“My Superstar”
Sylvie Meis’ son celebrates a milestone
January 7, 2025 – 11:17 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Like father, like son? Ajax Amsterdam continues to rely on 18-year-old Damián van der Vaart. However, his parents are even more famous.
The images are still fresh in the minds of football fans: Rafael van der Vaart always liked to bring his children onto the pitch at his farewell games, for example in the Dutch national team in 2018, or in 2019 when he left Hamburger SV. At his side back then: his son Damián. He was just 13 years old at the time.
But now the Steppke finally seems to be following in his famous father’s footsteps. Ajax Amsterdam extended the talent’s contract until 2029. As the Dutch record champions announced, Damián van der Vaart should establish himself in Ajax’s U23 team. Damián is the only offspring of van der Vaart from his marriage to the presenter Sylvie Meis.
The son of the former glamor couple moved to his parents’ home country from the Danish club Esbjerg fB in 2023 and has since played for Ajax’s U18 and U19 teams. His father became a professional at the club. Damián hasn’t been able to do that yet. Nevertheless, the current contract is a milestone for the 18-year-old football talent. Like his famous father, Damián also plays in the midfield position.
Ajax sports director praises the young player’s playing qualities on the club’s website: “We are very happy that Damián has extended his contract. He is an attacking midfielder with great dynamism who often appears in the opponent’s penalty area. He has excellent shooting technique and sets “Damián has developed very well since he’s been at Ajax,” said Marijn Beuker. He also outlined what could happen next for the celebrity offspring in terms of football. “The next step for him is integration into the Ajax U23. We are confident that he will continue to develop with us in the coming years.”
Damián’s father Rafael van der Vaart is considered a legend at the Dutch flagship club. He made more than 100 international appearances for the Netherlands and, in addition to Ajax, also played for Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Hamburger SV. He was married to Sylvie Meis from 2005 to 2013. From a later relationship with the Dutch handball player Estevana Polman, Van der Vaart has another child, a daughter named Jesslynn.
Sylvie Meis couldn’t hide her joy about the next step in her son’s sporting career. She posted a long post on Instagram celebrating Damian for his hard work and determination on his way to becoming a professional footballer. Although she wasn’t able to be at the signing of the contract in person, her ex-husband let her take part via video chat. She is very grateful for that. “You’re living your dream, and this is just the beginning! I love you endlessly, my superstar!” wrote Meis.