Marcel Boekhoorn, the Dutch entrepreneur and owner of Ramphastos Investments, has identified former Ajax midfielder Lasse Schöne as his favorite NEC Nijmegen player of all time, crediting Schöne’s return to the club as the pivotal moment that triggered a transformative era for the Nijmegen-based club.
In an interview with De Telegraaf published on April 18, 2026, Boekhoorn stated unequivocally: “My favorite NEC player through the years is Lasse Schöne. He was the turning point, because by bringing Schöne back, we also wanted Bram Nuytinck and Jasper Cillessen and all those other players to come.” This statement underscores the strategic importance Boekhoorn places on Schöne’s influence in attracting other high-profile players to NEC.
Boekhoorn, who has been closely involved with NEC as an investor and supporter, elaborated on the cascading effect of Schöne’s return: “Because all those big names came, we could also get talents and so we have been able to build it up further and further. Lasse has also done incredibly well in his second stint at NEC and I still have a good relationship with him. He regularly comes to watch a match with me in the skybox.” This ongoing relationship highlights the personal connection between the investor and the player beyond their professional association.
The context of Boekhoorn’s statement is rooted in his significant involvement with NEC Nijmegen. As the founder of Ramphastos Investments, Boekhoorn has channeled substantial resources into the club, facilitating player acquisitions and infrastructure development. His investment philosophy, which focuses on adding value to the revenue side of businesses rather than solely on cost reduction, has been instrumental in NEC’s recent trajectory.
Schöne’s career trajectory provides essential context for understanding his impact. The Danish midfielder began his professional career with FC Nordsjælland before moving to Ajax in 2012, where he became a key figure in the midfield during his initial stint from 2012 to 2018. After departing Ajax, Schöne had spells with Genoa in Italy and returned to NEC for a second stint, which began in 2020 and has seen him become a central figure in the team’s midfield.
The arrival of Schöne coincided with the return of other notable players to NEC. Center-back Bram Nuytinck, who had previously played for Ajax and Wolfsburg, rejoined NEC in 2021, bringing defensive stability and leadership. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, a product of the Ajax youth system with extensive international experience, returned to NEC in 2022 after spells at Barcelona and Valencia, adding significant experience and quality to the goalkeeping position.
Boekhoorn’s investment approach at NEC aligns with his broader business strategy. Through Ramphastos Investments, he has prioritized investments that enhance revenue generation rather than merely cutting costs, a methodology that has yielded substantial returns in various sectors. This approach has been evident in his support for NEC, where investments in player quality and team infrastructure have aimed to strengthen the club’s competitive position and long-term viability.
The personal bond between Boekhoorn and Schöne extends beyond the pitch. Boekhoorn confirmed that Schöne regularly attends matches from his skybox at NEC’s Goffert Stadium, maintaining a relationship that has endured beyond Schöne’s active playing days. This detail illustrates the deeper connections that can form between club investors and players who embody the values and ambitions of the institution.
NEC Nijmegen, officially known as Nijmegen Eendracht Combinatie, plays its home matches at Goffert Stadium in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The club, founded in 1900, has a storied history in Dutch football and has experienced various phases of success and rebuilding throughout its existence. Boekhoorn’s involvement represents a significant chapter in the club’s modern era, marked by strategic investments aimed at restoring competitiveness.
The impact of Schöne’s influence extends beyond the immediate playing squad. By attracting experienced players like Nuytinck and Cillessen, NEC created an environment conducive to developing younger talents. The presence of established professionals provided mentorship and raised the overall training standard, facilitating the integration of academy products into the first team.
Boekhoorn’s endorsement of Schöne as his favorite player carries weight given his extensive involvement with NEC. As an investor who has demonstrated commitment through both financial investment and personal engagement, his perspective offers insight into the qualities he values most in players associated with the club—loyalty, performance, and the ability to elevate the team’s overall standard.
Looking ahead, NEC’s continued development under Boekhoorn’s support will likely focus on sustaining the progress initiated by Schöne’s return. The club’s ability to retain key players, continue attracting quality additions, and develop its youth academy will be crucial factors in determining its trajectory in the Eredivisie and potential European competition qualifications.
For ongoing updates on NEC Nijmegen’s progress, player developments, and club initiatives, fans are encouraged to follow official club communications and reputable sports news outlets. The relationship between investors like Boekhoorn and players like Schöne exemplifies the complex dynamics that shape modern football clubs, where personal connections, strategic investments, and on-field performance intersect to create lasting impact.
