YOUTH
Mats Grotenbreg, 28, dies after boat collision while swimming
Amateur footballer Mats Grotenbreg, 28, died after colliding with a boat while swimming at Mookerplas in Middelaar, Limburg, near Nijmegen, on Thursday. The former Hercules defender, known for his 2023 winning goal against Ajax in the KNVB Cup, was taken into police custody as the investigation continues.
Police have detained a person in connection with the incident and are probing the exact circumstances of the collision. No further details have been released by authorities at this stage.
Grotenbreg progressed through the youth systems of PSV and Vitesse before featuring for TOP Oss, VV Duno and GVVV at senior level. Since 2025 he was playing for VRC Veenendaal in the amateur ranks.
He also earned caps for the Netherlands Under‑18 national team during his early career. His international experience added to his profile as a promising defender.
Gerrit-Jan Barten, his former coach at Jonge Kracht in Huissen, said, "Dit is niet te bevatten," adding that "Mats was een supergozer. Altijd vrolijk en genietend van het leven." Barten expressed his shock at the news.
René van der Kooij, who coached Grotenbreg at Hercules, posted on Instagram, "Een hart van goud, wat een geweldig mooie vent," describing the loss as a huge void for many. Van der Kooij’s tribute highlighted Grotenbreg’s impact on the club.
Mats Grotenbreg was the son of former professional Ronald Grotenbreg, who played for FC Wageningen. The family connection underscored his football lineage.
Beyond football, Grotenbreg participated in the most recent season of De Bachelorette, a dating show on Videoland. His appearance on the programme added a media dimension to his public profile.
The police investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine the events surrounding the fatal collision. No further updates have been provided at this time.