How a viral indoor goal signaled the rise of a Dutch footballing prodigy
In short: In early 2023, a bizarre five-a-side goal went viral, showing a young midfielder's knack for the unexpected. For Kees Smit, that moment was merely the beginning of a rapid ascent from AZ's academy to the senior Netherlands national team.
Born in Heiloo on 20 January 2006, Kees Henricus Petrus Smit has followed a meteoric trajectory through the ranks of AZ. After joining the club's academy in 2015 at just nine years old, he quickly distinguished himself, becoming the youngest member of the under-12 squad. By January 2021, he had secured a three-and-a-half-year professional contract, marking his transition from a promising youth prospect to a professional athlete.
Smit's talent became impossible to ignore during the 2022–2023 season. After a viral indoor goal in January 2023, he made his professional debut for Jong AZ against Helmond Sport on 23 January 2023. His impact extended to the continental stage, where he helped AZ's under-19s reach the UEFA Youth League semi-finals in March 2023 after defeating giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid. He eventually played in the UEFA Youth League final, contributing to a 5–0 victory over Hajduk Split.
The years following his youth success saw Smit dominate at the international level. During the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, he helped the Netherlands secure their first title and was named Player of the Tournament. His progression continued into senior football, including a UEFA Europa League debut against Fenerbahçe on 7 November 2024. By 2026, he had earned his senior international debut for the Netherlands in a friendly against Norway and secured a KNVB Cup title with a 5–1 win over NEC.
Smit's recent accolades include being named the UEFA Conference League Young Player of the Season for 2025–26. His journey from a nine-year-old academy recruit to a decorated international midfielder serves as a testament to his rapid development within the Dutch footballing system.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kees Smit
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