Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona: they all seem to be interested in footballer Kees Smit (19) from AZ. The top talent from Heiloo is currently the outblinker at the Orange Under 19 at the European Championship in Romania. Time to check how well -known Kees is already in his own village.
Kees Smit plays the final of the European Championship against the peers of Spain tonight (8 p.m.). The attacking midfielder is top scorer with four goals this tournament.
“He plays incredibly easy”
His talent was recognized at his amateur club De Foresters at a young age. “It was a very quiet boy, but he let his feet speak,” says former youth trainer Milo Blei. “He was only 7 years old, but already had so much control on the ball.”
It does not take long before AZ turns to the Foresters. “He already went when he was 10 at the Onder-12 football of AZ,” says Milo.
Kees Smit scored his first goal for AZ at the end of 2024. In a European match against Fenerbahçe SK, he slalomed past a Turkish opponent before he managed to complete. But it didn’t lead to a fixed base place at the Alkmaarders.
Smit often comes to the Foresters
In an interview with NH the talent already indicated that it is impatient. But despite the increasing interest of large clubs around the world, Smit has already announced that he wants to stay with AZ. That hopes his former youth trainer and AZ supporter Milo Blei too.
“Kees also often comes to the Foresters,” says Milo. “His friends play here in the first team, so Kees comes to watch regularly.”
The European Championship final is on Thursday evening at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Ziggo Sport.