Grootfaam's wondergoal lets Feyenoord talent shine against France

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in Spain, the French goalkeeper saw Illian Grootfaam's ball stay on the ground, after which the young striker let the ball drop into the net from his own half. The moment, captured at 01:52:10 in the highlights, marked one of the most striking actions of the friendly match between the Netherlands Under‑17 and France Under‑17.

International friendly match

Grootfaam, who under Robin van Persie became the youngest debutant in Feyenoord's club history, earned his first international cap as a substitute and scored the fourth Dutch goal. The Netherlands had previously lost to the United States and Belgium, but secured a convincing win over France.

The first three Dutch scorers were Gennaro Wijks (RB Leipzig), Tijmen Vis (Ajax) and Dani Bouchta (FC Utrecht). After their goals, Grootfaam set the tone by intercepting the ball on his own half, taking it out immediately and bypassing the French keeper.

Impact on Feyenoord

Coach Joran Pot praised the young striker: “He sees things that others do not see. That is unique about him.” The compliment underscored Grootfaam’s sense for unexpected moments.

In the Feyenoord Under‑19, Grootfaam has already recorded three goals and three assists in four matches this season, playing an important role in the attack.

Although he has not yet played under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the coach did allow Jerayno Schaken to make his debut, highlighting the depth of the youth academy.