In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, an 18-year-old Dutch talent has walked away from the professional game for good, just weeks after making his top-flight debut.
A Stunning Decision After Seeking Divine Guidance
Daan van Reeuwijk, a defender for Eredivisie side NAC Breda, announced his immediate retirement from football. The teenager revealed that he reached the monumental decision after 'asking God for advice' on his future path. His departure comes barely a month after he first stepped onto the pitch for the senior team.
Van Reeuwijk's professional journey seemed firmly on track before Christmas. He made his first-team debut on 22 November, playing 40 minutes in a match against Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. He had also been named on the bench for five other match-days this season, indicating he was in the first-team picture.
Contract Terminated as Club Respects Choice
The club confirmed the stunning news in an official statement, revealing they had agreed to terminate Van Reeuwijk's contract, which had been secured until mid-2029. This would have guaranteed his football career until he was at least 21 years old.
In the statement, Van Reeuwijk said, "I am convinced of my decision to retire from professional football and focus on a career in society." He thanked NAC Breda for their support, stating, "It has been a privilege to live life as a professional footballer... NAC will always be in my heart."
Peter Maas, the Technical Director at NAC Breda, expressed the club's regret from a sporting perspective but emphasised their respect for the player's personal choice. "The club supported Daan in every possible way, but ultimately he remained adamant in making this choice," Maas said.
A Future Beyond Football
In a separate interview highlighted by social media page Rising Ballers, the young defender elaborated on his thought process. "I asked God for advice… I want to stop. This is not what I want for my life," Van Reeuwijk stated, making clear his desire to pursue a path outside of sport.
His retirement marks the end of a short-lived senior career consisting of that single appearance against PSV. However, he was a fixture in the club's youth setup, having made 40 appearances for NAC's youth sides, including 24 for the U21s and 16 for the U18s.
The case of Daan van Reeuwijk is a rare and poignant reminder of the immense pressure and personal reflection faced by young athletes in the high-stakes world of professional football, where faith and personal conviction can sometimes lead down an unexpected road.
