Gelukwens door Jan van Zanen tijdens het ADO-diner in aanwezigheid van spelers, bestuur en sponsors, 28 april 2026

 

Dear Jan, Lex, Wim, Chris, Robin, Jari and Natascha,

Good evening everyone,

 

Finally.

Finally, ADO is back at the level where this club belongs: the Eredivisie.

And I say that with true Hague pride.

The pride of so many Hagenezen and Hagenaars.

Once again, my heartfelt congratulations on this championship.

You worked incredibly hard for this.

Both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

Because what we witnessed was about more than just football.

 

After seasons of high expectations,

we saw a team that – this time – didn’t seem to believe in themselves at the start.

But with a new manager came a new flow.

Suddenly, ADO found its wings.

Until the pressure mounted, and after the winter break, it just wasn’t happening for a while.

And then, at the moment when it truly mattered,

you managed to pull yourselves together.

You kept a clear focus on who you play for:

for each other, for the club, and for our city.

And you started scoring again.

 

SO, now you are back.

With your first championship in 23 years

and a well-deserved return to the Eredivisie after a five-year absence.

Steven and Sékou, you have played at the highest level with ADO before.

The same goes for Daryl, Jari, and Pascal, albeit with different clubs.

You can show the rest of the team the ropes,

and prepare them for what is coming next.

And build on what you have achieved together this season.

I am excited to see what kind of beautiful football that will bring.

 

But before we get there,

I would say: first, just enjoy this moment.

This well-deserved season win.

The celebration that will follow tomorrow.

And definitely, enjoy this dinner.

 

After all, you are the champions.

Champions of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

Your mayor is proud.

Enjoy your meal.

Thank you.