-back. Karsdorp expressed his commitment to the right-back position, stating, "I am 100% right-back" and showing gratitude to Fred Rutten, whom he considered a pivotal figure in his career after his father.
In mid-February, Karsdorp suffered another groin injury, missing two matches. He returned to the starting lineup on 28 February 2016 in a 2-1 win against Utrecht and subsequently delivered two assists in a 2-0 victory over Vitesse on 13 March. Karsdorp maintained his role as the starting right-back and played a crucial part in Feyenoord winning the 2015-16 KNVB Cup with a 2-1 victory against Utrecht in the final. He also helped the team secure a third-place finish in the league. At the end of the 2015-16 season, Karsdorp made 35 appearances in all competitions. His performances earned him high praise, with football expert Hugo Borst comparing him to a "new Ben Wijnstekers" and noting his impactful "flash-like" breakthroughs. He was also named Player of the Month for September by the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper.
3.1.3. 2016-17 season
At the beginning of the 2016-17 season, Karsdorp started as the right-back in the 2016 Johan Cruyff Shield match, which Feyenoord lost 1-0 to PSV Eindhoven. He contributed to three consecutive clean sheets in the first three league matches against Groningen, Twente, and Heracles. Karsdorp continued to be a first-team regular in his right-back position, and on 30 October 2016, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw against Heerenveen.
Karsdorp played in every match from the start of the 2016-17 season until he sustained a meniscal injury during a match against rival Ajax on 2 April 2017, leading to his substitution. While recovering, he signed a contract extension with Feyenoord, committing him to the club until 2021. He returned to the starting lineup on 7 May 2017 in a 3-0 loss against Excelsior. In the final game of the season against Heracles Almelo, Karsdorp came on as an 81st-minute substitute, helping Feyenoord secure a 3-1 victory and win the Eredivisie title for the first time since 1999. He finished the 2016-17 season with 41 appearances and one goal in all competitions. Although he had a strong season, there were periods of lost form, leading to criticism that he was "over-promoting himself" and "overestimating his abilities." However, he ultimately grew into a more balanced full-back by improving his timing for attacking runs.
3.2. Roma (2017-2024)
On 28 June 2017, Karsdorp officially joined Roma on a five-year deal. The transfer fee was €14 million, with additional performance-related clauses potentially increasing the total to €19 million, making him Feyenoord's most expensive outgoing player in history.
Karsdorp's tenure at Roma was plagued by recurring injuries. He suffered a knee injury immediately after his transfer, sidelining him at the start of the 2017-18 season and requiring surgery on his right knee. He eventually made his Roma debut on 25 October 2017, starting in a 1-0 win against Crotone. However, his return was short-lived as he suffered a left cruciate ligament rupture during the same match, ending his season. This ultimately marked his only appearance for the club during the 2017-18 campaign.
Ahead of the 2018-19 season, Karsdorp switched his shirt number from twenty-six to two. He returned to the first team on 31 August 2018, starting in a 2-1 loss against A.C. Milan. Despite his return, Karsdorp found himself lower in the squad's pecking order and continued to struggle with injury concerns, limiting his playing time. He started in five consecutive matches between 14 January and 8 February 2019, playing in the right-back position. Following another injury, his playing time was mostly from the substitute bench, as he continued to battle for his first-team place and manage his fitness for the remainder of the 2018-19 season. He concluded the season with 14 appearances in all competitions.
Despite his injury challenges, Karsdorp re-established himself as a consistent starter for Roma in the 2020-21 season, leading the club to extend his contract until 2025 on 12 March 2021. He contributed to Roma's victory in the 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League and their runner-up finish in the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League. On 29 August 2024, Karsdorp and Roma mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing him to leave as a free agent.
3.2.1. Loan to Feyenoord (2019-2020)
On 7 August 2019, Karsdorp returned to his former club, Feyenoord, on a loan spell for the remainder of the season. Upon rejoining, he expressed his eagerness, stating, "I didn't play much football for two years, everyone knows that. It was often said that I was injured, sometimes that was not the case, but I feel fit now."
His first game after returning to Feyenoord came in the season's opening match, a 1-1 draw against Heerenveen. Karsdorp then played in both legs of the UEFA Europa League qualifier against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, providing two assists in the second leg, helping Feyenoord win 6-0 on aggregate and reach the group stage. On 15 September 2019, he scored his first goal of the loan spell in a 3-2 win against ADO Den Haag. After missing one match, he returned to the starting lineup against FC Twente on 29 September 2019, setting up Feyenoord's first goal in a 5-1 victory. This was followed by his second goal of the season, scored in a 2-0 win against Porto in a UEFA Europa League match.
However, Karsdorp's injury woes continued as he suffered another groin injury, which kept him out for two months. He eventually made his return to the first team on 25 January 2020, coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute in a 3-2 win against Heracles. He subsequently set up two goals in matches against PEC Zwolle and Fortuna Sittard in February 2020. Karsdorp remained a first-team regular, making 22 appearances and scoring two goals across all competitions before the 2019-20 Eredivisie season and the 2019-20 KNVB Cup, which Feyenoord had reached the final of, were halted and eventually canceled on 12 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the conclusion of his loan spell, Karsdorp returned to his parent club, Roma.
