The Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles became known around the world not for winning a trophy, but for paying tribute to one of their workers, who has been with them for 27 years, Carla Wettig.
What’s striking is that she wasn’t a player, a famous director, or a public figure, but someone who plays a silent yet key role within the club: taking care of the clothing and the squad’s day-to-day needs for almost three decades.
The gesture before the match against AZ Alkmaar was very powerful because it involved everyone: fans with a giant tifo, players wearing shirts with her name, and executives recognizing her career.
That kind of tribute is not common in professional football, where the spotlight normally goes to the stars. This gesture highlights the value of those who keep the club going from the shadows.
You can see the emotional moment in the packed stadium in the following video: