Interview With Jayden Van’t Zand

Jayden van ’t Zand is a 14-year-old footballer from the Netherlands who plays as a striker for Emplina U15-1. Having started football four years ago, he continues to grow as a forward and is focused on developing his game and making an impact in front of the goal.

When did you start playing football and what made you fall in love with the game?

I started playing football 4 years ago, in 2022. What made me fall in love with the game was FC Den Bosch, the club from my city. I started watching them when I was 3 years old, and that’s where it all began. I also started playing football at school, and when I was 10 years old, I joined a football club.

You play as a striker — what do you enjoy most about this position?

What I enjoy most in my position is attacking, dribbling, and of course, scoring goals. I also like helping my teammates with my passes and creating space for them.

Has football helped you to develop discipline or focus on school?

Football has helped me a lot with discipline. I’ve gained more and more motivation for the sport. I enjoy training, and I always want to keep improving. It has also helped me with school, especially with listening better and pushing through.

How important is your family in your football journey?

They are very important to me. They support me in everything and help me with things I find difficult. When I’m in a bad mood after a match, they help me feel better, and mentally they support me when things aren’t going well. They are the most important people in my life, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Do you train outside of the pitch?

Yes, in the gym. I train at a football gym where I work on football-specific exercises and strength training, which helps me get stronger and reduces the risk of injuries. And I do 1:1 trainings.

Who are your best friends on the team and outside of the team?

In the team, I get along well with everyone, but the person I’m closest to is Thijs. Since I joined this club, he helped me when everything was new, and our bond has grown stronger over time. We’ve become best friends both on and off the field. Off the field, I also have two other real best friends: Jasper and Daan. I’ve known them both for about three years or longer, but with everything we’ve been through together, it feels like much longer. I met them through school, and they are my best friends.

What team do you dream to play on the future?

Of course, my own city, FC Den Bosch. But if I really think big, Manchester United or Real Madrid. I’ve been following those two clubs for a long time as well, but my preference is for my own city with the best supporters.

Who is your idol?

My idol on the field is definitely Cristiano Ronaldo. His style of play, his skills, his strength, his mentality, his ego — he is the player I truly look up to. For me, he is the best player the game has ever seen. Off the field, my idol is my father. His perseverance is unmatched; even when he doesn’t feel good sometimes, he keeps going.