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

She’s the daughter of Linda de Mol, but these days she’s fully standing on her own two feet as a sports reporter. Noa Vahle knows better than anyone how to balance the razor’s edge of the soccer field with the harsh realities of the media world. But this week, she’s surprising everyone with a statement no one saw coming. In a candid interview, she opens up in detail for the first time about her experiences with substances. Specifically, that one time she used MDMA.

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

Normally, we know Noa for her sharp analysis on the sidelines during women’s soccer matches, or as the daughter who isn’t afraid to have a spirited debate with her mom. Now, she’s showing a different side. Without batting an eye, she talks about the first time she took a pill. “I loved it,” she says honestly. “It was an evening full of euphoria, everything felt light and fun. But the next day… I just didn’t want to exist anymore.” That hangover, both physical and mental, taught her a lesson she won’t soon forget.

It’s exactly this raw honesty that gives Noa Vahle such a strong connection with a younger generation. She doesn’t romanticize using; she paints the complete picture. And that’s precisely what’s often missing in the public debate. You won’t hear her say “never do drugs,” but she bluntly lays out the consequence of that “amazing” feeling: an emptiness that completely knocks you off your feet the next day.

Merel Ek on Noa’s Confession: ‘I Was Like, Just Go For It’

Noa Vahle wasn’t the only one opening up. Her colleague and close friend Merel Ek also joined the conversation. While Noa shared her own experience, Merel said she knew 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. Just dive into the deep end and be open about it.” The two women, who usually shake up the sports world, show that their bond goes beyond just the soccer field.

In a world where perfection is often the goal—especially when you grow up in a family like Linda de Mol’s—it’s almost refreshing to hear how Noa Vahle and Merel Ek interact. No judgment, no moralizing finger, just a simple ‘I get you.’ During the talk, Merel even references a moment where she thought: “If she can say this, then I can too.” It shows the pressure on young women in the spotlight is immense, but shared experiences can actually help relieve it.

Why This Revelation Is So Needed

Everyone knows there’s plenty of substance use at festivals and in the nightlife scene, but the shock seems huge as soon as someone with a famous last name mentions it. The reactions to Noa’s confession show that while the Netherlands might be very open about sexuality and relationships, the topic of drugs among celebrities is still a taboo.

The great thing about how Noa Vahle handles this is that she’s not saying “give me another pill.” She shares a story of growth, of testing boundaries and learning from it. And she does this alongside Merel Ek, who acts as her sidekick and confirms: you’re not alone if you feel awful after a night out.

• Honesty Over Shame: Noa breaks with the picture-perfect image often expected of celebrities.
• Relatability for Young People: By talking about “the next day,” she gives a realistic picture that’s often missing in drug education.
• Friendship as an Anchor: Merel Ek’s reaction 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 knows how to shake things up. And with Merel Ek by her side, she has not just a colleague, but an ally who knows exactly what it’s like to balance the public eye with a private life. The conversation they had together isn’t one of sensationalism, but of authenticity. And that’s exactly what we need.