Born in the town of Bedum in the province of Groningen, the Netherlands, Robben took to football from an early age. He began playing with local clubs C.V.V.B and V.V. Bedum. Robben became an adherent of the Coerver Method, created and popularized by Dutch football coach Wiel Coerver. Coerver's method focused on ball precision ball control and fast, technical footwork. Robben's skill in these areas made him a valuable commodity, and he was quickly signed by local club FC Groningen. With intangible footwork on the ball, Robben has proven himself to be one of the most electrifying left wingers in the world.

F.C. Groningen placed Robben in their C-class youth team for the 1999/2000 season. He scored an impressive 50 goals in their competitions. It seemed only a matter of time before manager Jan Van Dijk would add the talented winger to the first team. Robben was added to the roster before Groningen's November 2000 away game against F.C. Twente, but he did not play until December 3, 2000 against RKC Waalwijk, as a substitute for the injured Leonardo dos Santos in the 79th minute. Over the winter, Robben managed to play himself into the starting lineup. In 18 starts for Groningen over the 2000/2001 season, Robben scored 2 goals. Robben was named player of the year for his first season with the big club, and with teammate Jordi Hoogstrate, he demonstrated the strength of the Groningen youth academy. Robben stayed with Groningen and improved steadily during the 2001/2002 season, playing in 28 contests and scoring 6 goals. His techniques and skills no longer a secret, Robben transferred to powerhouse Dutch football squad PSV Eindhoven for €4.2 million before the 2002/2003 season.

During his first season for PSV Eindhoven, Robben appeared to justify the high transfer price he commanded. Just 18 when the 2002/2003 season started, Robben played in 33 matches and scored 12 goals. He was named PSV's co-player of the year along with striker Mateja Kezman. His newfound finishing skills combined with his already formidable passing and dribbling helped lead PSV to their 17th Dutch title, and gained Robben the Talent of the Year award.

After his incredible start with PSV, Robben would finally know disappointment. First, PSV could not keep up with rival AFC Ajax and were forced into a fight for second place in the Eredivisie. Second, transfer rumors swirled around Robben during the winter transfer window. Initially, a rumor linked him to Real Madrid. However, Robben's agent (his father, Hans Robben) said "Real Madrid also want him but he won't go to Real. What is the point? It is not the place for a young boy like my son. And he never liked Real anyway. When we were on holiday in Spain, he only liked Barcelona." Arjen traveled to London and met with Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson. After that meeting, Robben insisted that moving to the English club would be a dream come true.[3] Unfortunately, Ferguson's offer came in much too low for PSV's and/or Robben's liking. PSV Eindhoven Chairman Harry van Raaij told Manchester United the most that their €7 million offer would buy them was a shirt with Robben's autograph. Almost immediately, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich offered € 18 million, and Robben accepted. Finally, the rest of his season with PSV was very disappointing. He injured his hamstring twice and missed several games, He also received criticism for his "poor manners" from PSV trainer Guus Hiddink, in reference to his somewhat dramatic dives and appeals for yellow cards.[3] This would not be the last time Robben was accused of such tactics. At the end of the 2003/2004 season, Robben tallied only 23 appearances and 6 goals. However, he was clearly regarded as a dominant force, and was ready to claim the left wing for Chelsea in 2004/2005.

Robben did not make his competitive debut for Chelsea F.C. until November 2004, as he was injured in a pre-season friendly match against A.S. Roma, breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot, due to a strong challenge from Roma's Olivier Dacourt. Robben missed many games due to injury in 2004/2005, managing to play in only 18 games, the fewest of his professional career since his debut in 2000/2001 with FC Groningen. The 2004/2005 season wasn't without its highlights for Robben; in November 2004, he was awarded the prestigious "Player of the Month" award for the English Premier League. Robben ended the 2004/2005 season with 7 goals, his second highest professional total. He was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year, but was beaten by Wayne Rooney of Manchester United. Back to health for 2005/2006, Robben has been an integral part of the Chelsea left wing. Through 20 contests, Robben has scored 5 goals and 3 assists.