Many footballers rely on their faith to navigate the biggest challenges in the sport, but one player has called it time on the game for good after ‘asking God for advice’
Dutch football talent Daan van Reeuwijk has revealed he retired from football aged 18 after ‘asking God for advice.’ Before Christmas, the youngster looked set to make inroads into the first team of Dutch side NAC Breda.
He made his first team debut on November 22, playing 40 minutes against Eredivisie heavyweights PSV Eindhoven. He had also made the bench for five match-days this season.
However, not only has he decided to leave Breda, the 18-year-old has decided to walk away from football completely. He said he made his huge decision after reaching out to God and asking for advice.
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Van Reeuwijk had a contract with the Dutch side until 2029, meaning his future in football was secured until he at least turned 21. Barely a month after his first team debut, Breda confirmed his stunning retirement in a statement on the club’s website.
It said: “Daan van Reeuwijk (18) wants to focus on his career and is retiring from NAC effective immediately. The Breda club respects Van Reeuwijk’s decision and is immediately terminating the player’s contract, which had been running until mid-2029.”
Moreover, within the statement, Van Reeuwijk said: “I am convinced of my decision to retire from professional football and focus on a career in society. I’ve spoken with many people at NAC and with my family recently.
“WNAC has always provided excellent support. Ultimately, I made this choice myself, and I stand behind it one hundred per cent.
“It has been a privilege to live life as a professional footballer, and I want to thank everyone at the club and my fellow players for the wonderful times I’ve shared. NAC will always be in my heart.”
Technical Director Peter Maas also added: “The club supported Daan in every possible way, but ultimately he remained adamant in making this choice. NAC naturally regrets this decision from a technical perspective.
“But we respect his personal choice to take a completely different path. We thank Daan for his dedication and commitment and wish him the best of luck in his future career.”
In another interview, the teenager admitted he sought advice from a higher power before making his decision. As quoted by social media page Rising Ballers, he added: ” I asked God for advice… I want to stop. This is not what I want for my life.”
He retires having only made one senior appearance for Breda in the Eredivisie. However, the defender did make 40 appearances for NAC’s youth sides, making 24 for the U21s and a further 16 for the U18s.
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