Former Netherlands international Jerry de Jong passes away
Former Netherlands defender Jerry de Jong has died at the age of 61. His son Nigel is currently attending the 2026 World Cup.
Former Netherlands international Jerry de Jong has passed away at the age of 61. The news was confirmed on Monday, June 15, 2026. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, Jerry de Jong built a significant career in Dutch football. During his professional journey, he made over 360 appearances for clubs including PSV, Heerenveen, Groningen, Telstar, and MVV Maastricht. His time at PSV was particularly successful, where he secured two league titles and a Dutch Cup.
De Jong earned his first cap for the Netherlands national team on November 21, 1990, in a Euro 1992 qualifying match against Greece. He represented his country on three occasions during that campaign. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) issued an official statement expressing their condolences to his family and former teammates.
Jerry’s legacy continues through his son, Nigel de Jong. A former defensive midfielder with 81 caps for the Netherlands, Nigel now serves as the Director of Elite Football at the KNVB. At 41, he is currently accompanying the Dutch delegation at the 2026 World Cup in North America.