Bram Nuytinck eyes KNVB Cup glory: ‘My ultimate dream’
Nijmegen, Netherlands — As NEC Nijmegen prepares for Saturday’s KNVB Cup final against Feyenoord, veteran defender Bram Nuytinck says lifting the trophy would represent the pinnacle of his career. In an exclusive interview with ForzaNEC, the 33-year-old center-back described winning the domestic cup as his “ultimate dream,” a moment he has chased since joining the club in 2022.
The final, set for 18:00 CET (17:00 UTC) at De Kuip in Rotterdam, marks NEC’s first appearance in the KNVB Cup final since 1983. For Nuytinck, a product of the Ajax youth system with over 300 professional appearances across the Netherlands, Belgium and England, the opportunity carries deep personal significance.
“I’ve played in big matches — Europa League games, relegation battles, promotion playoffs — but nothing compares to the feeling of playing for a trophy in front of your own fans,” Nuytinck said. “Winning this cup would mean everything. It’s not just about me; it’s for the city, the supporters, everyone who’s believed in this project.”
Nuytinck’s leadership has been instrumental in NEC’s remarkable cup run, which included victories over Eredivisie rivals PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht. The defender started every match in the tournament, logging 540 minutes and contributing two goals — including the header that knocked out PSV in the quarterfinals.
His experience has been vital for a young NEC squad averaging just 24.3 years old. Coach Rogier Meijer has frequently praised Nuytinck’s organizational skills and vocal presence in the dressing room. “Bram brings calmness and certainty,” Meijer said in a pre-match press conference. “He knows what it takes to win big games, and he’s been crucial in getting us here.”
The path to the final has reignited memories of NEC’s near-miss in 1983, when they lost the cup final to Ajax. That loss still lingers in club lore, making this year’s opportunity feel like a chance for redemption. Nuytinck acknowledged the historical weight but emphasized focusing on the present.
“We respect what came before us, but this team is writing its own story,” he said. “The boys have shown incredible resilience — coming back from deficits, grinding out wins away from home. That mentality is what will decide Saturday.”
Feyenoord, seven-time KNVB Cup winners and current Eredivisie leaders, enter as heavy favorites. The Rotterdam side has won four of the last five cup finals and boasts a squad filled with international talent. Yet Nuytinck insists NEC fears no opponent.
“They’re a great team, no doubt,” he said. “But cup finals are about moments — a tackle, a header, a save. We’ve shown we can compete with anyone when we’re at our best. We believe we can do it again.”
Key to NEC’s chances will be containing Feyenoord’s attacking threats, particularly Santiago Giménez and Quinten Timber. Nuytinck expects a physical battle and stressed the importance of defensive discipline.
“We know their strengths,” he said. “Our job is to craft life difficult, force them into mistakes, and capitalize on our chances. If we execute our plan for 90 minutes-plus, we deliver ourselves a real shot.”
The defender also highlighted the role of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, his former Netherlands teammate and close friend. Cillessen, who returned to NEC last summer after spells at Barcelona and Valencia, has formed a strong partnership with Nuytinck at the back.
“Playing alongside Jasper makes everything easier,” Nuytinck said. “We communicate constantly, organize the line, and trust each other completely. Having him between the posts is a huge advantage.”
Should NEC prevail, the victory would trigger widespread celebrations in Nijmegen, a city of roughly 175,000 residents located near the German border. The club estimates over 20,000 fans will travel to Rotterdam for the final, transforming sections of De Kuip into a sea of red, black, and yellow.
For Nuytinck, lifting the cup would cap a personal journey marked by perseverance. After departing Ajax’s academy without breaking into the first team, he built his career through stints at AGOVV, PEC Zwolle, Anderlecht, and Sunderland before finding stability at NEC.
“Football isn’t always a straight line,” he reflected. “There were times I questioned whether I’d ever get a moment like this. Now, to have the chance to win something meaningful with this club — it means more than words can say.”
The KNVB Cup final kicks off Saturday at 18:00 CET (17:00 UTC) live on ESPN, and NOS. A win would not only deliver Nuytinck’s ultimate dream but also secure NEC’s first major trophy in 41 years, potentially altering the trajectory of the club for generations to approach.
What does this mean for NEC’s season? Regardless of the outcome, the cup run has already qualified NEC for European competition next season — a first since 2015. A victory would elevate them to the UEFA Europa League group stage, while a loss would still see them enter the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
As the countdown to Saturday continues, one thing is clear in Nijmegen: Bram Nuytinck is ready to leave everything on the field in pursuit of a dream decades in the making.
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