FC Groningen Fans Unveil Stunning Banner in Tribute to Ill Club Legend and Feyenoord Speaker

Fans of FC Groningen touched many hearts by displaying an enormous banner in tribute to club legend and Feyenoord stadium announcer, Peter Houtman.

The 67-year-old Houtman made 200 appearances for FC Groningen across three separate spells, finishing his career in 1993 as the club’s all-time leading scorer with 128 goals.

In 1998, he took on the role of stadium announcer at De Kuip, the home ground of his former club, Feyenoord. While Houtman is a cherished personality in Rotterdam, he recently announced his upcoming retirement following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

During Wednesday’s Eredivisie clash between Feyenoord and FC Groningen at De Kuip, the visiting supporters unfurled a massive banner paying homage to their club’s record goal-scorer. The banner, which spanned the entirety of the away section, featured Houtman in a classic Groningen kit and bore the inscription: “Topschutter aan de Zaagmuldersweg,” translating to “Top scorer at the Zaagmuldersweg”—the street where FC Groningen’s previous Oosterpark Stadion was situated.

This heartfelt gesture moved Houtman, bringing a wave of emotion to all present.

‘I Feel Quite Good’

Prior to the match, Houtman shared an update regarding his health with ESPN. “I actually still feel quite good,” he remarked. “The silver lining is that when they found out—by chance, really—I had never smoked or consumed alcohol. That all appears to have helped in delaying things—let’s just put it that way.”

In addition to his 200 games with FC Groningen, Houtman also represented Feyenoord in 150 matches, and he has now dedicated 27 years to his role as stadium announcer. “Football is incredibly vibrant in Groningen, and both Feyenoord and Groningen boast passionate fanbases. I’ve always appreciated doing this for the people.”

Houtman is set to officially hang up his microphone in May, coinciding with the end of the football season. The former striker has come to terms with this transition. “Feyenoord holds a special place in my heart, and the club along with its supporters deserve nothing but the best. Therefore, I believe it is fitting to step aside.”