The name Sneijder is synonymous with Dutch footballing excellence, and a new chapter is beginning for the family. Jessey Sneijder, the 18-year-old son of legendary midfielder Wesley Sneijder, has officially signed his first professional contract with FC Utrecht, the club announced. The deal ties the young midfielder to the Dutch side until June 2028, with an option for an additional year.
This milestone marks a significant step in Jessey's burgeoning career. He has been a part of FC Utrecht's youth academy since the age of 15, diligently working towards this moment. His perseverance has now been rewarded with a professional deal, a testament to his dedication and willpower, as proudly noted by his father.
"This is a dream come true," said Jessey Sneijder, expressing his excitement about the opportunity. His father, Wesley Sneijder, echoed the sentiment on Instagram, sharing a picture of them both holding the Utrecht jersey and writing, "I am so very proud of you. Go to FC Utrecht at the age of 15 and sign your first contract after three years! Your perseverance and willpower have been rewarded."
Jessey Sneijder, an attacking midfielder like his illustrious father, is set to join Jong FC Utrecht, the club's reserve team, which competes in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie (the second tier of Dutch football) for the upcoming season. This move will provide him with valuable professional experience as he aims to further develop his game.
The Sneijder surname carries considerable weight in Dutch football. Wesley Sneijder, born in Utrecht in 1984, emerged from the renowned Ajax youth academy before embarking on a glittering career that saw him become one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
His stints at Real Madrid, where he won La Liga in his debut season (2007-08), and particularly at Inter Milan, where he was a pivotal figure in their historic treble-winning campaign of Serie A, the Champions League, and the Italian Cup in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, cemented his legacy.
On the international stage, Wesley Sneijder earned a record 134 caps for the Netherlands, leading them to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Spain. He was a joint top scorer in that tournament and earned a spot in the All-Star Team. He retired from professional football in 2019.
