Bart van Rooij Faces Former Club NEC in KNVB Cup Final as Twente Captain

Bart van Rooij will captain FC Twente against his former club NEC in the KNVB Cup final at De Kuip on Saturday, April 26, 2025, addressing criticism from supporters who questioned his loyalty after transferring from Nijmegen to Enschede in August 2024.

The 24-year-old right-back, who came through NEC’s youth system after joining from SV Estria in 2010, made his professional debut for the club on February 22, 2019, against Almere City FC. He played 155 senior matches for NEC across five seasons, scoring five goals, before his summer transfer to Twente.

Van Rooij acknowledged the emotional complexity of facing his former teammates, stating he “genoot in NEC-shirt in de Kuip” (enjoyed wearing the NEC shirt at De Kuip) but emphasized his current commitment: “Niemand wil zaterdag zo graag winnen als ik” (Nobody wants to win on Saturday as much as I do).

The defender signed a four-season contract with Twente on August 23, 2024, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2028. Transfermarkt lists his current market value at €9.0 million, reflecting his development into a regular Eredivisie starter.

During his final season with NEC in 2023-24, Van Rooij made 24 league appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist, although adding five KNVB Cup matches with one goal and one assist. His performances earned him a place in the Eredivisie Team of the Month for February 2025 during his first season with Twente.

In the 2024-25 season, Van Rooij has appeared in 34 Eredivisie matches for Twente, scoring one goal, along with two KNVB Cup appearances and nine UEFA Europa League games. This season, he has played 27 league matches, scoring twice, with four cup appearances as Twente pursues domestic silverware.

Having represented the Netherlands at youth international levels — four appearances for the U18 team and five for the U19 squad — Van Rooij brings international experience to the Twente backline as they seek their first major trophy since the 2000-01 season.

The KNVB Cup final represents a significant milestone for both clubs. NEC, competing in the Eerste Divisie (second tier), aims to win their first major trophy since the 1982-83 season, while Twente looks to add to their historical cabinet that includes four Eredivisie titles and three KNVB Cup victories.

As captain, Van Rooij will lead Twente onto the pitch at De Kuip, the same venue where he celebrated NEC’s promotion to the Eredivisie in May 2021 after defeating NAC Breda in the playoff final. The full-circle moment adds personal significance to what could be the defining match of his young career to date.

Match officials have not yet been announced for the fixture, which kicks off at De Kuip in Rotterdam. Fans worldwide can follow the encounter through official broadcasters of the KNVB Cup final.

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