Feyenoord midfielder Sem Steijn has hit back at critics who questioned his enthusiastic goal celebration during a heavy Champions League defeat against FC Barcelona, telling detractors they need to experience scoring at Camp Nou themselves before casting judgment.
Sem Steijn Defends Camp Nou Celebration After Feyenoord Defeat
The attacking midfielder found the back of the net during Feyenoord’s European fixture against FC Barcelona, providing an emotional consolation goal for the visiting side. While the strike cut the deficit, the Spanish powerhouse ultimately secured a commanding 5-1 victory on the night. Steijn’s raw reaction to the goal—celebrating passionately despite the scoreline—sparked debate among pundits and supporters regarding the appropriateness of such outward jubilation during a blowout.
Speaking to ESPN, Steijn dismissed the backlash and explained the deep personal significance behind the moment. “It is a special feeling that comes loose,” Steijn told ESPN. “As a young boy, I used to secretly stay up past my bedtime to watch the Champions League. To be allowed to stand there is a dream.”
Addressing the Critics and Valuing the Milestone
Rather than apologizing for his reaction, the Feyenoord player challenged those questioning his conduct to walk in his boots on a European stage.
“I think those people should score in Camp Nou themselves once, to feel what that does to you,” Steijn stated in his interview with ESPN. “Maybe they can have an opinion then. I have mostly received a lot of nice reactions. That there is then a little bit of negativity doesn’t matter much to me. I also saw a whole away section celebrating.”
The midfielder acknowledged the difficult match outcome but maintained that personal milestones at the highest level of European football deserve acknowledgment. “Unfortunately it was a lesser result, of course,” Steijn noted. “I would have preferred a good result and not scored, but now that I have scored, I am also allowed to celebrate it.”
Looking Ahead to Domestic Action in Zwolle
With the European fixture behind them, Steijn and Feyenoord turn their immediate focus back to domestic competition. An upcoming away match in Zwolle offers the squad an opportunity to rebound and put the Barcelona result behind them.
“It’s nice to play again,” Steijn said. “Then we can try to win again and wash it away, if you can see it that way.”
The midfielder also addressed his current role within the squad and his playing time, noting that he has logged just 81 minutes across the previous six matches. While primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder, Steijn indicated his willingness to adapt tactically if called upon by the coaching staff.
“I am a real ten, but have played up front more often, so I can manage there too. Who knows,” Steijn said regarding the possibility of filling in as a striker. “I naturally want to play more, the coach knows that too. But I am also happy to be here, that I can play for this wonderful club. I have to fight hard to get my minutes, but that’s the only thing I can do.”
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