Feyenoord Honors Legend Gerard Meijer with Special Tribute on 91st Birthday
Gerard Meijer, who never found the back of the net while donning the Feyenoord jersey, nevertheless stands as one of the most celebrated figures in the history of the club, which ranks third in the Netherlands in terms of success. With an impressive 60 years of dedicated service to Feyenoord, Meijer received a heartfelt birthday tribute from fans on his recent 91st birthday.
Numerous supporters gathered to honor “Uncle Gerard” in a special ceremony, celebrating his long-standing commitment. Meijer began his career at Feyenoord in 1959, taking on various roles including kit man, masseur, and physiotherapist. Over decades, he collaborated with football icons such as Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Henrik Larsson, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Dirk Kuyt, and Robin van Persie.
Meijer witnessed some of the club’s most significant achievements, including the European Cup (now known as the Champions League) in the 1969/70 season, the Intercontinental Cup (now part of the Club World Cup) in 1970, and UEFA Cup victories in 1973/74 and 2001/02. Following his retirement in 2009, a section of the De Kuip Stadium was named after him, further solidifying his legacy.
Over the years, generations of fans have seen him enter the pitch with his trademark towel for treatment. Additionally, he served as a club ambassador for a decade, illustrating his unwavering loyalty to Feyenoord.
In recognition of his remarkable service, Meijer was honored with eight loyalty badges last July, a record number issued to a single employee. All staff who dedicate at least a year to the club receive a badge, with subsequent badges awarded after five years, and every ten years thereafter.
During the recent celebration in the “Ambassadors’ Room,” Meijer attended alongside his wife, where he was showered with tributes and presented with mementos symbolizing his decades of loyalty and devotion to Feyenoord.
Gerard Meijer never scored a goal wearing the Feyenoord shirt.
But he is among the greatest legends of the Netherlands’ third most successful club.
He is the only person with 60 years of service to the club.
Advertisement
And he received a special birthday tribute when he turned 91.
Several fans went to see “Uncle Gerard” for a special homage.
Gerard Meijer began his journey at Feyenoord in 1959. He was a kit man, masseur, and physiotherapist.
He worked alongside Cruyff, Gullit, Henrik Larsson, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Kuyt, and Robin van Persie, for example.
He closely witnessed the club’s greatest achievements: the European Cup (now the Champions League) in 1969/70, the Intercontinental Cup (Club World Cup) in 1970, and the UEFA Cups (now the Europa League) in 1973/74 and 2001/02.
Advertisement
De Kuip Stadium even got a “Gerard Meijer” section after he retired in 2009, for example.
Several generations of fans saw him run onto the pitch for treatment carrying his traditional towel.
Uncle Gerard also served for ten years as a club ambassador.
Making it a total of sixty years of devotion to the club.
Only he has 8️⃣ loyalty badges
Every employee who has worked at Feyenoord for at least one year currently receives a badge.
The next ones are earned after five years, ten years, and then every ten years after that.
Gerard Meijer received no fewer than EIGHT last July, when he was honored by the club.
Feyenoord legend hailed by fans on his 91st birthday
(onefootball_articles_802)
He appeared in the “Ambassadors’ Room” accompanied by his wife to be celebrated.
And to take home the mementos of his loyalty.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
[/gpt3]