It’s official: Ruben Kluivert (24), the Dutch centre-back at Olympique Lyonnais, has signed with Ali Barat's Epic Sports, becoming the second Kluivert on the agency’s roster after his brother Justin Kluivert of AFC Bournemouth. The announcement showcases Epic’s emphasis on personal development, clear career mapping, and measured, top-level progression.
Player profile
Tall, physical and composed in possession, Ruben is a defender who reads danger early and dominates aerially. Comfortable stepping into midfield lines with the ball, he brings calm distribution and authority in duels—traits that suit Lyon’s need for control in defensive transitions.
Short club history
Born in Amsterdam in 2001, Kluivert advanced through AFC and FC Utrecht (including Jong Utrecht) and made his Eredivisie debut in 2022. A move to FC Dordrecht in 2023 provided consistent senior minutes. He then stepped up to Casa Pia in Portugal in 2024, before earning his transfer to Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2025. The pathway reflects a deliberate climb: accumulate minutes, broaden tactical exposure, then jump into a major European league.
Career timeline (compact):
AFC (youth) → FC Utrecht / Jong Utrecht → FC Dordrecht → Casa Pia → Olympique Lyonnais.
Why Epic Sports is a fit
Epic Sports prioritizes structured progression and cross-border expertise. For Ruben, the near-term focus is to cement a regular role at Lyon while tracking key benchmarks—defensive duel win rate, aerial impact, build-up security—and sequencing any future opportunities around performance milestones rather than short-term noise.
The agency posted on their Instagram:
''24-year-old Ruben Kluivert from Olympique Lyonnais joins Epic Sports!🤞🏼✅
The Dutch centre-back becomes the second member of the Kluivert family to join the Epic roster! 🧑🧑🧒🧒💫
Known for his physical presence, composure on the ball and dominance in the air, Ruben brings confidence and control to OL’s back line. 💪🏼
With Epic’s focus on individual growth and player development, Ruben is set to reach new heights.''
Family ties
With Ruben on board, two Kluiverts are now part of the Epic roster. His brother Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth) recently joined after logging appearances across all five of Europe’s top leagues. We’ve covered Justin’s signing and career arc in a separate feature—perfect for readers who want the full family picture.
What to watch next at Lyon
Ruben’s integration into the best XI, his influence on set pieces at both ends, and his consistency across a full Ligue 1 campaign will shape the next chapter—on the pitch and in long-term planning with Epic Sports.
Fast facts
Nationality: Netherlands
Age: 24 (21 May 2001)
Height: 1.87m
Position: CB (also RB)
Current club: Olympique Lyonnais
Shirt: 21
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