Tjaronn Chery Interview: Strength, Resilience and Family Roots
For Tjaronn Chery, leadership has always been about more than football. From carrying the captain’s armband as a teenager to guiding NEC with experience and calm, his journey reflects strength and resilience. But at the heart of it all lies something deeper: family. In our interview, Tjaronn Chery shares how strength, honesty and love defined his career.
Family as Foundation
Born and raised in a close-knit household with his mother and two brothers, Chery learned early on what true support looks like. “The love I received from my mother and brothers is everything,” he says. “I grew up without a father, so they were all I had. Their belief in me made me want to prove that I could make it.”
That sense of loyalty and care has carried into every team he has led. “I’m a family man. I like to look after people. With the young players at NEC, I try to guide them, show interest in how they live and think. Building that bond is crucial for success.”
Leading with Experience
Chery was only nineteen when he first wore the captain’s armband at FC Twente. “You feel the responsibility straight away,” he recalls. “It’s not only about your own game but about leading the whole team.” Years later, he brings that same composure and honesty to his leadership at NEC. “The most important thing is to stay yourself,” he explains. “I can talk with players, staff, even the owners, and I am always the same person. People value honesty and confidence, and that is how I lead.”
His leadership style is approachable and rooted in trust. “If teammates come to me with a problem, they know it stays between us,” he says. “That is how you build respect.” His advice to the next generation is simple but powerful: “Be patient. Believe in yourself. Everyone wants success overnight, but real progress takes time.”
Beyond Borders and Balance
Chery’s career has taken him across six countries: the Netherlands, England, China, Turkey, Israel and Belgium, with his family always by his side. “They were my balance. You could send me anywhere in the world, but as long as my wife and kids are with me, I feel at peace.”
Now, as a father of three, his understanding of discipline and leadership has evolved. “I did not have a father myself, so I know what that feels like. My goal is to be the best father I can be and set the right example at home.” Whether expressing himself through fashion or fatherhood, Chery remains grounded. “My wife has great taste,” he laughs. “She dresses the kids and me, so if we go shopping together, I know we will look good.”
Legacy Built on Love
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Chery’s answer is humble but profound. “As someone who stayed true to himself, who gave confidence to his teammates, and who took care of his family. Football matters, but family is everything.”
The Tjaronn Chery interview captures a story not just of sport, but of strength rooted in love. From NEC’s captain to devoted father, his journey shows that leadership, like family, is built on trust, care and the quiet confidence to lift others.
To read the whole interview with Tjaronn Chery, take a look at our new magazine! Issue 86: Legacy & Leadership
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