By SABC Sport
26th September 2023
The promising young talent, aged just 16, solidified his commitment to Barcelona on Monday, marking a remarkable journey that began at the tender age of nine when he joined the renowned La Masia academy.
Shane Kluivert, a forward brimming with potential, has been nurtured within the ranks of Barcelona, hailing from Paris Saint-Germain's youth system. His decision to follow in the footsteps of his iconic family carries profound significance in the world of football.
Patrick Kluivert himself, son of Surinamese professional Kenneth Kluivert, etched his name in Barcelona's history, gracing the Camp Nou turf with his talents from 1998 to 2004. During his tenure, he amassed an impressive 122 goals and provided 60 assists in 257 appearances, contributing significantly to the club's La Liga triumph in the 1998/99 season.
The Kluivert legacy doesn't stop there. Shane's elder brothers, Justin and Ruben, have also embarked on professional football journeys. Justin, aged 24, plies his trade as a winger for Bournemouth in the Premier League, while 22-year-old Ruben showcases his defensive prowess at Dordrecht in the Dutch second division. Meanwhile, Quincy, the eldest of the Kluivert siblings at 26, initially made waves at Ajax during his youth, later transitioning into a successful DJ career.
The story of Shane Kluivert's historic contract signing is entwined with Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, where the young prodigy honed his skills.
The announcement of Shane's professional contract drew heartfelt reactions on social media. Patrick Kluivert, ever the proud father, took to Instagram to share a video montage chronicling Shane's journey, from his early years to donning the Barcelona colours.
Taking to his own Instagram account, Shane expressed his pride and gratitude, stating, "Very proud and honoured to have signed my first professional contract with @fcbarcelona. Thank you for the trust! Visca el Barça." This sentiment resonates with fans worldwide, as Shane first captured international attention in 2017 when he became the youngest European athlete to sign a contract with Nike.
As Shane Kluivert dons the Barcelona kit, the football world eagerly anticipates witnessing the next chapter in this illustrious family's footballing saga.