Rotterdam – Despite a high-profile and somewhat contentious transfer to rivals Ajax, Steven Berghuis continues to receive an annual invitation to Feyenoord’s Novel Year’s reception at De Kuip stadium. The surprising tradition was revealed by the player himself in a recent interview with the Algemeen Dagblad, as reported by club observers Mikos Gouka and Johan Inan ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated ‘De Klassieker’ match.
Berghuis, currently a key player for Ajax, spent five seasons with Feyenoord from 2016 to 2021. His move to Amsterdam was met with some frustration from the Feyenoord faithful, but apparently hasn’t resulted in being ostracized from all club events. The Dutch international regularly returns to De Kuip, both for national team duties and as an opposing player, and it seems the club has maintained a sense of humor – or perhaps a diplomatic approach – regarding his continued inclusion on the guest list.
“At Steven Berghuis’s home, they sometimes chuckle,” Gouka and Inan wrote. “Every year he receives an invitation to the New Year’s reception at Feyenoord. Apparently, he was never removed from the list of invitees after his much-discussed transfer to Ajax. Berghuis always raises a toast to a prosperous new year. Conversely, there’s hardly a celebratory atmosphere when he arrives at De Kuip.”
The anecdote highlights the complex relationship between players and clubs in the passionate world of Dutch football. While rivalries are fierce, a degree of respect and acknowledgement of past contributions often remains. It’s a gesture that speaks to a certain level of sportsmanship, even amidst intense competition.
Berghuis, who can play as a winger or attacking midfielder, has been a consistent performer for both Feyenoord and Ajax. According to Wikipedia, he has made 46 appearances for the Netherlands national team as of September 2023, representing his country at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His experience and skill will undoubtedly be crucial when he takes the field against Feyenoord on Sunday.
Speaking of Sunday’s match, the Algemeen Dagblad reports that Berghuis is expected to face off against Jordan Bos on the flank. This matchup is anticipated to be a key battle, with Bos’s attacking drive potentially being a deciding factor in the outcome of De Klassieker. The rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord is one of the most heated in Dutch football, and this year’s contest promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Berghuis’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in Dutch football began in the youth systems of several clubs, including Twente, as detailed in his Wikipedia profile. He eventually made his professional debut for Twente in 2011 before spells at VVV-Venlo, AZ, and Watford. It was at Feyenoord, however, where he truly established himself as a star, scoring 70 goals in 149 appearances.
His transfer to Ajax in 2021, reportedly for around €5.5 million according to Dutch Wikipedia, was a significant move that further intensified the rivalry between the two clubs. He signed a contract with Ajax that initially ran until June 30, 2025, but has since extended that deal to June 30, 2027.
The continued invitation to the New Year’s reception, despite the transfer, is a small but telling detail that underscores the complexities of player loyalty and club relationships. It’s a gesture that acknowledges Berghuis’s contributions to Feyenoord while simultaneously acknowledging the reality of his current allegiance to Ajax. For fans of both clubs, it’s a reminder that even in the heat of rivalry, a degree of respect can endure.
As Berghuis prepares to return to De Kuip for De Klassieker, he’ll likely be met with a mix of applause and jeers. But regardless of the reception, he’ll undoubtedly be focused on helping Ajax secure a crucial victory in one of Dutch football’s most iconic fixtures. The match is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2026, with kickoff time to be announced locally.
Following De Klassieker, Ajax will face [next opponent to be confirmed], while Feyenoord will travel to [next opponent to be confirmed]. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Eredivisie and all the latest developments in Dutch football.
Related reading
