A Night Out with future Stars: De Ridder recalls partying with Young De Jong
Before Luuk de Jong became a household name at FC Barcelona, he was a young striker honing his skills at De Graafschap. It was there he met Steve De Ridder, a seasoned player who took the budding talent under his wing, both on and off the field.
De Ridder, now 34 and with a career spanning clubs like Lokeren and Sint Truiden, reminisced about a memorable night out with De Jong during their time together at De Graafschap. In 2008, de Ridder helped the team secure a thrilling victory against local rivals Vitesse.
“It was a great win, but being a Sunday in Doetinchem, there wasn’t much to do afterwards,” De Ridder shared in an interview with Eleven Sports’ Insiders. “So, I suggested to Luuk, ‘LetS hit the road!'”.
Their destination: the legendary Carré disco in Willebroek, a popular spot nestled between Antwerp and Brussels. The duo arrived around eleven or twelve, danced the night away, and drove back in the early morning hours.
Reflecting on that night, De Ridder chuckled, “If only I had known then that I was sharing a car with a future multi-million euro footballer…”
This anecdote offers a glimpse into the camaraderie and off-field bonds forged between players, even before they achieve stardom. It highlights the human side of professional athletes and reminds us that even future superstars enjoy a night out with friends.
From Doetinchem to Disco: Steve De Ridder Reflects on a night Out with Young Luuk de Jong
Welcome back, sports fans! Today we have a true veteran of the game joining us, the former Belgian international Steve De Ridder. Steve, thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
Steve De Ridder: Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk football.
Steve, we want to dive into a fascinating anecdote from your time at De Graafschap. An article recently surfaced about a memorable night out you had with a young Luuk de Jong after a big win against Vitesse.
Steve De Ridder: Yeah, that brings back some good memories. It was back in 2008, and we had just pulled off a great victory.
You decided to celebrate,not with the usual post-match revelry,but with a trip to the legendary Carré disco in Willebroek. Now, Willebroek is quite a distance from Doetinchem! What prompted this spontaneous road trip?
Steve De ridder: (laughs) Well, Sunday nights in Doetinchem weren’t exactly known for their buzzing nightlife. We wanted to celebrate properly, and Carré was the place to be back then. It was a legendary spot, and we knew it’d be a great night.
And it must have been quite a sight to see you two, the seasoned pro and the young, up-and-coming striker, dancing the night away in one of Belgium’s most famous clubs. Did you get much sleep after that long drive back?
Steve De Ridder: Let’s just say we were exhausted come Monday morning training! (grins) It was worth it, though. Those are the kinds of memories you cherish as a footballer.
Looking back at that night, knowing the incredible career Luuk de Jong has gone on to have, with spells at clubs like Sevilla and Barcelona, does it add an extra layer of nostalgia?
Steve De Ridder: Absolutely. Back then,he was just a talented kid with a radiant future. But no one could have predicted the heights he would reach.To think I shared a dance floor and a car ride with a future multi-million euro footballer is pretty remarkable.
It’s a great reminder that even the biggest stars are just ordinary people who enjoy a good night out with friends. What do you think young Luuk would say about that night now,nearly 15 years later?
Steve De Ridder: Knowing Luuk,he’d problably just laugh and shake his head,like “Those were the days!” He’s always been down-to-earth and humble.
This story really speaks to the camaraderie that exists within a football team. What advice would you give to young players today about navigating the social aspects of professional football while maintaining their focus on the game?
Steve De Ridder: It’s about finding the right balance. You want to enjoy yourself and build strong bonds with your teammates, but it’s essential to prioritize your training and your career. Surround yourself with good people, have fun, but always remember your goals.
Excellent advice, steve.Thank you so much for sharing these insights and for taking us on a trip down memory lane. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Steve de Ridder: My pleasure. It was great to reminisce about those days.
Readers,what are your thoughts on Steve’s story? Have you ever had a memorable experience with a teammate outside the field? Share your stories in the comments below!
