Jeremiah St Juste’s leap from Lisbon bench to Feyenoord captaincy

Jeremiah St Juste has gone from an anonymous role at Sporting Lisbon (Lissabon) to becoming the natural leader of Feyenoord, the Dutch league leaders who feel stronger than ever. The 29‑year‑old defender says the club are "hard at work keeping him fit".

From Lisbon anonymity to Rotterdam leadership

St Juste arrived at Feyenoord during the winter break after general director Dennis te Kloese and manager Robin van Persie signed him, despite doubts about his fitness. Earlier he had been a peripheral figure at Sporting Lisbon, a situation described as an "anonymous role".

His first impact came in the opening minute of the match against AZ Alkmaar, when he appeared deep in the opponent’s half. After the game he shrugged, "Ah, I had to cover and then I got out of there," he laughed, showing confidence despite the early pressure.

The defender now leads a side that has kept a clean sheet for three consecutive matches. He explains the change: "No, but now it all happens in a natural way. It starts with being fit. Then you can deliver what you have to deliver and do more for the team. And that is what he does."

Fitness and team spirit drive Feyenoord’s form

St Juste stresses the importance of balance, saying, "It's in my nature" and that his fitness is "far ahead of last year". He adds that the squad’s camaraderie extends beyond the pitch, "We talk a lot about football, demand a lot from each other, but also do fun things together – we go out to dinner, for example."

After a 5‑1 loss to Barcelona, goalkeeper Tjark Ernst and the defence recorded three clean sheets in a row. St Juste praised the squad’s stamina, "Playing three matches in a week, I think that's not a problem," highlighting the fitness work underway.

Clubwatcher Mikos Gouka noted on 10 October 2026 that the team’s spirit has improved markedly, and the article’s Laatste update was posted at 22:49. He observed that the players now radiate enjoyment, a stark contrast to the discontent of the previous season.

Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who first listed St Juste among players eligible to leave the Kuip, now lauds his evolution. "I have known him since my first period as a Feyenoord player," he said. "He has always had the potential and after an extremely hard summer he is now very important for Feyenoord. I am happy for him and for us that he is still here."

Looking ahead, Feyenoord face mid‑week opposition from Como, a Saturday clash with Telstar, and later matches against Real Betis and PSV. St Juste’s leadership and fitness will be pivotal as the Rotterdam side seeks to maintain its league‑top position.