Luuk de Jong may be sidelined with injury at FC Porto, but his legacy in Dutch football continues to shine. Over the weekend, the veteran striker received a heartfelt tribute from his former club, PSV Eindhoven, as they inducted him into their prestigious Walk of Fame and named a key stadium facility in his honor.
A Hero’s Return to Eindhoven
Although de Jong was unable to feature in FC Porto’s Portuguese Cup clash against Celoricense due to early-season injury struggles, he made the most of his recovery time by returning to the Netherlands. Ahead of PSV’s Eredivisie match against Go Ahead Eagles, the 33-year-old was welcomed back to Philips Stadium with a celebratory ceremony that paid homage to his stellar contributions during his time at the club.
Walk of Fame and Media Room Renaming
The highlight of the evening came when de Jong was formally added to PSV’s Walk of Fame, a prestigious tribute reserved for legends who have left a lasting mark on the club’s history. De Jong’s name now stands alongside PSV greats, commemorating his remarkable record of 338 appearances and 186 goals in red and white.
Further solidifying his place in club history, PSV also renamed their stadium press room the ‘Luuk de Jong Mediaroom’, replacing the previous dedication to Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário. The change reflects the forward’s profound influence on the club both on and off the pitch.
An Emotional Acknowledgment
Visibly moved during the tribute, de Jong shared his appreciation for the honor, stating:
“Honestly, it’s hard to find words to describe this moment.”
The ceremony not only celebrated his achievements but also underscored the strong bond between de Jong and the Eindhoven faithful, a relationship built on years of loyalty and standout performances.
Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Though currently wearing the blue and white of FC Porto, de Jong’s heart clearly still beats for PSV. His return to Philips Stadium wasn’t just a celebration of past glories, but a reminder of the indelible impact he’s made on the club’s modern era. From Eredivisie titles to key European campaigns, de Jong remains one of PSV’s most influential figures in recent decades.
