Willem van Hanegem: ‘De Kromme’ is Still the Voice of the People, and Now He Has a Feyenoord Hoodie

You know what’s beautiful about football? The old guard never really goes away. Especially not when your name is Willem van Hanegem. ‘De Kromme’ is back in the news, and as always, he does it his way. No messing about, just straight talk. And let’s be honest, we need that in an era of safe interviews and tired clichés.

Van der Vaart is gushing, but ‘De Kromme’ keeps his feet on the ground

While a former Oranje international is going around the media saying he’s spotted “the new Frenkie de Jong,” you hear Van Hanegem keeping things in perspective. I was at a match recently and saw this kid play. Yeah, tidy on the ball, for sure. But let’s not get carried away. The guy himself played at the highest level, so if he says a new phenomenon is coming through, you don’t just laugh it off.

But Willem, he thinks ahead. He knows how things work in De Kuip. It’s not enough to just have a good touch; you also need to have the guts. That grounded attitude is exactly what this new generation needs. Van Hanegem isn’t a man for superlatives. He’s the man who says “first let’s see what he can do” and “we haven’t won anything yet.” And as always, he’s simply right.

Kees Smit and the gym: Willem’s take

Take Kees Smit’s debut for Oranje. Everyone was cheering, and rightly so. But what did Van Hanegem say about it? Exactly. That it’s great, but that he needs to hit the gym. It sounds harsh, but it isn’t. It’s honest. Willem van Hanegem sees that these days, players are getting better technically, but physically? That’s where he sometimes sees a problem.

I remember back in Willem’s day, he had to play against absolute tanks of defenders. A fancy feint doesn’t help if you’re already on the deck after the first tackle. That’s why he talks about the gym. It’s not a dig at Kees Smit; it’s a warning to all young players. You might be called the new Frenkie de Jong, or the new Van Hanegem, but if you’re not strong enough, you’ll get chewed up and spat out at the highest level.

That’s the charm of ‘De Kromme’. He remains the barometer of Dutch football. Not because he’s always right, but because he calls it like he sees it. And that resonates with people.

The Feyenoord Hoodie that fits the legend

And then there’s the other news doing the rounds. Off the pitch, this Feyenoord Hoodie Willem van Hanegem White suddenly appears. You see it everywhere. It’s not just a hoodie, it’s a statement. White, sharp, with a certain presence. It fits the man perfectly. No fuss, no frills. Just quality gear.

When I see a M6 & Willem van Hanegem collection, I immediately understand why it’s a hit. It’s not just a tribute to a footballer; it’s a tribute to a mentality. That Rotterdam mentality, of De Kuip, of the streets. It’s about identity. You put on that hoodie, and you show what you stand for. For the hard workers, for the people who understand the game, for those who aren’t afraid to get stuck in.

Why this combination works so well

The worlds of football and fashion are increasingly merging, but rarely does it feel as authentic as this release. It’s not a commercial gimmick; it’s an extension of the person. Here are three reasons why it sticks:

• Authenticity: ‘De Kromme’ isn’t just a sales pitch. He embodies the spirit of Rotterdam. You can’t fake that.
• Timelessness: While snowboarders are conquering World Cups in the background, Van Hanegem remains a constant in the Dutch sporting psyche.
• Directness: His remarks about the new generation needing to toughen up first in the gym perfectly align with the hoodie’s message: no nonsense, just do it.

Only time will tell

That new Frenkie de Jong, that Kees Smit debut, they’re all great stories. But as Willem would say: “We’ll see in a few years.” For now, we enjoy what is. And what is, is a legend who, after all these years, still gets people talking, whether in the stands or in their wardrobe.

If you see him walking around in that white hoodie, you get it. It’s more than just a piece of clothing. It’s a nod to a time when football was about character. And as long as Willem van Hanegem has a say in the conversation, that feeling stays alive.