Gregory van der Wiel (born 3 February 1988 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch footballer best known as an attacking full back on the right side. He emerged from the Netherlands' youth system and gained recognition for his combination of pace, crossing and defensive work. Throughout his career he has been deployed primarily as a right back but has also been used in wider midfield roles.

Career

Van der Wiel began his senior career in the Ajax system, progressing from the club's youth teams into the first team. During his development he spent time on loan to gain experience with HFC Haarlem. He later left Ajax to play in other top leagues, most notably joining Paris Saint-Germain, where he featured in domestic and European competitions. In later seasons he continued his career at clubs outside the Netherlands as his role shifted from emerging prospect to experienced professional.

  • Ajax (youth and senior breakthrough)
  • HFC Haarlem (loan during early development)
  • Paris Saint-Germain (major move to a top European club)
  • Other clubs in later stages of his career

International play and reputation

Van der Wiel represented the Netherlands at senior level and was selected for major international tournaments. He was part of the national squad during a period when the team reached high-profile finals and deep runs in global competition. His international involvement reinforced his reputation as a modern full back capable of contributing in attack and defence.

Playing style and strengths

Known for quick recovery speed and an ability to deliver crosses from the right flank, van der Wiel combined offensive intent with positional awareness. He was often praised for his stamina, willingness to overlap team-mates and for linking play between defence and midfield. Defensively he relied on anticipation and one-on-one defending rather than sheer physicality.

While his career included highs at club and international level, it also illustrates the typical arc of a professional defender: early breakthrough, peak years in top leagues, and later moves as form and opportunities changed. His tenure at prominent clubs and appearances for the Netherlands make him a recognizable figure in Dutch football of his generation.