Sem Steijn crowned Eredivisie Player of the Year, while Jorrel Hato receives Talent of the Year honour

FC Twente’s Sem Steijn has been honoured as the Eredivisie Player of the Year at the annual Eredivisie Awards held on Monday.

The 23-year-old, who is set to join Feyenoord this summer, concluded the season as the Eredivisie’s leading goalscorer, netting 24 goals over the course of 33 league matches. Steijn has made history by recording the highest number of goals in a single Eredivisie season for a midfielder, surpassing the legendary Jari Litmanen—whom Steijn regards as his role model.

All up, Steijn has a remarkable tally of 31 goals. “It’s been an incredible season. I’ve managed to score a total of 31 goals, which is quite extraordinary for a midfielder,” said Steijn following FC Twente’s 3-2 defeat against AZ in the play-off final.

Unfortunately for Steijn, his impressive scoring record wasn’t enough to secure FC Twente a spot in another season of European competition, as they fell short in the play-off final against AZ.

Steijn’s campaign featured some notable highlights, including a stunning free-kick against PSV, a well-timed header against Almere City, a brilliant solo effort against Sparta Rotterdam, and an exquisite bicycle kick versus sc Heerenveen.

In the running for the award alongside Steijn were Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor, Davy Klaassen, Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, and Ismael Saibari from PSV. The nominations were drawn from Opta statistics and officially recognised Man of the Match accolades, with the captains of the 18 Eredivisie clubs voting to select the winner.

Jorrel Hato

Ajax defender Jorrel Hato received the honour of Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year. At just 19 years old, Hato has been a consistent presence in Ajax’s defence for two seasons, becoming the second-youngest player in the club’s history to reach the milestone of 100 matches across all competitions.

The young left-back clinched six assists, which was tied for the team high, while creating 21 chances in the Eredivisie. Hato’s contributions were vital at both ends of the pitch and he stood out as a significant player in Ajax’s Eredivisie run.

In the running for the accolade alongside Hato were Luciano Valente (FC Groningen), Givairo Read (Feyenoord), Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht), and Jakob Breum (Go Ahead Eagles). The five candidates were determined by Opta statistics, and the 18 Eredivisie managers were responsible for selecting the winner.

Additional award recipients

The Eredivisie Awards also recognised the Player and Talent of the Year in the Women’s Eredivisie, as well as the Goal of the Year.

PSV’s Renate Jansen took home the Azerion Eredivisie Player of the Year award, while Veerle Buurman, who represented PSV on loan from Chelsea, was lauded as the Talent of the Year.

The Goal of the Year award was presented to Bryan Linssen for his spectacular long-range goal against NAC Breda during the final week of the season, marking the first individual honour for the 34-year-old.