AMSTERDAM – Former Inter Milan and Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder has publicly backed Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes after he faced harsh criticism from Dutch legend Rafael van der Vaart. The controversy stems from Paes’s recent critique of his club, Ajax Amsterdam, following a disappointing defeat.
Paes, who currently plays for Ajax, drew the ire of Van der Vaart after openly assessing the team’s performance following a 3-1 loss to FC Groningen on March 7, 2026. The defeat highlighted issues within the squad, prompting Paes to voice his concerns about a lack of unity and leadership within the team, according to reports.
“In the first half, apart from the goal, not much happened, but we didn’t arrive out of the dressing room with a strong feeling,” Paes said, as quoted by Voetbal Primeur. “And after it was 2-1, we didn’t show anything that we were a team. That hurts. But I look at myself first.”
Paes emphasized that success in football isn’t solely about individual talent, but rather the collective spirit and willingness of players to fight for one another. “A team is players who are willing to fight to the death for each other,” he stated. “Football is a game of mistakes, we all craft them, but at least we have to be a team.”
Van der Vaart, a product of Ajax’s famed youth academy, reacted strongly to Paes’s comments, suggesting the goalkeeper should return to the United States if he couldn’t adapt to the club’s culture. “I would immediately send that goalkeeper back to—where does he come from? America? He just joined, and he has to prove everything,” Van der Vaart said, also according to Voetbal Primeur.
Sneijder, however, offered a different perspective, defending Paes’s right to express his observations. While acknowledging the sharpness of Van der Vaart’s response – “I can’t understand that at all!” Sneijder reportedly said with a laugh, as reported by Okezone – he understood Paes’s intent was to motivate his teammates.
Sneijder, who enjoyed a decorated career with Ajax, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, believes Paes’s criticism stemmed from a desire to galvanize the squad. This incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by players at a historically significant club like Ajax Amsterdam, which has won a record 36 Eredivisie titles and 20 KNVB Cups, as detailed on Wikipedia.
The situation also underscores the pressure cooker environment within Dutch football, where expectations are high and criticism can be swift. Ajax, currently competing in the Eredivisie, is striving to regain its position as a dominant force in both domestic and European competitions. The club plays its home matches at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with a capacity of 55,865.
Sneijder’s intervention adds another layer to the narrative, showcasing a willingness to defend a fellow professional, even amidst a heated debate. It’s a reminder that constructive criticism, even from a newcomer, can be a catalyst for improvement, and that sometimes, a fresh perspective is exactly what a team needs. The incident also comes as Sneijder himself recently made a surprising return to the pitch, playing 20 minutes for amateur side OSM ’75 Maarssen, demonstrating his enduring passion for the game, as reported by Gazeta Express.
Paes’s situation is particularly noteworthy given his recent move to Ajax and his status as a member of the Indonesian national team. His willingness to speak out, even in the face of criticism from a Dutch football icon, demonstrates a level of courage and conviction that has resonated with some observers. The debate surrounding his comments is likely to continue, but Sneijder’s support provides a valuable counterpoint to the negativity.
Ajax will look to rebound from their recent loss when they face [Next Opponent – *verification needed*] on [Date – *verification needed*] at [Venue – *verification needed*]. The team will need to demonstrate the unity and leadership that Paes highlighted as lacking in their previous match. The pressure is on for Ajax to deliver results and silence the critics.
What are your thoughts on Paes’s criticism and Van der Vaart’s response? Share your opinions in the comments below.
