Mats Deijl Interview: Leading Go Ahead Eagles With Calm Authority
He is more than just a right-back. As captain of Go Ahead Eagles, Mats Deijl embodies reliability, composure, and connection, both on and off the pitch. With the KNVB Cup triumph as the highlight of last season, he has grown into one of the club’s most defining figures. In our conversation, he reflects on leadership, handling pressure, and the unforgettable night in De Kuip. Deijl gives a glimpse into his personality and what drives him forward.
Leading in His Own Way
Deijl never imagined himself as captain. “I was always a quiet force. Only later, with more experience, did I notice that leadership suited me,” he says. When the coach handed him the armband, it felt like a natural step, but authenticity has remained his compass.
“As captain, you should never act. Your teammates must see the same person.” His style has earned him trust within the squad: calm, down-to-earth, and dependable.
The Magic Cup Final
Last season will forever be remembered for Go Ahead Eagles’ dramatic KNVB Cup victory. In the 98th minute, Deijl stood over a penalty that kept his team alive. “I tried to stay calm, control my breathing, and decide where to shoot. Of course, I thought: I cannot miss. But you push that thought aside. Luckily, it went in.”
He also stepped up first in the shootout, a decision he explains simply: “If the first one goes in, it gives confidence to the rest. That’s my role as captain.” Looking back, he realises the magnitude. “The club not only won a trophy but also secured European football. Only after my career will I truly understand how special it was.”
Balance On and Off the Pitch
Deijl admits pressure is part of the game, but he approaches it with openness. “Even I feel pressure. Talking about it with my girlfriend or teammates helps. You should never bottle it up.”
Away from football, he recharges with simple pleasures: walking his dog, dining out, or binge-watching series. Fashion, too, plays a role in expressing his personality. “Modest, but with small details. Sometimes neat, sometimes streetstyle,” he smiles. And for an occasion like Life After Football’s Captain’s Dinner? “Smart and appropriate, without over-the-top statements. But stylish, of course.”
For Mats Deijl, football is about more than ninety minutes. It is about leadership, resilience, and staying true to himself. He is a captain who proves that calm authority can take you just as far as loud gestures, and maybe even further.
To read the whole interview with Mats Deijl, check out our latest magazine! Issue 86: Legacy & Leadership.
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Mats Deijl sharing his story in our interview? Read our interview with Go Ahead Eagles defender Joris Kramer and his view on the road to the final!
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