Meet Kees Smit: The Next Big Thing in Dutch Football

You’ve heard the names: Marco van Basten, Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard. These Dutch football legends have left an indelible mark on the sport. But the Dutch football scene has been somewhat starved of game-changing talents in recent years. All that might be about to change as a new star rises on the horizon – Kees Smit.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, 19-year-old Kees Smit is primed to be the next ‘total footballer’ to emerge from the Netherlands. After a stunning breakout season at AZ Alkmaar, Smit has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. With such an impressive list of suitors, AZ faces a tough fight to keep hold of their rising star beyond the 2025 summer transfer window.

The Genesis of a Football Phenom

From his early years in the North Holland Province town of Heiloo, Smit has been a standout player. His skills caught the eye of AZ scouts and he was drafted into their Under-12s team when he was just 10 years old. Despite a tempting offer from Bayern, Smit decided to stay put and signed his first professional contract with AZ in January 2021.

His mature performances and leadership qualities saw him rise rapidly through the ranks, earning him a spot in the first team by December 2022. His memorable solo goal at the REWE Juniorcup tournament catapulted him into the limelight, and he hasn’t looked back since.

The Breakthrough

Smit’s senior debut for AZ came in March 2024, and he hasn’t looked back since. His performances in the UEFA Youth League and Eredivisie have been nothing short of sensational, earning him rave reviews from coaches and pundits alike.

Despite some initial struggles in 2025, Smit’s determination and talent saw him secure a starting position in six of AZ’s final eight Eredivisie matches. His performances for the Netherlands in the U19 European Championship further showcased his talent, earning him the Golden Boot and the Player of the Tournament award.

The Road Ahead

While Smit has undeniable talent, he acknowledges there’s room for improvement. He’s currently focused on honing his control of the game and becoming more impactful in the final third. There’s also work to be done on the defensive front, where his tackling can sometimes be ill-timed.

Many have compared Smit to Dutch compatriot Frenkie de Jong, but with his potential to offer more in the final third, some are even drawing parallels with Kevin De Bruyne. If Smit can harness his full potential, he could well be the next big thing in Dutch football.

With a contract running until 2028, AZ is in a strong position to negotiate, having placed a €20 million price tag on Smit. While Smit admits to dreaming of playing for Barcelona, he plans to spend at least one more season at AZ.

Clearly, Smit has a mature head on his young shoulders, and he’s not in a rush to make the leap to a bigger club. For now, he’s focused on honing his skills and proving his worth at AZ. But if his trajectory continues as it has, it won’t be long before we see Kees Smit lighting up the biggest stages in European football.