Mats Seuntjens returns for NAC days after newborn daughter’s death | OneFootball

Mats Seuntjens returned to the pitch for NAC Breda only days after the death of his newborn daughter, Celine Inaya Seuntjens Silva.

He came on in the second half against VVV-Venlo, a match NAC lost 0-2. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, more than 18,000 supporters stayed after the final whistle, including the visiting end.

Seuntjens emerged with his family as players and staff formed a circle around them. Thousands of phone lights glowed and a message on the screens said the sky had one more little star, while the stadium chanted his name.

Days earlier, Seuntjens and his partner, Elba, had shared news of Celine’s death. He chose to pull his boots back on and be with his people, and they chose to be with him.

A later message captured the mood, describing NAC as about more than football, a club built on loyalty, love and commitment.

A familiar face at Castalia, the player featured in the first half of 2024/2025 for CD Castellón after their return to the professional ranks, playing in 14 LaLiga Hypermotion matches, around 10 from the start.

His only goal for the club came in the Copa del Rey against Águilas, a winner that sent Castellón through.

He left in January 2025 for Groningen, then returned this summer to NAC, where his career began.

On this night, the result felt secondary as a community held one of their own.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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