Panathinaikos FC is delighted to announce the signing of Stefan de Vrij. The 34-year-old Dutch central defender has signed a one-year contract and joins the Greens to strengthen the team’s defense, bringing vast experience, leadership and elite-level football pedigree.
Stefan de Vrij was born on February 5, 1992, in Ouderkerk aan den IJssel, the Netherlands. He began playing football with his hometown club, VV Spirit, before joining the Feyenoord academy at the age of ten. After progressing through every level of the club’s youth system, he signed his first professional contract in July 2009 and made his senior debut on September 24 of the same year, at just 17 years of age.
He spent five seasons with Feyenoord, making a total of 154 appearances and serving as team captain for part of his spell. In the summer of 2014, he moved to Italy to join Lazio. During four successful seasons in Rome, he established himself as a key player, making 118 appearances for the Biancocelesti.
In July 2018, he joined Inter Milan. Wearing the Nerazzurri shirt, De Vrij established himself among Europe’s elite defenders, winning major honours while making numerous appearances in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League. After eight outstanding seasons at San Siro, during which he made 296 appearances in all competitions, he departed having played a significant role in Inter’s success, helping the club win three Serie A titles (2021, 2024, 2026), three Coppa Italia trophies (2022, 2023, 2026) and three Italian Super Cups (2021, 2022, 2023).
He also enjoyed an outstanding European career with Inter, making 55 appearances in UEFA competitions and reaching three European finals: two UEFA Champions League finals (2023, 2025) and one UEFA Europa League final (2020).
De Vrij has represented the Netherlands senior national team since August 2012, earning 79 international caps. He featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where the Oranje finished third. He played in every match of the tournament and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. He also represented his country at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, where he played a decisive role in the Netherlands’ run to the semi-finals. In the quarter-final against Türkiye, he scored the equalizing goal and was named Player of the Match.
He arrives at Panathinaikos having made 647 appearances at club and international level, while also scoring 33 goals throughout his career.
We welcome Stefan into Panathinaikos family!
