Born in Suriname in South America, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and his family later moved to the Dutch city of Zaandam at the end of the 1970s. His love for football was evident from a young age, and he honed his skills playing street football, which developed his technical abilities and powerful striking.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Early Career

Jimmy started his formal football journey in the youth systems of Dutch clubs, including a stint with the youth team at DWS, a respected club in Amsterdam.

His first significant break came with Telstar, a second-division Dutch club where he joined as a senior player after impressing with his raw talent and powerful play style. It was here that his potential as a striker began to shine. Telstar allowed him to develop his skills against seasoned players, refining his goal-scoring ability and tactical awareness. His performances soon attracted the attention of other clubs, and he subsequently moved to AZ Alkmaar.

In 1996, Jimmy made the move to Portugal, signing for Boavista.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Portugal to Leeds

Jimmy’s career gained serious momentum in Portugal with Boavista FC,  where he helped the team secure the Portuguese Cup.  He quickly established himself as a formidable forward, with his performance at Boavista putting him on the map in European football.

This success eventually led to a high-profile move to Leeds United, where he would begin his Premier League journey.  In his debut season (1997-98), he scored 16 league goals, finishing as Leeds’ top scorer and helping them secure a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, which qualified them for the UEFA Cup.

His second season (1998-99) saw even greater success. He finished as the joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 18 goals and won the Golden Boot.  His performances helped Leeds to a fourth-place finish that season, securing a UEFA Cup spot for a second consecutive year.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Atlético Madrid

In 1999, Jimmy made the move to Atlético Madrid and continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring talent, netting 24 goals in 34 appearances during his single season with the club. This impressive tally included multiple standout performances, such as his double against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu stadium, which endeared him to Atlético fans. 

His remarkable season in Spain solidified Jimmy’s reputation as a prolific striker in Europe and attracted the attention of Premier League clubs.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Record-Breaking Move to Chelsea

This led to his return to England in 2000 when he joined Chelsea in a record-breaking transfer, setting the stage for the next chapter of his storied career. In his debut season, he scored 23 goals in the Premier League, earning him the Golden Boot for the second time in his career. 

Over four seasons at Chelsea, Jimmy formed effective partnerships with players like Gianfranco Zola and Eidur Gudjohnsen, helping Chelsea secure consistent top-four finishes. Though Chelsea did not win major trophies during his time at the club, Jimmy played a vital role in their journey, including a memorable run to the FA Cup final in 2002.

Jimmy scored 87 goals in 177 appearances for Chelsea, leaving as one of the club’s top scorers of the era.

After leaving Chelsea in 2004, Jimmy went on to play for Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff.

Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink | Managerial Career

After retiring from professional football, Jimmy transitioned into coaching and management. He took on managerial roles at several clubs, including Royal Antwerp, Burton Albion, and Queens Park Rangers.

At Burton Albion, his leadership and tactical approach led the team to unprecedented success, winning the League Two title in the 2014/2015 season and earning a promotion – a testament to his ability to inspire and develop talent. He went on to manage Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, League One club Northampton Town. Then he returned to Burton Albion for a second spell in 2021. 

In 2023, he joined Gareth Southgate as Assistant Head Coach for the England team. This partnership continued until Gareth Southgate resigned after Euro 2024.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book goal-scoring legend and former Premier League footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for your next event.  Contact us.