Ian Maatsen Interview: Always Going Forward
Recent years have shaped Ian Maatsen into a player and person who knows what he stands for. He plays with intensity but carries a calm presence away from the pitch. Ian Maatsen has been nominated for the Life After Football Fashion Player Awards, and in our exclusive interview he talks about style, moving abroad at a young age and the life he is building beyond football.
Finding Comfort Abroad
At sixteen Ian left home for England, moving into a host family while chasing his Chelsea dream. “In the beginning it was difficult. You are young, everything is new and you do not speak the language well. But the longer I stayed, the more it felt like home.”
He embraced their routines, holidays and food, even if he missed one thing. “Surinamese food is never the same anywhere else. When my father visits he has to cook, that is standard.”
Those early years taught Maatsen how to stay steady. “You should never stop believing in yourself,” he says. Tough moments are part of any career.
“There will always be things you cannot control. Then it is important to stay calm and keep going. It helps if you have people around you to talk to. Parents, family, friends. If you do that, it becomes easier to move forward.”
Expressive Style
Maatsen’s style is a mix of instinct and expression. “I like my own style. One day I am casual and relaxed, the next day I show something bold,” he says.
His approach goes beyond clothing, it is tied to who he is. “It has to do with your personality; how you walk onto the pitch and what you show. Even something small, like your shirt tucked or untucked, says something about you.”
Living in the Netherlands, Germany and England shaped how he looks at fashion. He draws inspiration from players who dare to show personality. “Of course you look at someone like Memphis. He dares a lot and always has a different style. I do not copy anyone, but I see how people dress and take something from it.”
Family First
Becoming a father changed how he looks at purpose. “I want my daughter to always be herself and stay grounded. She carries my name, but she will have her own career and identity. I want her to follow that.”
With his girlfriend he shares small parts of their life online, something that feels natural to them. “We want to show that it is not roses every day just because you are a pro. We are also people who need to work, organise things and chase dreams.”
Off the pitch he plays padel with friends and finds balance in simple routines. As for the future, he sees himself staying active and building new ideas. “Entrepreneurship. Staying busy. Being fit and eating well. Not training like I do now, but still moving and spending time with my family. I just want to keep going forward.”
Want to support Ian? Cast your vote and help Ian win the 2025 Fashion Player Award!
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Ian Maatsen in this exclusive interview? Check out our interview with fellow Fashion Player nominee Sabrine Ellouzi!
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