Oranje donate UEFA Nations League Finals jerseys

In tribute to former coach Louis van Gaal, the KNVB has donated the game-worn jerseys from the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals to Spieren voor Spieren (Muscles for Muscles) on behalf of the players, as a parting gift in recognition of all he has done for the team.

Spieren voor Spieren is a foundation that has tirelessly dedicated itself to helping children diagnosed with muscle diseases, raising funds to invest in research, faster diagnosis, and better medical care. Now in its 25th year, the foundation has made it its mission to help affected children and enable them to rebuild their lives.

Founded in 1998 by Jan Reker, with the support of the Dutch soccer team, it is a cause that has drawn many of the country's sports stars to campaign alongside the foundation. Two instrumental figures throughout Spieren voor Spieren’s history are former Oranje coach Louis van Gaal and his wife Truus, who have been ambassadors since 2000 and honorary ambassadors since 2014. Regulars at fundraising events across the Netherlands, they have been steadfast advocates, rallying support from the sports world and beyond.

Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk explained the motivation behind the team’s decision to donate their jerseys: “As soccer players, we know better than anyone how important it is to be able to build and rely on your muscles. Unfortunately, not everyone can do this. In the Netherlands, there are 20,000 children with a muscle disease. We, as players, would like to do something for these children, for whom muscle strength is not a given.

Under Louis van Gaal, we went unbeaten in qualifying for the UEFA Nations League Finals last year. In this way, as national team players, we want to once again show our gratitude for what he has meant to the Dutch national team.”

Proceeds from the auction will go to Spieren voor Spieren as it continues its crucial work to eradicate muscle diseases. Head to the auction now to bid on the jerseys of your favorite Oranje players and donate to a hugely important cause!