Donny van de Beek: “I’m not someone who looks too far ahead, and I think that mindset is important as a footballer”
Donny van de Beek was 22 years old when this interview took place, a period in which he was firmly established at Ajax and standing on the edge of the next step in his career. Reading it back now, his words feel measured and consistent, shaped by values that have continued to guide his choices both on and off the pitch.
Donny van de Beek is not someone who seeks attention through style or image. Still, small details reveal how strongly he connects identity, gratitude, and where he comes from.
Does the meaning of the tattoo on your calf with ‘blessed’ have anything to do with this?
Donny van de Beek: “Yes, absolutely. I recently got this tattoo with two friends, with the idea behind it that we are blessed to come from Nijkerkerveen together. But honestly, I’m not really the tattoo type; this will probably be the first and last one I ever get.”
Now you are a public figure yourself. What is the hardest part about being famous?
“It does take some getting used to that I now always have to think carefully about what I say and what I do, because things can be hugely magnified. Suddenly you always have to take that into account. But of course I also get a lot of positive reactions from fans, and that’s very nice.”
You had a great season behind you. Were you able to enjoy your summer more because of that?
“It was indeed a beautiful but also heavy season, in which we also won two great trophies. At one point we were playing almost two matches every week, so I really felt that I needed rest. That’s why I went to Ibiza with friends and really enjoyed myself. For a while, I was even able to let go of football completely. But to be honest, after two weeks it started itching again. By now I feel completely fresh and ready to go again.”
Family, friendship, and staying grounded play a central role in how Donny approaches life and football. His roots in Nijkerkerveen remain a constant reference point.
You grew up at Ajax. What were you like as a young boy growing up in Nijkerkerveen?
“I had a really great childhood with loving parents, a fun little brother (Rody), and lots of friends. I value that enormously, and our bond is still very strong. That’s why I still live in Nijkerkerveen and recently bought a house right behind my parents’ place. Our group of friends is still almost the same as it was back then. We have a little house by a large lake where we regularly go fishing together. Everything in Nijkerkerveen feels very familiar and relaxed, and I’m very grateful for that.”
There’s a good chance you’ll move abroad soon. How do you feel about having to leave your hometown?
“Of course it’s part of it, and I’ll be happy if I get the chance to move to a great club abroad. But of course there will be moments when I miss my family and friends. I’ll come back as often as I can. But I’m sure I’ll be able to take care of myself.”
If you could make one personal wish, what would it be?
I would wish that my family and friends do well, stay healthy, and that one day I can have a family of my own. They will always come first for me; my football career comes second.”
From childhood dreams to emotional highs and lows, football has shaped Donny’s life in profound ways. Yet his perspective remains focused on the present, always moving forward step by step.
How do you deal with those constant, sudden changes?
“I’m not someone who looks too far ahead, and I think that mindset is important as a footballer. I look at everything match by match and always give 100 percent. You can never think, ‘I’ll take it easy today,’ because you can’t afford to drop points anywhere. I hope to become champion every year and go far in Europe as well. And once one match is over, I move straight on to the next.”
What was your dream club as a young boy?
“That has always been Ajax. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to make that dream come true. There are many other great clubs, but there isn’t really another dream club for me.”
What has been the most emotional match of your career so far?
“The match that affected me the most was the first home game after the tragic accident involving my friend Nouri. I scored my first goal since that terrible event, and that brought out a lot of emotions. It’s already been two years, but that moment will always stay with me.”
Ready for more?
Check out the full interview in magazine issue 60.
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