Thialf, Netherlands – Veteran Dutch sports journalist Bert Maalderink has concluded a distinguished 33-year career with the Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), the Netherlands’ public broadcasting organization. Maalderink, known for his probing interviews and distinctive reporting style, took his final bow at the ISU World Speed Skating Championships in Thialf on Sunday, March 10, 2026, according to the NOS.
Born September 7, 1963, in Steenderen, Netherlands, Maalderink joined the NOS in 1994 and quickly became a familiar face to Dutch sports fans, particularly through his coverage of football and speed skating. He was a mainstay during coverage of the Dutch national football team – *Oranje* – and the various international speed skating competitions. His final interview was with Czech speed skater Metodej Jílek.
Maalderink’s career wasn’t defined by cozy relationships with athletes. He deliberately maintained distance, a trait that allowed him to ask challenging questions and often elicit revealing responses. He became known for a sharp interviewing style and a willingness to press for answers, sometimes to the discomfort of his subjects. His questioning often sparked headlines, and he famously clashed with several high-profile figures in Dutch sport.
Among those who found themselves on the receiving end of Maalderink’s direct questioning were former Netherlands national football team coaches Louis van Gaal and Dick Advocaat, as well as legendary footballer Marco van Basten. Van Basten, reportedly frustrated by a line of questioning, was once overheard calling Maalderink “bijdehand” – a Dutch term roughly translating to “smart aleck” – while his microphone was still live.
Beyond the interviews, Maalderink was also recognized for his innovative reporting techniques. A memorable example occurred during the 2004 UEFA European Championship in Portugal. He famously scaled a building under construction to gain a vantage point overlooking a closed training session of the Dutch national team, allowing viewers to see the lineup – including Ruud van Nistelrooy starting as striker – before the official announcement. This proactive approach to reporting became a hallmark of his work.
However, Maalderink’s career wasn’t without its challenges. In 2008, he briefly considered leaving the NOS, citing a lack of support and trust following the Netherlands’ elimination from the European Championship. He ultimately decided to stay after discussions with the head of news, Maarten Nooter. Later, he declined a request to conduct post-match interviews with national team coaches, a task that was then assigned to a colleague.
In recent years, Maalderink’s health had begun to impact his ability to perform his duties. He has been battling both heart failure and multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the central nervous system. He publicly discussed his MS diagnosis in a four-part podcast series, “Bekend met MS” (Familiar with MS), shedding light on the challenges of living with the condition. He acknowledged in November 2025 that while conducting interviews remained manageable, the demands of full reporting assignments were becoming too difficult. “Doing an interview after a race is still possible. But doing a full report? That’s no longer feasible,” he told the Algemeen Dagblad.
Maalderink’s departure marks the end of an era for Dutch sports journalism. He leaves behind a legacy of insightful reporting, fearless interviewing, and a commitment to holding those in power accountable. His contributions to the NOS and to Dutch sports coverage will be long remembered.
The news of Maalderink’s retirement has been met with widespread appreciation from colleagues and fans alike. His unique style and dedication to his craft will be sorely missed.
The next major event for the NOS sports team will be coverage of the upcoming summer Olympic Games, where they will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of Dutch athletes competing on the world stage.
What are your favorite Bert Maalderink moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
