Justin Kluivert recently became a father, and it certainly hasn’t affected his football. The creative winger is back with the Dutch national team and joked with head coach Ronald Koeman about fatherhood ahead of the return match against Spain.
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Justin Kluivert recently became a father, and it certainly hasn’t slowed him down on the pitch in fact, it might have pushed him to new heights.
The Dutch winger is currently in fine form and has earned a call-up to the national team for the latest international break. Ahead of the friendly clash with Spain on Sunday night in Valencia, Kluivert appeared in front of the press alongside head coach Ronald Koeman, where the topic of fatherhood quickly came into play in a relaxed and humorous exchange.
When asked whether becoming a dad had given him an extra boost, Kluivert responded with a smile: "Yeah, that’s what they say. And it seems to be true." Clearly enjoying the question, he added jokingly, "Maybe I should go for a second one then," prompting laughter from the room. Koeman, quick on his feet, joined in on the joke: "Score one tomorrow first," he replied, pointing toward the real priority making an impact in the game against Spain.
The cheerful moment lightened the mood ahead of a serious test for the Dutch side. Spain, always a formidable opponent, will host the Netherlands at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, with kick-off set for 20:45 local time. The match is expected to be a high-intensity affair, offering Koeman an opportunity to assess his squad as preparations continue for Euro 2024.
Koeman, known for his calm demeanor but also his dry wit, kept the humor going when asked if he agreed that fatherhood can inspire players. "Yes, my father also had one cap," he joked, referring to Martin Koeman’s sole appearance for the national team in 1964. At the time, Ronald was just a year old, a detail that added a sentimental layer to the moment. It was a nod to the long footballing lineage that runs through the Koeman family and one that mirrors the legacy of the Kluiverts as well.
Justin Kluivert, of course, is no stranger to legacy himself. The son of Patrick Kluivert who scored 40 goals in 79 appearances for the Netherlands Justin has been carving his own path in European football. After spells in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and Spain, he now finds himself thriving in England with AFC Bournemouth.
Since joining the Premier League side, Kluivert has shown consistency and flair. This season, he has already made 28 appearances in the league, registering twelve goals and six assists a career-best in terms of productivity. Operating mainly as an attacking midfielder or winger, his ability to drive forward with pace, create chances, and finish clinically has made him one of Bournemouth’s standout performers.
His resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed by Koeman, who rewarded his club form with a call-up to the national team a significant nod given the competition for attacking spots. With the Euros approaching, this could be a crucial window for Kluivert to stake his claim for a permanent place in the squad. A strong showing against Spain would certainly help his case.
Off the pitch, Kluivert’s personal life has also taken a new turn. He became a father for the first time on Valentine’s Day this year, a milestone that he says has brought joy and new perspective to his life. Balancing the demands of professional football with fatherhood is no easy task, but for Kluivert, the experience seems to have given him even more motivation to succeed.
With his family cheering him on, a renewed sense of purpose, and top form to back it up, Justin Kluivert is heading into the match against Spain full of confidence. Whether or not he finds the net, he’s already shown that he’s capable of stepping up when it counts on and off the pitch.
