Vanity Lewerissa: “I already knew I was sick then, I found out on a Tuesday and played that Saturday”
The story of Vanity Lewerissa story goes far beyond football. The Dutch forward faced one of life’s toughest battles with the same strength she once showed on the pitch. Her journey is one of resilience, growth, and gratitude. In this exclusive Life After Football Interview, she opens up as an athlete, and as a person.
When Vanity Lewerissa found a lump in her breast in early 2022, football suddenly took a back seat. The former PSV and Ajax forward, now playing for Standard Liège, faced a battle no athlete ever prepares for. Her openness and courage turned her story into one of resilience, honesty, and hope.
How are you doing now?
Vanity Lewerissa: “Well, how am I? Overall, I’m doing okay. It’s been a really intense period that I’m going through right now. It’s not always easy, it’s heavy, but at this moment. I feel alright. The moment I was told I had breast cancer was extremely tough. You immediately hear what kind of process you’re entering and what comes with it. That’s not easy.”
Were you scared when you got the diagnosis?
“Not really scared. I was devastated for the first few days, but I quickly switched my mindset to fight. I tried to stay as positive as possible. Yes, I have it. So I need to face it head-on and hope to win. I get a lot of support from my parents, brothers, family, and friends. I just try to do nice things when I can and listen to my body.”
How do you deal with the difficult moments?
“Of course, I have my bad days. I’m allergic to the chemotherapy, so it’s definitely not going smoothly. One moment things are fine, and the next they’re not. Those are the moments when it’s difficult, but you can’t lose hope. You have to try to stay positive, which is easier said than done.”
Before her illness, Vanity built an impressive career in the Dutch and Belgian leagues. From the early days of women’s football to lifting the European Championship with the Netherlands in 2017, she’s seen the sport evolve up close, and she knows exactly what her generation stood for.
What stands out as the highlight of your career?
“I think it has to be the European Championship with the Dutch national team in 2017, here in our own country.”
The team from that generation really helped women’s football grow. Was the bond as strong as it looked?
“Yes, I’d known most of the girls for years. We played together in the U-15, U-17, and U-19 teams, and then most of us moved up together to the senior squad. It was really special to experience the growth of women’s football together. We worked incredibly hard to get the recognition we have today. The players coming through now probably can’t imagine that we once played for a small expense allowance and got to pick two pairs of football boots a year.”
What do you think your generation achieved for women’s football?
“There are now several clubs where you can play as a full professional, and I think we really laid the groundwork for that. Many players can now go abroad and join big leagues, something that wasn’t possible before. That’s great for Dutch football.”
Even after everything she’s faced, Vanity’s love for the game hasn’t faded. She dreams of returning to the pitch one more time. Not for glory, but for closure. These days, she focuses on recovery, mentoring young players, and finding joy in the small moments.
Do you want to stay involved in football?
“Yes, before I got sick, I was working on my UEFA C license and interning with MVV Maastricht’s U-11 team. I really enjoyed that. I used to say coaching wasn’t for me, but once I started, I found it fun. Seeing all those kids look up to you and ask questions about your career, I like sharing my experiences with them.”
Do you have any regrets about your career?
“No, I don’t regret anything. Every choice I made felt right at the time. Maybe I could’ve thought a bit more about going abroad, but when I look back, I’m happy with what I achieved here. I got to enjoy so many moments that I might have missed otherwise. I’m content with the career I’ve had.”
And if you could play again, what would you wish for?
“I’d love to play at least one more match. I can’t accept that my last game ended the way it did. I already knew I was sick then, I found out on a Tuesday and played that Saturday. I was glad I could still do that. But during that game, I broke my collarbone after twenty minutes. That’s not how I want my career to end.”
What are your dreams beyond football?
“Very cliché, but it fits perfectly: to stay healthy. And to enjoy life. That’s what I’ve learned most from all this — you have to enjoy everything and do nice things whenever you can.”
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Vanity Lewerissa sharing his story in our interview? Read the full interview in our magazine issue 66.
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