Jorrel Hato and Veerle Buurman (both 19 years old) have shown how promising and talented they are over the past season. Therefore it makes perfect sense that they were among the winners at tonight's Eredivisie Awards. With the Johan Cruyff Prize for Talent of the Year, in addition to an award, they will receive a Cruyff Court named after them. Role models for the next generation!
The Johan Cruyff Prize has been awarded to the Talent of the Year since 2003. With this award, Johan Cruyff wanted to give young footballers a push towards an even better future and encourage them to engage in society. Jorrel Hato received a Cruyff Court named after him from the Cruyff Foundation and the VriendenLoterij. Veerle Buurman also received this award from the Cruyff Foundation.
Veerle Buurman
Veerle Buurman is an exceptional talent and a role model for many young girls. Over the past season, she has shown remarkable development. Until the summer of 2023, Veerle played in the Under-17 boys’ team at SC Bemmel. She is under contract with Chelsea and is currently on loan to PSV, where she plays as a defender.
During the Eredivisie Awards, her immense talent was rewarded with the Johan Cruyff Prize for the Talent of the Year of the Azerion Women's Eredivisie. During this special evening she received the prize from Wieke Kaptein.
We know for sure: we are going to hear a lot from Veerle in the future.
Jorrel Hato
By naming a Cruyff Court after the Talent of the Year, we give young players a rolemodel. It shows that anything is possible, no matter where you come from. As a child, Jorrel Hato often played football with his brother on a Cruyff Court in Rotterdam. For a video of the Eredivisie Awards, they returned to this Cruyff Court. A Cruyff Court named after Jorrel Hato not only showcases his sporting achievements, but also inspires children in the neighbourhood where he grew up.
Rotterdam native Jorrel Hato has played in Ajax's youth academy since 2018. He came over from Sparta at the time. In May 2023, he made the switch to the first team and debuted in the Dutch national team in the same year. He is known for his mature play, technical skills and leadership at a young age.
As Johan Cruyff said, ‘If you have to do something for another, you have to do it.’ And with this Cruyff Court, Jorrel and Veerle are carrying Johan Cruyff’s social legacy.
Congratulations, Jorrel & Veerle!
