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| Source=Matteodams Instagram |
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| Source=Matteodams Instagram |
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| Source=Matteodams Instagram |
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The story of Park Ji-sung's junior's life turnaround is drawing attention.
Belgian media outlet HLN" (Het Laatste Nieuws) published an interview with Belgian defender Matteo Dams (21, Al Ahli) on the 7th (local time). Dams, a native of the prestigious PSV Eindhoven Youth in the Netherlands, debuted as a professional team in 2024 when he was 20 and played 24 games, including the 2024-2025 Cup. However, due to difficulties in competition to become a starting player, he mainly started as a backup rather than a starter. In the end, Dams transferred to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli for a transfer fee of 10 million euros (about 16.2 billion won, estimated) in January during the season. Some criticized Dams, who is currently playing for the U-21 team after representatives of various age groups in Belgium, for leaving the major European leagues at an early age and going to the Middle East stage.
But contrary to popular reaction, Dahms was realizing 'happiness football' in Saudi Arabia. Dams "When I found out how much I could earn, I began to laugh. At the end of January, everything took off. I was in full discussion with Eindhoven about extending my contract, and one phone call changed everything. The agent is 'Dams, call me now. It's a really important thing to do.' I thought it was a joke at first. I thought it was a summer transfer, but they wanted me right away. I had a week to think about it."
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| Source=Matteodams Instagram |
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| Source=Matteodams Instagram |
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According to 'HLN', Dams earned a monthly salary of 2,500 euros (about W4.07 million) from PSV. In Al Ahli, 250,000 euros (about 407 million won) in monthly salary, which has increased by about 100 times, is inserted into the bank account. Dams hesitated at the reaction of those around him. I know there is prejudice. It's a prejudice that 'money means everything or will you give up your career?' But in the end, it's me who has to play soccer." Most of the salary goes directly to parents in Belgium.
Then "At home, he talked like a joke. But when a contract suddenly unfolds in front of your eyes, you realize its meaning. And Saudi Arabia's level is much higher than many people think it is."
Dahms played with big names such as 'from Man City'Riyad Mahrez, 'from Liverpool'Hobertu Firmino, 'from Brentford'Ivan Toni. In the 2024-2025 Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) final, he beat Kawasaki Frontale and experienced a win. Dams is pleased with my decision. The soccer here seems to be alive and breathing."
Al Ahli's transfer does not mean the end of Dams' career. Currently, many players have left for Saudi Arabia from Europe and are returning to Europe. Spaniard midfielder Gabri Veiga, a former teammate of Dams, moved to Portugal's prestigious FC Porto in June.
Dams, who beat Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nasr to win the Super Cup in August, has consistently played as a key left-back in his team. Naturally, he was also selected for the Belgium Under-21 team. He played full-time in the European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Belarus on the 4th (one-on-one draw).
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
