Steven Bergwijn: “While I trained, my father slept in the car in the parking lot”
The journey of Steven Bergwijn has taken him far beyond the breakthrough years described in this interview. After rising at PSV, moving to Tottenham Hotspur, and returning to Ajax, he later continued his career abroad, building experience at the highest level of European football and beyond. Looking back, this interview captures a young player on the verge of fulfilling the ambitions that would shape his career.
From a young age, Steven Bergwijn made a conscious decision to leave Ajax and join PSV, where he was welcomed with open arms in Eindhoven. His passion for football led to years of investment in his professional career. Steven (21) did not walk that path alone, but with strong support from his parents and his faith. With his breakthrough at PSV and debut for the Dutch national team, the investment seemed ready to pay off.
What is your first football memory?
Steven Bergwijn: “I first came into contact with football when I was three or four years old. Normally you are only allowed to start training with a club at five, but I remember having my first training session when I was four. After that first training at Waterwijk in Almere, I never left.”
When did you go to Ajax?
“After playing three years at Waterwijk, I moved to Ajax’s youth academy. I noticed everything was more serious there. I didn’t have a problem with that because I’m used to giving everything.”
You played with Abdelhak Nouri. According to youth coaches, you had a special connection.
“In the F team I got to know Appie. I can’t explain why we had a connection immediately on and off the pitch, but from the first moment it felt right.”
What made you strong together?
“Appie was a fantastic player with incredible technique. Every match I enjoyed him, our connection, our actions and combinations. I’ve never had such a click with anyone else on the pitch. Even after I left Ajax we called each other every day. Luckily we still played together in national youth teams.”
How do you look back at your Ajax years?
“As a young player you learn the basics at Ajax. I played there six years and gained a lot from that time.”
After leaving Ajax, Bergwijn faced a demanding daily routine to pursue his career. His move to PSV required sacrifice, discipline, and relentless support from his father.
Then you moved to PSV, which is farther from Almere than Amsterdam.
“After I left with an argument, I was on PSV’s training field the next day. I woke up every morning at half past five to travel with my father to Eindhoven. While I trained, my father slept in the car in the parking lot at De Herdgang. After training we drove back to Almere so I could be at school by 11:30. That was the routine every day.”
What did you dream of then?
“When I was young I dreamed of playing in big stadiums. This season that dream came true. We played some beautiful Champions League matches. The game against Inter Milan stays very clear in my memory. Amazing atmosphere, lots of energy and healthy pressure. Inter had to win, we couldn’t progress, but it felt great to play a match like that. The Champions League is something different from the Eredivisie. The level is several tempos higher. You notice it in everything, but you get used to it quickly.”
You’re now an international and important for PSV. Do you feel on track in your career?
“It’s beautiful to see that everything I sacrificed for football is paying off. I’ve always worked hard because I’m focused on my goal. I do everything to improve and get the maximum out of myself, but I know I’m not there yet.”
How do you improve?
“At PSV I train with former international Boudewijn Zenden on match situations. We watch footage and simulate situations. Because of this I’ve become calmer in scoring positions and more effective with chances. Over the years I’ve become more mature on the pitch. At the top you learn to deal with setbacks and you become wiser every day through new challenges.”
Bergwijn’s mindset is rooted in patience, faith and humility. His beliefs, tattoos and personal values reveal a player guided as much by inner strength as by ambition.
How do you deal with setbacks?
“You have to stay calm, everything in its time. My father and agent often told me to be patient and stay positive. I try to listen to them. I also get strength and support from my faith.”
What does faith mean to you?
“I grew up with faith. I pray when I wake up, before sleeping and before every match. Faith is always there, in good and bad times. Before matches I close my eyes in the dressing room and pray. Nobody finds it strange. Several players at PSV are religious.”
You also have a Bible verse tattoo.
“Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. Tattoos are common in my family and I always liked them. At ten I said I would get my first tattoo at sixteen. My first was an image of the Holy Virgin Mary on my left arm. Faith gives me peace and strength. Now my whole body is covered in tattoos, it suits me.”
What is your latest tattoo?
“The phrase: hear, see, remain silent. For me it speaks for itself. I’m not much of a talker. You don’t always need to know everything.”
What does football mean to you?
“Football means everything to me. It gave me everything I have now. I never forget what I sacrificed to get here. I know why I do this. Football allowed me to buy a house for my parents. I’m happy I could give something back. I see it as the reward for all the sacrifices and hard work of my family.”
Where do you see yourself playing in the future?
“I would like to play in England, Spain or Germany. With my speed and physical strength I think I would fit there.”
Ready for more?
Check out the full interview in magazine issue 57.
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