Ronnie Stam was a Dutch right-back with a fierce, consistent and tactically disciplined profile, who built a solid career in European football, with highlights including his spells at NAC Breda, FC Twente and Wigan Athletic in England. A product of NAC's youth system, it was at the Breda club that he gained notoriety for his defensive consistency, ability to support the attack efficiently and good reading of the game - qualities that soon caught the attention of bigger clubs in the Eredivisie.
He joined FC Twente in 2008 and reached his professional peak as a regular starter in the team that won the Eredivisie in 2009–10, being one of the pillars of the defensive system led by Steve McClaren. Stam stood out for his physical commitment, firmness in marking and good positioning, and was also capable of contributing offensively with accurate crosses and constant support from the right. He was named in the Eredivisie team of the season and cemented his reputation as one of the most consistent full-backs in the country during that period.
His good form took him to the Premier League, where he played competitively for Wigan Athletic, being part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2013. Although he was not a particularly brilliant individual player, his combativeness, consistency and team spirit made him a trusted name in every team he played for. Outside the field though, after retirement Ronnie Stam got in serious problems with the law, being accused of drug trafficking and money laundering in 2024, and could receive a sentence of up to 13 years in prison.
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Ex-Premier League star accused of importing £48m worth of cocaine faces 13 years in prison | The Mirror | EnglishVideos:HEERLIJK AFSTANDSSCHOT VAN RONNIE STAM | Heracles Almelo - NAC Breda (12-04-2006) | Goal
Netherlands