Dimitri Metgod, a 44-year-old Rotterdam native, has opened up about his transition into the role of stadium announcer at Feyenoord’s De Kuip, a position he assumed following the departure of club icon Peter Houtman. In an extensive interview with Hand in Hand magazine, Metgod detailed the process that led him to one of the most visible public address roles in Dutch football.
From Amateur Roots to De Kuip
Metgod’s path to the Feyenoord microphone began with his experience as a speaker for the top amateur club Excelsior Maassluis. During his time there, he worked alongside Jesse Lub, who eventually became a press officer for Feyenoord. Metgod recalled joking with Lub roughly five years ago that his name should be mentioned if Houtman ever decided to step down. When that vacancy eventually opened, Metgod reached out to follow up on the suggestion. By May of last year, the club contacted him to gauge his interest and availability.
The Selection Process and Audition
The appointment followed a rigorous two-step process. The first meeting was a formal introduction to ensure a professional fit and to verify that Metgod’s existing commitments—including his role at Sportbedrijf Rotterdam—would allow him to dedicate himself fully to the Feyenoord position. The second stage served as an on-field audition. Metgod was handed a microphone and a sheet containing lineups and goalscorers to test his delivery within the stadium environment. He completed this trial during a period when the club was dismantling the stage used for DI-RECT concert performances, and he received confirmation of his hiring the following Friday.
Maintaining a Consistent Approach
Despite the high profile of the role, Metgod maintains that his fundamental duties do not change regardless of crowd size. Whether addressing a small group or a capacity crowd at De Kuip, he views his primary function as providing clear information to supporters and managing on-field interactions with mascots. He noted that he did not seek specific advice from other stadium announcers, including Houtman, preferring to approach the role with a blank slate. Metgod described his personal style as “quasi-formal”—a balance between the necessary adherence to scripted announcements and an relaxed, authentic delivery that allows for spontaneous moments, such as his viral “Japanese warrior” reference when describing Ayase Ueda.
Managing the Legacy of Peter Houtman
Stepping into the role previously held by Houtman meant filling what Metgod described as “very big shoes.” He expressed deep respect for Houtman’s long-standing career and the emotional connection the former announcer maintained with the fans. While he acknowledged the weight of the transition, Metgod stated that he avoided feeling overwhelmed by the pressure. Instead, he focused on adapting to the environment at his own pace, ensuring he remained true to his own identity while serving the supporters at Feyenoord.
Preparation Routine
His first official experience in front of a significant crowd came during a pre-season match against Union Saint-Gilloise, where he treated the half-full stadium as a necessary training ground. This routine remains central to his work as he continues to perform his duties during the current Eredivisie season.
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