Michael James den Heijer (born 14 April 1996) is a New Zealand footballer who plays as a defender for Auckland FC (OFC) in the OFC Pro League.

Michael den Heijer
Personal information
Full name Michael James den Heijer[1]
Date of birth (1996-04-14) 14 April 1996 (age 30)[1]
Place of birth Auckland, New Zealand
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]
Position Center back
Team information
Current team
Auckland FC (OFC)
Number 5
Youth career
2014 Kashiwa Reysol
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2014 Wanderers SC 13 (0)
2015–2016 Auckland City 16 (0)
2016–2019 NEC 0 (0)
2019–2020 DFS
2020 1. FC Kleve 7 (2)
2022 Auckland United 29 (5)
2023–2025 Auckland City 9 (0)
2026– Auckland FC (OFC) 13 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 12 May 2026

Early life and education

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Den Heijer started playing football at the age of five.[2] He appeared in a commercial for New Zealand ice cream brand Tip Top at the age of seven.[3]

Den Heijer attended Kashiwa Sports High School in Japan.[4]

Club career

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In 2020, Den Heijer signed for German side 1. FC Kleve, where he was regarded as one of the club's most important players.[5] After that, he signed for New Zealand side Auckland United, where he was regarded as one of the club's top players.[6]

On 18 December 2025, Den Heijer joined Auckland FC to play in the newly founded OFC Professional League.[7]

International career

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Den Heijer represented New Zealand internationally at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.[8]

Career statistics

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Club Season League National Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals

Style of play

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Den Heijer mainly operates as a midfielder and is known for his strength.[9]

Personal life

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Den Heijer is of Dutch descent.[10]

Honours

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References

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