Due to his elite playmaking ability, Sneijder was considered one of the best midfielders in the world during his prime. Having previously represented various youth squads for the Netherlands, he was a regular player for the Dutch national team, making his debut in April 2003 at the age of 18, and representing his country at the 2006, 2010 (where the Netherlands were defeated 1–0 in the final) and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championships. Individually, he was awarded the 2010 Bronze Boot, the 2010 Silver Ball, and included in the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, as well as named man of the match for six out of eleven games played by the "Oranje" at these two tournaments. With 134 caps, he is the most capped Dutch player of all time. He announced his international retirement in March 2018. Because of his status as most capped player he was granted a farewell match played against Peru on 6 September 2018.