This festive season saw Dutch athletes celebrating the holidays with family and friends, sharing moments of joy, reflection, and fun on social media. It’s not just about sport for these icons; it’s also about cherishing the time spent with loved ones and savouring traditional celebrations.
Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor was spotted enjoying Christmas with his family, capturing beautiful moments through various photos posted on social media. Similarly, renowned football coach Louis van Gaal extended his Christmas wishes to fans alongside his wife Truus, wishing everyone prosperity for 2025.
Former professional footballer Jeremain Lens embraced the holiday spirit with his family, sharing their festive moments. Meanwhile, Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior celebrated the season by visiting multiple spots all over New York City.
Santiago Giménez, who plays for Feyenoord, opted for a different festive setting this year. Although he did not travel to Mexico, he enjoyed the snowy landscapes of Courchevel, where he spent Christmas with his wife Fer Serrano and father. Fans are surely hoping he remains unscathed during his ski holiday!
Holidays feel especially unique for former speed skating star Irene Schouten, who is celebrating with her newborn son, Dirk. They posed for adorable photos beneath their Christmas tree, with little Dirk dressed cheerfully as Santa Claus.
Donny van de Beek added another layer of excitement to this holiday season by celebrating Christmas alongside Estelle Bergkamp, the daughter of football legend Dennis Bergkamp. It is likely the two shared their common love for football during their festive dinner.
Meanwhile, handball goalkeeper Tess Lieder, alongside her husband and children, prepared their own Christmas dinner, creating warm family memories.
Among other notable holiday festivities, Coleen Rooney shared cheerful photos of her family, including her husband Wayne Rooney and their four children. Wayne, who is under pressure as the manager of Plymouth Argyle, showed his lighter side, beaming joyfully backyard with his family.
After some disappointing results at the recent World Darts Championship, darts player Raymond van Barneveld remained optimistic, sharing, "I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I still don't feel 100% and am trying to recover from the flu but aiming to come back stronger in 2025."
Max Verstappen, the recent four-time F1 champion, shared his joy during the holidays as well. His Christmas was particularly special because he will be welcoming his first child next year, sharing delightful moments with his pregnant girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
Not to be missed, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his adventurous side this season. While many are enjoying funny family narratives, Cristiano chose to plunge his body under icy waters, debunking the cozy, festive narrative many are engaged with. It’s all about balance, right?
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella and his family got festive as they donned matching outfits by their Christmas tree, showcasing their holiday spirit.
Interesting holiday stories also emerged from tennis star Eugenie Bouchard, continuing her tradition of sitting down for Christmas at the casino. This marks her departure from tennis, seeking different paths during magical moments.
Tijjani Reijnders fully embraced the family essence this year, organizing ‘Reijnders X-Mass Village’ at home with his wife and children, clearly festive enthusiasts aiming to spread the cheer.
Ever the adventurous spirit, George Russell, the Formula 1 driver, shared his joyful experience of hitting the slopes for the first time, enthusiastically posting about his debut snow activities on social media.
Progressing through the holidays, skaters Jenning de Boo and Stefan Westenbroek wished their followers Merry Christmas via their attempts at greetings, sparking joy for their teammates amid laughs about their accents.
Not to forget, Ajax coach Francesco Farioli, who recently became a father for the second time, extended his gratitude to fans for their support and wished them festive joy with loved ones.
While many athletes took time off during the winter break, Mohamed Ihattaren from RKC Waalwijk worked diligently, training to regain his previous form and ensuring he’ll be ready when the new year kicks off.
This holiday period truly emphasizes family, love, and cherished moments for athletes. They reflect on the past year and build optimism for what lies ahead, gearing up for new challenges and the holiday spirit lasting well beyond December.
