In a move that has sent shockwaves through Dutch football, 18-year-old defensive prospect Daan van Reeuwijk has announced his immediate retirement from professional sport. His decision comes a mere six weeks after making his first-team debut for Eredivisie side NAC Breda.
A Promising Career Cut Short
The young defender's path seemed set. Having progressed through NAC Breda's youth academy, where he made a combined 40 appearances for the U18 and U21 sides, Van Reeuwijk earned his senior debut on 22 November 2025. He played 40 minutes in a match against Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and had been named on the bench for five other match-days this season. His future appeared secure with a contract binding him to the club until mid-2029.
However, in a stunning reversal, the club confirmed his retirement in an official statement shortly after the New Year. NAC Breda stated they respected the player's "personal choice to take a completely different path" and immediately terminated his long-term contract.
The Divine Consultation Behind the Decision
Van Reeuwijk attributed his life-altering choice to a higher power. In interviews, the teenager revealed he sought divine guidance before concluding his football career was not his true calling. "I asked God for advice… I want to stop. This is not what I want for my life," he was quoted as saying.
In the club's official release, Van Reeuwijk elaborated, stating he was "convinced of my decision to retire from professional football and focus on a career in society." He thanked NAC Breda for their support, confirming the choice was his alone and that he stood behind it "one hundred per cent."
Club's Respect and Regret
NAC Breda's Technical Director, Peter Maas, expressed a mixture of understanding and disappointment. "The club supported Daan in every possible way, but ultimately he remained adamant in making this choice," Maas said. "NAC naturally regrets this decision from a technical perspective."
The club's statement emphasised their respect for the player's personal journey, wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavours. Van Reeuwijk's retirement leaves him with a unique professional record: a single senior appearance in the Eredivisie, following a promising youth career that many believed was just beginning.
