Rotterdam is buzzing. Not just with the anticipation of Sunday’s De Klassieker – the fierce rivalry match between Feyenoord and Ajax – but with the return of a beloved figure: John Guidetti. The Swedish striker, who spent a single, unforgettable season with Feyenoord in 2011-2012, is back in the city and his presence is a potent reminder of a golden era for the club. He’s urging the current squad to seize the moment, to understand the weight of the occasion, and to potentially etch their names into Feyenoord folklore. This isn’t simply about three points; it’s about legacy, about becoming a Feyenoord-legende.
Guidetti’s return isn’t a planned media tour or a formal club engagement. He’s in Rotterdam with his son and friends, fulfilling a promise to show them the intensity of Dutch football’s biggest clash. “What brings me back to Rotterdam? Feyenoord is a club that meant a lot to me,” Guidetti told Feyenoord ONE. “A club that was in my heart, part of my career. My son wanted to go to a football match with some friends. I told him there’s no better, bigger match than Feyenoord. I told him that Feyenoord supporters are… passionate, let’s say. And when I say passionate, I mean it in a good way.”
A Hat-Trick That Echoes Through Time
For many Feyenoord fans, Guidetti isn’t remembered for a lengthy career in red and white, but for one explosive afternoon: February 5, 2012. He scored a hat-trick against Ajax in a 4-2 victory at De Kuip, a performance that instantly cemented his status as a cult hero. The game, a pivotal moment in the Eredivisie season, wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. “I had a great year when I played for Feyenoord. I made a lot of lovely memories,” Guidetti recalled. “I feel it all comes down to scoring three goals against the people from the other city. I think that match meant more to the people than I could have believed or imagined when I signed for this club.”
He vividly remembers the details. “I remember everything from the match, honestly. I remember we went 1-0 down early, Christian Eriksen scored a beautiful goal with his left foot, and then I had a lousy touch and jumped. The Italian part of me thought, ‘it’s worth a try.’ It was enough to obtain a penalty. Later in the match, I was able to score the 4-2, and that calmed everyone down a bit. It was a great day. We stayed celebrating with the supporters for 35 to 40 minutes afterwards. We took the microphone, sang, and danced. It was a beautiful day.” The match remains a touchstone for supporters, a symbol of defiance and joy against their arch-rivals.
More Than Just a Game: The Stakes of De Klassieker
Guidetti believes Sunday’s match will be similarly defined by character and determination. “I think it’s all about character. It’s about who wants the ball when it matters. So, I have high expectations,” he said. The stakes are high, not just for bragging rights, but for the league standings. Feyenoord currently sits third in the Eredivisie, with a Champions League spot firmly in their sights. A win against Ajax would create significant separation from their rivals and bolster their chances of securing European football next season. According to Transfermarkt, as of March 22, 2024, Feyenoord trails league leaders PSV Eindhoven by 10 points, making every match crucial.
The Opportunity to Develop into a Legend
But beyond the tactical implications and league positioning, Guidetti emphasizes the emotional weight of De Klassieker. He sees it as a unique opportunity for players to transcend mere performance and become immortalized in the club’s history. “These are the kinds of matches that can make you a legend. So, if you aim for to become a legend at a great club like Feyenoord, this is the moment to do it. 50,000 people would give their lives to be on the pitch doing what they do. So, I mean, you have to enjoy it. You have to be proud of what you do. You have to seize the chance, because these are the matches that can make you a Feyenoord legend.”
Guidetti’s words aren’t just nostalgic encouragement; they’re a challenge. He understands the pressure, the expectation, and the raw emotion that defines De Klassieker. He’s reminding the current generation of Feyenoord players that they have the chance to write their own chapter in the club’s storied history, to join the pantheon of heroes who have defined the rivalry. The opportunity to create a lasting legacy, to become a part of the fabric of the club, is within their grasp. The key, he suggests, is to embrace the moment and play with the same passion and intensity that he experienced during his own brief but brilliant time in Rotterdam.
Feyenoord’s next challenge after De Klassieker is an away match against FC Twente on March 31st, a fixture that will further test their Champions League aspirations. The club will undoubtedly be looking to build on the momentum – or address any shortcomings – revealed in Sunday’s crucial encounter. Fans can find the latest updates and official information on the official Feyenoord website.
What are your thoughts on Guidetti’s return and his message to the current Feyenoord squad? Share your predictions for De Klassieker and your favorite memories of this historic rivalry in the comments below.
