March 2 – Dutch professional football dedicated the weekend’s round of fixtures to mental health, as the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie combined for a league-wide awareness drive under the banner ‘Together for Vulnerability’.
Across all 19 fixtures in the top two tiers over the weekend, the campaign was equally visible both in stadiums and across broadcasts. Captains exchanged Together for Vulnerability branded pennants before kick-off, perimeter boards carried the messaging, and ESPN dedicated additional editorial coverage to the theme throughout the match week.
A specially written track, Kan Niet Alleen (‘Can’t Do It Alone’), by Dutch rapper Typhoon played in every stadium before kick-off, linking the campaign to a broader cultural push. The initiative is supported by the VriendenLoterij, Cinetree Foundation and the Play Mental Foundation, with all 34 professional clubs involved.
Statistics Netherlands show that 39% of men in the country report experiencing mental health challenges, yet the subject remains difficult to address publicly – particularly within elite sport.
Glenn de Randamie, better known as Typhoon, said: “By now, I know better than anyone how important it is to talk about your feelings. Sport and music reach millions of people and tap into emotions we often struggle to put into words. By bringing those two worlds together, we can break taboos and open up the conversation around mental health in a way that feels close to home. And that’s exactly what’s needed. You can’t do it alone.”
Former defender Gianni Zuiverloon, involved via the Play Mental Foundation, said: “Within football, there is still this idea that you always have to be strong and must never show doubt. As a result, many men carry their feelings alone for far too long. By opening up this conversation together, we show that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. You need to know that you don’t have to do it alone.”
Eredivisie CEO Jan de Jong added: “Professional football wants to embrace the important theme of mental health, make it part of the conversation and give it the attention it deserves. You’re a hero if you speak up. That, too, is the power of football.”
All elements of the programme sit on a dedicated online platform, with associated workshops delivered at professional and amateur clubs through the Play Mental Foundation.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]