Joris Kramer on Change and his Life After Football
Change is the common thread in both sport and life. For the KNVB-Cup Champion Joris Kramer (28), change means more than just adapting — it’s about growing, learning, and finding balance. From the pitch to his personal life, he embraces every challenge. But how does he stay grounded in a world that’s constantly moving?
The Power of Change
Change can be confronting — but it can also shape character. For professional athletes, it’s often a mental game as much as a physical one. Joris Kramer knows this all too well.
What does change mean to you personally?
Joris Kramer: “For me, change means I’ve undergone a shift in mindset. When I look back at how I used to deal with certain situations and compare that to now, I see that difference as the real transformation in myself.”
How do you make sure you stay mentally balanced?
“Mental health is very important. I think what helps most is talking about things, especially when something’s bothering you. That can also be with a mental coach. What helps me personally is writing things down. It gives me a clear overview in my head. I’ve noticed that putting my thoughts on paper and outlining problems or sources of stress really helps.”
What daily habits help you stay mentally strong?
“I follow a set routine when it comes to sleep and nutrition. And if I feel stressed in certain situations, I focus on my breathing and do breathing exercises. At several clubs I’ve played for, we had workshops on breathing techniques — I still use those tips. I also sleep with mouth tape, and I’ve noticed I wake up feeling more rested.”
Life After Football?
No career on the pitch lasts forever. The transition away from professional football can be daunting, but also full of new possibilities. How does Kramer view what comes next?
How often do you think about your future after football? Is that something you’re already working on?
“I think about it more and more these days. I’m interested in doing something with finance, maybe combining it with sport or real estate. I’ve earned a bookkeeping diploma, and I’ve always had a head for numbers. But I don’t have a fixed plan yet for my life after football.”
Some athletes struggle with the transition away from professional sports. How do you view that shift for yourself?
“I can totally understand how that’s hard for many people — especially because you miss the adrenaline rush of match days and that clear weekly goal to work toward. It’s a big change that requires real adjustment. Personally, I think I’ll stay active and maybe take on new physical challenges through other sports, just because I enjoy it. I like padel, and I also spend a lot of time at the gym. You see a lot of people doing that Hyrox stuff nowadays — who knows, maybe I’ll give that a try too.” (laughs)
Curious for more? Read the full interview with Joris Kramer in our latest issue — Life After Football Magazine, Issue 84.
