Dutch Sports

Walk through any Dutch neighborhood on a Saturday morning and you’ll hear the unmistakable sounds of sports in full swing, whistles blowing, bikes stacked by the sidelines and kids running across football fields in the rain. Sport is deeply woven into Dutch daily life, whether it’s for fun, fitness, or fierce competition. In this category, we explore the most popular sports in the Netherlands, from football, by far the national obsession, to field hockey, speed skating, cycling and even korfball, a uniquely Dutch invention. You’ll learn about grassroots sports culture, local clubs that form the heart of communities and the Dutch passion for staying active. We also highlight famous Dutch athletes, from football legends like Johan Cruijff and Virgil van Dijk, to Olympic gold medalists in skating and cycling who dominate the world stage. Whether you’re curious about traditional sports, international achievements or what keeps the Dutch so sporty year-round, this is where you’ll find it.