Jong Ajax midfielder Mark Verkuijl opens up on girlfriend’s death and finds solace in football

Jong Ajax midfielder Mark Verkuijl gave his first on‑camera interview since the tragic death of his girlfriend Elisa, revealing how the loss has affected his personal life and his approach to football. The 20‑year‑old spoke to after the team’s recent match against RKC Waalwijk, describing a period of intense grief and the difficulty of moving forward.

Verkuijl admitted that “it’s not going well for me” and that he struggles daily with the reality that Elisa, who was killed in a traffic accident on 18 December 2025, “was everything to me”. The 21‑year‑old from Veenendaal had been a constant presence at De Toekomst, often travelling together to Ajax training sessions.

The player said the tragedy has taken a toll beyond the pitch, noting that “outside football things are not good, I have a lot of trouble”. Yet he also highlighted the therapeutic role of the sport, explaining that when he steps onto the field he can “turn my mind off and train at full speed”, using football as a distraction from his grief.

Four days after Elisa’s death, Jong Ajax organized a tribute before the match with RKC, honoring her memory in front of supporters. Verkuijl recalled trying to compartmentalise his emotions during the game, stating, “I tried not to think about it. It was a tough match, but I focused on the football and not on what happened.”

The interview marks a rare public acknowledgment of the personal challenges faced by a young professional athlete dealing with loss, and underscores the club’s support network surrounding Verkuijl. Ajax officials have not commented further, but the team’s recent performances suggest the squad is rallying around their teammate.

Verkuijl’s candid remarks have resonated with fans on social media, many praising his honesty and wishing him strength. The story adds a human‑interest dimension to the ongoing season for Jong Ajax, reminding followers that players often cope with profound personal hardships behind the scenes.