Noa Vahle Gets Candid About MDMA: 'Loved It the First Time' and Merel Ek Responds

She’s Linda de Mol’s daughter, but she’s firmly established herself as a sports reporter in her own right. Noa Vahle knows better than anyone how to balance the razor’s edge of the football pitch with the harsh realities of the media world. But this week, she’s surprised everyone with a revelation no one saw coming. In a candid interview, she’s opened up in detail about her experiences with substances – specifically, that one time she took MDMA.

‘Loved it the first time, the next day I just wanted to die’

We’re used to seeing Noa for her sharp analysis on the sidelines at women’s football matches, or as the daughter who isn’t afraid of a spirited debate with her mum. But now, she’s showing a different side. She speaks openly, without a hint of shame, about the first time she took a pill. “I loved it,” she admits honestly. “It was a night of pure euphoria, everything felt light and fun. But the next day… I just didn’t want to be here anymore.” That hangover, both physical and mental, taught her a lesson she won’t soon forget.

It’s precisely this raw honesty that gives Noa Vahle such a strong connection with the younger generation. She doesn’t romanticise drug use; she paints the full picture. And that’s exactly what’s often missing from the public conversation. She’s not saying “never do drugs,” but she’s brutally honest about the consequence of that 'amazing' feeling: a void that completely floors you the next day.

Merel Ek on Noa’s confession: ‘I thought, just go for it’

Noa Vahle wasn’t the only one who opened up. Her colleague and close friend Merel Ek joined the same conversation. While Noa shared her own experience, Merel admitted she knows the feeling all too well. “I was listening to her story and thought, yeah, I get that. But I also thought, just go for it. Dive right in and be open about it.” The two women, usually known for shaking things up in the sports world, show that their bond goes way beyond the football pitch.

In a world where perfection is often the goal – especially when you grow up in a family like Linda de Mol’s – it’s refreshing to hear how Noa Vahle and Merel Ek interact. No judgement, no moralising, just a simple ‘I get you.’ In the conversation, Merel even refers to a moment when she thought: “If she can say this, then so can I.” It shows that the pressure on young women in the spotlight is immense, but that shared experiences can actually help ease that burden.

Why this revelation is so necessary

Everyone knows that drug use is common at festivals and in nightlife, but when someone with a famous last name talks about it, the shock factor seems huge. The reactions to Noa’s confession show that while we in the Netherlands might be quite outspoken about sexuality and relationships, the topic of drugs remains taboo when it comes to local celebrities.

What’s great about the way Noa Vahle handles this is that she’s nowhere saying “give me another pill.” She’s sharing a story of growth, of pushing boundaries and learning from it. And she’s doing it with Merel Ek, who acts as a supportive sidekick, confirming: you’re not alone if you feel awful after a night out.

• Honesty over shame: Noa breaks away from the picture-perfect image often expected of public figures.
• Relatability for young people: By talking about ‘the day after,’ she gives a realistic view that’s often missing from educational campaigns.
• Friendship as an anchor: Merel Ek’s response shows how important a strong support system is, especially in the chaotic world of media and sports.

Whether she’s reporting from a World Cup or baring her soul in an interview, Noa Vahle continues to be someone who stirs things up. And with Merel Ek by her side, she has not just a colleague, but a comrade who knows exactly what it’s like to navigate the balance between the public eye and private life. The conversation they had isn’t about sensationalism; it’s about authenticity. And that’s precisely what we need.