KNVB reports personal tragedy for former international Nigel de Jong, less than twelve hours after Netherlands - Japan World Cup match

Pulse Sports Team 08:01 - 15 June 2026

Less than twelve hours after the Netherlands - Japan World Cup match, the KNVB has announced tragic news. Jerry de Jong, father of Nigel de Jong, has passed away at the age of 61. The football association has not released details regarding the circumstances of the death of the director of top football's father.

Nigel de Jong himself was present at the Netherlands - Japan World Cup match in Dallas on Sunday evening. His father, Jerry, like Nigel, was a Dutch international during his prime. Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, Jerry de Jong earned three caps for the Netherlands in 1990 and 1991. Throughout his career, he played for clubs including Telstar, sc Heerenveen, PSV, and FC Groningen. The former defender accumulated over 360 professional football appearances.