The Netherlands is Holding Its Breath – Feyenoord Icon Willem van Hanegem Admitted to Hospital with the Same Condition that Once Threatened His Life
A Nation Gripped by Worry
The Netherlands has once again been struck by news that shakes the very core of its footballing soul. Willem van Hanegem, the 81-year-old Feyenoord icon and one of the greatest midfielders Dutch football has ever produced, has been admitted to hospital after suffering complications linked to the same condition that once put his life at serious risk years ago.
Fans across the country—from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, from small village clubs to Eredivisie stadiums—have been left stunned, emotional, and fearful. For many, Willem van Hanegem is not just a football figure; he is a living piece of Dutch history, a cultural icon whose career has left an everlasting impact on generations. The words “De Kromme vecht weer” (De Kromme fights again) echo across headlines, social media, and among supporters’ chants outside Feyenoord’s home stadium, De Kuip.
Who is Willem van Hanegem? – A Legacy That Transcends Football
To understand the gravity of this news, one must revisit the extraordinary life and career of Willem van Hanegem. Born on 20 February 1944, in the middle of World War II, Van Hanegem grew up in difficult circumstances. His childhood was marked by tragedy: his father and two brothers were killed in a bombing raid during the war. That loss shaped him profoundly, instilling in him a toughness and resilience that would later define his career.
Nicknamed “De Kromme” (The Crooked One) for his slightly bowed legs and distinctive running style, Van Hanegem would rise from modest beginnings to become a giant in the world of football.
Club Career – Feyenoord’s Golden Son
Although he played for several Dutch clubs, including Xerxes and Utrecht, it was at Feyenoord Rotterdam that Van Hanegem carved his legendary status. Joining in 1968, he became the heartbeat of the team’s midfield.
- 1970 European Cup Triumph: Perhaps his crowning achievement came when Feyenoord lifted the European Cup in 1970, defeating Celtic 2–1 in Milan. This victory made Feyenoord the first Dutch club to conquer Europe—preceding even Ajax’s golden era. Van Hanegem was instrumental in that historic campaign, controlling games with his vision and passing range.
- Intercontinental Cup 1970: Feyenoord also defeated Estudiantes from Argentina, further solidifying their place on the world stage, with Van Hanegem once again at the center.
- Domestic Success: With Van Hanegem orchestrating play, Feyenoord won multiple Eredivisie titles and KNVB Cups, turning De Kuip into a fortress.
The National Team – A World Cup Warrior
For the Dutch national team, Van Hanegem earned 52 caps, playing a pivotal role in the famed “Total Football” era of the 1970s.
- 1974 World Cup: Van Hanegem’s performances in West Germany remain legendary. Alongside Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, and Ruud Krol, he helped the Netherlands play some of the most attractive football the world had ever seen.
- The Final vs. West Germany: The match remains etched in history. Van Hanegem, still carrying the deep scars of losing his family in the war, played with unmatched determination against the hosts. Many recall his tears after the 2–1 defeat, saying he wanted to “punish the Germans” with victory for personal and national reasons.
Even in defeat, Van Hanegem became a national symbol of resilience and emotion.
Past Health Struggles – A Fighter’s Battle
This is not the first time that Willem van Hanegem has faced serious medical adversity. Several years ago, he was diagnosed with a critical condition that required urgent treatment and a long period of rehabilitation.
At the time, fans feared the worst. Yet, true to his nickname “De Kromme”, he refused to be straightened or broken by hardship. He fought, recovered, and returned to the public eye—often as a pundit, columnist, and sharp critic of modern football. His survival was seen as another “victory,” comparable to his triumphs on the pitch.
Now, the fact that he is once again hospitalized with the same condition has reignited painful memories and fears.
The Current Situation – Silence and Concern
According to early reports, Van Hanegem was admitted to hospital after doctors deemed it too risky for him to remain at home. He is said to be under careful observation, with specialists monitoring his progress hour by hour. While exact medical details have not been publicly disclosed, sources close to the family confirm that this was a precautionary move prompted by “sudden complications.”
The family has released a short statement asking for privacy, while also thanking fans for the “overwhelming show of love and solidarity.”
Outpouring of Support – The Football World Responds
As soon as the news broke, messages began flooding in from all corners of the football world.
Feyenoord Fans
At De Kuip, dozens of supporters immediately gathered, placing flowers, scarves, and handwritten letters of support at the stadium gates. Banners reading:
- “Sterkte Willem!” (Stay strong Willem!)
- “De Kromme = Feyenoord”
- “Voor altijd onze held” (Forever our hero)
echo through Rotterdam. Some supporters even sang Feyenoord songs late into the night, hoping their voices would somehow reach the hospital room where their icon now rests.
Rivals Show Respect
Even traditional rivals Ajax and PSV have sent messages of encouragement. Ajax posted:
“Onze gedachten zijn bij Willem van Hanegem, een tegenstander op het veld maar een vriend voor het Nederlandse voetbal. Sterkte.” (Our thoughts are with Willem van Hanegem, an opponent on the field but a friend of Dutch football. Stay strong.)
PSV followed with similar words of support, showing how Van Hanegem transcends rivalry.
Former Teammates and Legends
- Ruud Gullit: “Willem taught us all that football is about intelligence, not just running. He is one of my idols, and I hope he fights through this again.”
- Johan Cruyff (quote from archives): Cruyff once said of Van Hanegem, “He sees things others don’t. If I was the speed, Willem was the brain.” These words are now being replayed endlessly on Dutch television.
- Dirk Kuyt: “Without Willem, Feyenoord would not be the same club. He represents everything that makes this team special.”
A Voice That Will Not Be Silenced
Even in his later years, Van Hanegem remained a vibrant personality in Dutch football culture. His newspaper columns and TV appearances became fan favorites. Known for his dry wit, sharp tongue, and sometimes brutal honesty, he continued to inspire and entertain.
His criticism of modern football often sparked debate. For example, he famously dismissed the obsession with data and statistics, once saying:
“Voetbal gaat niet om cijfers, maar om gevoel. Je ziet of iemand goed is, je hoeft het niet te meten.”
(Football is not about numbers, but about feeling. You see if someone is good, you don’t need to measure it.)
This blend of old-school wisdom and heartfelt emotion has made him as relevant today as he was in the 1970s.
The Road Ahead – A Nation Holds Its Breath
At 81, Willem van Hanegem is once again called upon to show the same resilience he displayed on the pitch, in life, and in his previous health battles. The entire Netherlands waits in nervous anticipation, hoping to hear positive news in the coming days.
For Feyenoord fans, his story is intertwined with their identity. For Dutch football as a whole, he is a symbol of the golden era and a reminder of the sport’s deeper cultural significance.
In Rotterdam and beyond, people repeat the same phrase: “Als iemand dit kan overleven, is het Willem.” (If anyone can survive this, it is Willem.)
Conclusion – Hoping for Another Comeback
The Netherlands is holding its breath. The football world stands united. Willem van Hanegem, De Kromme, the midfield general, the European champion, the eternal Feyenoord son, is fighting once more.
Just as he did in 1970 against Celtic, in 1974 against West Germany, and in his past health battles, fans believe that he will rise again. Until then, the chants, banners, and prayers continue:
“Sterkte Willem – je bent ons hart, je bent ons verleden, en je bent ons heden.”
(Stay strong Willem – you are our heart, you are our past, and you are our present.)
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