Who Is Eljero Elia? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Eljero Elia was born on February 13, 1987, making him 38 years old in 2025. Hailing from Voorhut, Netherlands, Elia's journey into professional football began in his early years. Known for his incredible speed and dribbling skills, Elia rose through the ranks in various youth academies before making his senior debut. For a detailed overview of his career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1987 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Voorburg, Netherlands |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Netherlands |
Popularity
Eljero Elia's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As an athlete, Eljero Elia maintains an impressive physique. Standing at approximately 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall, he has a balanced build that suits his playing style. Although his exact weight may fluctuate with training and match seasons, he generally weighs around 75 kg (165 lbs).
Ahead of the 2016–17 season, Elia signed a one–year contract extension with Feyenoord, keeping him until 2018. He started on the left wing as the team lost 1–0 to PSV in the Johan Cruyff Shield. In the opening game of the 2016–17 season, Elia scored a hat–trick in a 5–0 win against FC Groningen.
However, Elia suffered a shoulder injury while training and was out for two months. It wasn't until on 23 October 2016 when he returned to the first team, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute against rivals, Ajax and set up the equalising goal, in a 1–1 draw.
Three days later on 26 October 2016, Elia scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 4–0 win against SBV Excelsior in the second round of the KNVB Cup. Since returning from injury, he regained his first team place, playing in the left–wing position.
Elia then scored his fifth goal of the season, in a 6–1 win against Sparta Rotterdam on 4 December 2016. Following this, he played a key role for Feyenoord by assisting five times and scoring three times, coming against Vitesse, Roda JC and NEC Nijmegen, all of them were wins to help the club maintain their place at the top of the table.
During which, Elia suffered a hamstring injury while training but he quickly recovered. After suffering minor injuries, Elia suffered a foot injury that saw him miss two matches.
It wasn't until on 5 April 2017 when he made his return to the first team from injury and scored his ninth goal of the season, in an 8–0 win against Go Ahead Eagles to bounce back from the previous defeat against Ajax. Following this, it was revealed that Elia had his knee injected in effort to avoid having further injury.
Two weeks later on 16 April 2017, he scored his tenth goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against Utrecht to help the club maintain their lead at the top of the table.
In the last game of the season against Heracles Almelo, Elia played a role in the match when he set up a goal for Dirk Kuyt, who went on to score a hat–trick, in a 3–1 win, a result that saw Feyenoord win the Eredivisie title of 2016–17 season.
At the end of the 2016–17 season, Elia went on to make thirty–one appearances and scoring ten times in all competitions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Elia has always kept his personal life somewhat private, but reports suggest he has been in a long-term relationship. In 2025, he is said to be dating a well-known model, although the couple tends to stay off social media. Elia frequently expresses gratitude towards his family, who have been a monumental support throughout his football career.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in The Hague, Elia is of Surinamese descent. Elia's first name is an homage to his sister's favourite jazz singer, Al Jarreau. As a child, he idolised Romário. In an interview with Trouw, Elia said that he is a religious person and became a first-time father when his girlfriend Sanne gave birth to a daughter.
In June 2015, Elia announced his marriage to his long term girlfriend, Sanne.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Eljero Elia's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful football career, brand endorsements, and other business ventures. With his experience and marketability, Elia enjoys a lucrative salary, especially during his final playing years and potential roles in coaching or sports commentary.
Career, Business and Investments
Elia's football career has seen him play for several top clubs, including FC Twente, Juventus, and Southampton, as well as featuring for the Netherlands national team. After announcing his retirement from professional football in late 2023, he has sought opportunities in coaching and mentoring young talents. Beyond football, Elia has made investments in the hospitality industry, with partnerships in upscale restaurants and sports bars in the Netherlands and abroad.
At the start of the 2008–09 season, Elia made his UEFA Champions League debut in the third qualifying round of the Champions League against English club Arsenal in the first leg, as FC Twente lost 2–0. In the return leg, the club were eliminated from the tournament after they lost 4–0, losing 6–0 on aggregate.
He then scored three goals in the first three league matches of the season against Roda JC, NEC Nijmegen and FC Volendam. This was followed up by scoring twice, in a 5–0 win against FC Emmen in the second round of the KNVB Cup.
Since the start of the 2008–09 season, Elia improved under the new management of Steve McClaren, and continued to be a first team regular, playing in the midfield position.
Despite the club's elimination from the tournament, he played in both legs of the first round of the UEFA Cup against Stade Rennais and set up goal in the first leg, which proved to be vital, as FC Twente won 1–0 through away goal to advance to the UEFA Cup's group stage.
His performance led the club began open talks with Elia over a new contract. He then scored four more goals by the end of the year, including his first European goal in a 3–2 loss a to Manchester City on 6 November 2008.
In the January transfer window, Arsenal, Ajax and PSV were linked with a move to sign Elia after his break-out season for Twente. Ajax had their bid rejected twice by the club in their efforts to sign the player.
It was reported on 15 January 2009 that he ended the transfer speculation by signing a five-year contract extension with FC Twente, keeping him until 2013. Following this, Elia scored his tenth goal of the season, in a 4–1 win against NAC Breda on 4 February 2009.
He later added three more goals in the league, coming against FC Groningen, Roda JC and AZ Alkmaar. In the Dutch Cup, the club progressed to the final against Heerenveen, where Elia scored the opener, which would not be enough as Twente lost on penalties after Youssouf Hersi missed the decisive kick.
Despite missing three matches during the 2008–09 season, he went on to make forty–seven appearances and scoring fourteen appearances in all competitions.
For his performance, Elia was named the Dutch Football Talent of the Year for 2009, adding to his burgeoning reputation as an emerging talent in Europe and Voetbal International's Team of the Season.
Social Network
Eljero Elia is active on various social media platforms, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his life and career. His Instagram handle, which boasts a considerable following, includes posts showcasing his ventures, workouts, and personal moments with loved ones. Fans can find him on Instagram and Twitter.
Born in Voorburg, Elia played as a youth for local side SV Voorburg, before it merged to become Forum Sport in 1998. He later moved to cross-city rivals TONEGIDO and played in their youth department. In 1996, at age nine, Elia moved to the youth system of ADO Den Haag. He then moved to Ajax in 2000.
Elia reflected on his time at the club, saying: "Already as a kid I loved playing for that club. Walking across the street wearing a big Ajax bag, I thought that was great. That Amsterdam bluff also suits me, I think. Challenging, fooling around, just like on the streets.
Making an opponent crazy, that's the best thing there is." At under-13 level, he was sent away: "Together with Nordin Amrabat and Jeremain Lens. They thought I wasn't making a difference often enough. No, I never actually played as a winger for Ajax. Usually I was right mid, sometimes right back and sometimes central in the defence.
Henny de Regt told me at the time that I was not allowed to stay. I felt so awful." He then rejoined the youth system of ADO Den Haag two years later. Then youth coach Carlos Roeleveld said: "I soon saw that he was special. But I also got a disappointed boy with whom I had to work. That was in the under-15.
He was disappointed because he had been sent away from Ajax. He was thinking a lot."
Education
Elia's focus on football began at a young age, and thus, he balanced his academic studies with his sports commitments. While he might not have pursued formal higher education, his time in youth academies like FC Twente provided him with a solid foundation in sports management and coaching principles, preparing him for possible post-playing career opportunities.