3.3. PSV Eindhoven (2024-present)
On 31 August 2024, Karsdorp made his return to the Netherlands, signing with PSV Eindhoven on an initial one-year deal that includes an option for an extension. He currently wears the number 2 shirt for the club.
4. International Career
Rick Karsdorp has represented the Netherlands across various youth levels before earning caps for the senior national team.
4.1. Youth National Teams
In August 2011, Karsdorp received his first call-up to the Netherlands U17 squad. He made his U17 debut on 16 September 2011, starting in a 1-0 victory against Italy U17. Three days later, on 19 September 2011, he made his second and final appearance for the U17 side, coming on as a substitute in a 3-1 win against Israel U17.
Karsdorp was called up to the Netherlands U18 for the first time in August 2012. He made his U18 debut on 11 September 2012 against the USA U18 team, starting the match and scoring the U18s' first goal in a 4-2 loss. He went on to make two appearances for the Netherlands U18 side.
In August 2013, Karsdorp received his first call-up to the Netherlands U19. He made his U19 debut on 6 September 2013 against Germany U19, starting in central midfield during a 6-1 loss. He scored his first Netherlands U19 goal on 13 October 2013 in a 3-1 win against Turkey U19. He made seven appearances and scored one goal for the U19 side.
In October 2014, Karsdorp was called up to the Netherlands U20 squad for the first time. He made his U20 debut on 9 October 2014, starting the entire game in a 2-2 draw against Turkey U20. He made three appearances for the U20 side. A month later, in November, Karsdorp received his first call-up to the Netherlands U21 squad. He made his U21 debut on 13 November 2014, starting the entire game in a 3-1 loss against Germany U21. He made two appearances for the U21 side.
4.2. Senior National Team
Karsdorp received his first call-up to the senior Netherlands team in September 2015 for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Czech Republic. He was called up again in March 2016 for friendlies against France and England.
He made his Netherlands debut on 7 October 2016, starting in the right-back position, in a 4-1 win against Belarus at De Kuip, his home stadium. In a subsequent match against France on 10 October, he again started as a right-back, as the national side lost 1-0. While Dutch media highly praised his performance against France, the French sports newspaper L'Équipe gave him a comparatively low rating. His third appearance for the Netherlands came on 25 March 2017 against Bulgaria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier, which they lost 2-0. Having not been called up for the senior team for over two years, Karsdorp stated in September 2019 that he was not focused on a national team return, preferring to concentrate on his club performance and believing that opportunities would arise if he played well consistently. He has made a total of three appearances for the senior national team, without scoring.
5. Playing Style and Evaluation
Rick Karsdorp, originally an attacking midfielder, possesses notable technical ability. From the right side, he is capable of delivering effective crosses and can also make precise through passes when moving into central areas.
His most distinctive attributes are his exceptional speed and immense driving force, which allow him to make powerful forward runs from the right-back position. John de Wolf, a former Dutch footballer, praised Karsdorp during the early 2015-16 season, describing him as one of the fastest defenders in the Eredivisie, whose speed enables the team to engage in more adventurous play.
In September 2015, Jan Everse, another football commentator, lauded Karsdorp, suggesting that his talent as a right-back could earn him a place in the Netherlands national team due to his outstanding crosses, powerful attacking runs, and speed. Everse also remarked that Karsdorp had consistently performed better than Kenny Tete of Ajax over the preceding year and a half. Karsdorp's former coach, Fred Rutten, is credited with correctly identifying Karsdorp's attacking qualities, which were effectively harnessed in his role as a right-back.
During the 2016-17 season, Karsdorp further developed into a more balanced full-back. Within Feyenoord's robust defensive structure, he improved his timing for pushing forward, leading to a more complete and refined playing style. Despite this growth, he faced some criticism in the winter of 2016 for a dip in form and increased errors, with some commentators suggesting he was "over-promoting himself" or "overestimating his abilities."
6. Personal Life
In June 2018, Rick Karsdorp married his long-term girlfriend, Astrid Lentini, who is a South American model of Italian descent. The couple has two sons. In addition to his native Dutch, Karsdorp is fluent in English and is actively learning Italian, with his wife Astrid assisting him in interpreting the language.
7. Honours
Feyenoord
- Eredivisie: 2016-17
- KNVB Cup: 2015-16
Roma
- UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021-22
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022-23
8. Career Statistics
As of 31 August 2024.
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Feyenoord | 2014-15 | Eredivisie | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| 2015-16 | 29 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | - | 35 | 0 | ||||
| 2016-17 | 30 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 1 | ||
| Total | 78 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 101 | 1 | ||
| Roma | 2017-18 | Serie A | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |
| 2018-19 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 14 | 0 | |||
| 2020-21 | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | - | 45 | 1 | |||
| 2021-22 | 36 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | - | 51 | 0 | |||
| 2022-23 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | - | 18 | 0 | |||
| 2023-24 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | - | 28 | 0 | |||
| Total | 113 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 38 | 0 | - | 157 | 1 | |||
| Feyenoord (loan) | 2019-20 | Eredivisie | 15 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | - | 22 | 2 | |
| PSV Eindhoven | 2024-25 | Eredivisie | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| Career total | 217 | 3 | 19 | 0 | 60 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 298 | 4 | ||