| Name (Full) | Steven Jerome Pienaar |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Date of Birth | 17 March 1982 |
| Latest club | N/A |
| Shirt number | 20 |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
A technical genius on the wing
Pienaar was not a traditional winger who relied solely on pace; he was a playmaker operating in wide areas, using his brain as much as his feet.
- 🧠Telepathic intelligence: His understanding of space allowed him to combine intricately with teammates, most notably forming a legendary left-sided axis with Leighton Baines.
- 🪄 Close control: Pienaar possessed magnetic ball control, enabling him to manipulate the ball in tight spaces and evade defenders with ease.
- 🎯 Creative vision: He functioned as a wide playmaker, often drifting inside to thread lethal through balls or unlock stubborn defences.
- 🛡️ Work rate: Despite his flair, he never shirked defensive duties, often tracking back diligently to support his full-back.
Illustrious club career
From his early days at Ajax Cape Town to becoming a cult hero on Merseyside, Pienaar’s journey took him through some of Europe’s most prestigious leagues. His career was marked by seamless transitions between the Dutch Eredivisie, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League.
European breakthrough and struggles
Pienaar’s European adventure began at Ajax Amsterdam, where he flourished alongside stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Wesley Sneijder. Winning two Eredivisie titles, he honed the “Total Football” philosophy that would define his style. His technical elegance made him a standout, earning him a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2006.
His time in Germany was challenging, as he struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the Bundesliga. However, his resilience shone through when he secured a loan move to Everton in 2007. This decision reignited his career, proving he had the grit to succeed at the highest level.
The Everton icon
Goodison Park became Pienaar’s spiritual home, where he played the best football of his life. He was named Everton’s Player of the Season in 2009-10, dazzling fans with his flair and work ethic. A brief, injury-plagued stint at Tottenham Hotspur in 2011 interrupted his rhythm, but he soon returned to the Toffees to huge acclaim.
In his second spell, he picked up exactly where he left off, scoring crucial goals and dictating play. After leaving Everton in 2016, he reunited with David Moyes at Sunderland before finishing his career back in South Africa with Bidvest Wits, retiring in March 2018.
| Team (Appea.) | G/A/YC/RC |
|---|---|
| Everton (229) | 26/45/30/2 |
| Ajax Amsterdam (133) | 18/22/10/0 |
| Borussia Dortmund (27) | 0/1/2/0 |
| Tottenham Hotspur (18) | 1/1/1/0 |
| Sunderland (17) | 0/0/4/1 |
| Bidvest Wits (11) | 0/0/2/0 |
World Cups and national duty
Steven Pienaar’s international career saw him earn over 60 caps for Bafana Bafana, representing his nation with distinction. He was part of the squad for the 2002 World Cup and a key starter during the historic 2010 World Cup on home soil. His experience and composure were vital for the national team during a transitional era.
Although South Africa famously defeated France in 2010, they narrowly missed out on the knockout stages. Pienaar retired from international football in 2012 to prolong his club career, leaving a legacy as one of the country’s most gifted playmakers.
| Competition (Stage) | MP (Goal) |
|---|---|
| World Cup 2010 (Group Stage) | 3 (0) |
| AFCON 2008 (Group Stage) | 3 (0) |
| World Cup 2002 (Group Stage) | 0 (0) |
Timeline of clubs
Pienaar’s journey reflects the path of a true professional who challenged himself in the world’s toughest leagues. He remains one of the few South Africans to have commanded a regular starting spot in the Premier League for nearly a decade. His movement between top-tier clubs showcases his enduring quality.
From the structured academies of the Netherlands to the high-octane pace of England, “Schillo” adapted and thrived. His final return to the PSL allowed local fans a brief glimpse of the magic that charmed Europe.
| Years | Club |
|---|---|
| 1999–2001 | Ajax Cape Town |
| 2001–2006 | Ajax Amsterdam |
| 2006–2008 | Borussia Dortmund |
| 2007–2008 | Everton (Loan) |
| 2008–2011 | Everton |
| 2011–2012 | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 2012 | Everton (Loan) |
| 2012–2016 | Everton |
| 2016–2017 | Sunderland |
| 2017–2018 | Bidvest Wits |