Joris Kramer Opens Up About His Style and the KNVB Cup Final 2025
In this exclusive Life After Football interview, Joris Kramer reflects on the road to the KNVB Cup final with Go Ahead Eagles. The defender also talks about fashion and his personal style icon. This story offers a glimpse into the mindset of a player who knows that style and progress in football come down to one thing: details.
Fashion & Style
How important is fashion to you in daily life? Do you see it as a way to express yourself?
Joris Kramer: “Yes, fashion is definitely a way for me to express myself. I like to look well-groomed, and I feel better when I’m wearing a nice outfit. It gives me a fresher mindset when I head out the door. In the dressing room, we often talk about fashion too. If someone’s wearing a sharp outfit, someone will joke, “you’re not going home tonight.” Eight to ten years ago, I used to wear skinny jeans or ripped pants. When I look at those photos now, my style has completely changed — thankfully! Now I prefer a more basic, classic look. I like a calm, subtle style and oversized clothing as well. I enjoy shopping at Massimo Dutti and Zara. I like mixing basic clothing with more expensive shoes or accessories.“
Do you have a style icon?
“For me, David Beckham is a true style icon. Especially because of his different hairstyles and how he can look good even in just a simple tank top. People copy his style, and I think that’s what makes him a truly iconic style figure.“
KNVB Cup Final 2025
On Monday, April 21, 2025, Go Ahead Eagles will face AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Cup final at De Kuip in Rotterdam. This marks their first appearance in the final since 1965, when they were narrowly defeated by Feyenoord. Historically, Go Ahead Eagles have secured four national championships in the early 20th century: 1916–17, 1921–22, 1929–30, and 1932–33. A cup victory now would be their first major trophy of the modern era.*
As the final approaches, defender Joris Kramer reflects on the journey, the meaning of this moment, and the growth he’s experienced along the way.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself and the team since you started playing at Go Ahead?
“I mostly notice it in my personal growth, like taking on more responsibility, both on and off the pitch. I think you can see that in my playing style too. I’ve also taken on more of a leadership role in the dressing room, and that suits me well. As for the team, there’s now a solid foundation and clear playing intentions. The scouting has done an excellent job bringing in grounded, ambitious young players. That’s a big part of why things are going so well.”
How would you describe the character of this team in three words?
“Talent, hard work, and joy.”
What does reaching the KNVB Cup final mean to you personally and to Go Ahead Eagles as a club?
“Reaching the KNVB final is, for me personally, a big stage — it’s what all those hours on the training pitch have been for. I’m already looking forward to the final. For Go Ahead, it’s history, of course. It’s been sixty years since the club last achieved this, and people are really living it. Every day that I see a fan or they come to watch training, they’re basically already focused purely on the final. So that’s amazing to experience. The great thing about this club is the family feeling. I know everyone, from the groundskeeper to the staff members. I enjoy having a good relationship with everyone at the club, and I hope they feel the same about me. That’s why it’s so special for me to play the final wearing the Go Ahead Eagles shirt.”
Curious for more? Read the full interview with Joris Kramer in our latest issue — Life After Football Magazine, Issue 84.
*Update: In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024–25 KNVB Cup, Go Ahead Eagles lifted the trophy after defeating AZ Alkmaar 4–2 in a penalty shootout, following a 1–1 draw after 120 minutes. Joris Kramer played the full match, contributing to a resolute performance on the biggest stage. This historic win marks the club’s first major silverware in over 90 years and secures their place in next season’s UEFA Europa League.
