“Like I was having open-heart surgery”: United star’s ex opens up on painful divorce from “hell”

AnneKee Molenaar has spoken publicly about her painful divorce from Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt, describing the experience as feeling like open-heart surgery. The couple separated last year, only 12 months after marrying, following several years of dating that began during De Ligt's time at Ajax. Speaking to RTL Boulevard, Molenaar shared that the split caused genuine physical grief, leaving her feeling deeply fragile and bruised throughout a difficult year of personal transition.

Despite the emotional hardship, Molenaar confirmed that she and De Ligt remain on positive terms, noting that mutually parting ways was the most loving choice once their romantic connection ended. Meanwhile, the Dutch center-back, who joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich in 2024 and has made 56 appearances for the club, is reportedly now dating model Amber Yuusef.