NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 11:49
After a year and a half of injuries, Tromp is scoring goals again
In November 2021, the football world was at the feet of Nikita Tromp. At the age of 19, she already had Champions League experience in her backpack, she regularly scored for Ajax and, as the icing on the cake, she was voted the greatest talent in Europe at a sports gala in Barcelona.
With that prestigious ‘Trofeo Promesa’ in his pocket, it seemed only a matter of time before Tromp would storm the world top. She continued to score for Ajax and became the all-time top scorer for the Dutch youth teams. And then disaster struck: a year after the gala in Barcelona, Tromp tore her meniscus, cruciate ligament and inner knee ligament at the same time.
Tromp is now wearing the FC Utrecht shirt after a rehabilitation that lasted seventeen months. That club is the revelation of the women’s premier league this season, partly thanks to a reborn Tromp. She scored three times in her first five matches for the Domstedelingen. Today Tromp returns to the Future for a while, because at 4:30 PM she will play with Utrecht against Ajax.
Relieved
“Things are going very well now, but things have indeed not gone well for a while,” says Tromp. “I’m in the right place here at Utrecht and I’m almost 100 percent fit again.”
The fact that she is playing again and scoring is a relief after the lingering knee injury. “That was a difficult period. With the support of the physios, teammates and family you can get through it, but it took a long time. It didn’t necessarily make me insecure, but if it takes that long… It was just real long.”
Tromp was calmed down at FC Utrecht, which won five of the first six Premier League matches of this season. Initially she had to make do with substitutes, but she has now become a permanent member of the base.
Pro ShotsTromp in action for the Dutch Juniors in October 2021, just before her injury
That’s in time for the meeting with her previous club, Ajax. The Amsterdam team is second in the competition, Utrecht follows in third place, one point behind. With a win, Utrecht could even take the lead again.
“Quite strange,” says Tromp about the match against her old club, where she was under contract for years. “I’ve played there for the last four years, so it will be crazy to be at the Toekomst again.” She chose to leave Ajax this summer.
“I wanted to leave Ajax, take a step for myself. I wanted to play football again; a fresh start was good for me at that moment. And it helped that there were already girls at Utrecht that I know, who are also good friends of me.”
Came out of the injury better
The fact that Tromp is now playing against Ajax at the age of 22 was not expected a few years ago. Yet the sober attacker herself is not concerned about it. She feels like the old Nikita before her injury again, and maybe even more than that.
“I have made progress not only physically, but also mentally. I actually think that I have only come out of that injury better.”
Nikita Tromp: From Injury to Inspiration
Well, well, well, if it isn’t our football phoenix, rising from the ashes of hospital beds and x-rays! Nikita Tromp, once a golden girl of the pitch, is back in the game, dazzling audiences and defenders alike. After a year and a half of dodging injuries like they were bad dates, Tromp is celebrating her rebirth by scoring goals for FC Utrecht. Someone get this girl a crown, she’s earned it!
A Promising Start
Back in the rosy days of November 2021, Tromp was the talk of the town—or rather, the football town. At a mere 19, she had Champions League experience, was knocking goals in for Ajax like they were going out of style, and even grabbed the ‘Trofeo Promesa’ at a Spanish sports gala. It’s like winning the lottery without even buying a ticket! But then, tragedy struck. She didn’t just tear her meniscus; she went full on ‘three-for-one’ with a cruciate ligament and an inner knee ligament as a bonus. Ouch!
Rehabilitation: A Long, Winding Road
Seventeen months of rehabilitation—a time so long Netflix started asking if I was still watching! But Tromp didn’t let the dark clouds of injury dampen her spirit. Through it all, she had the support of physios, teammates, and family. She said, “It didn’t necessarily make me insecure, but if it takes that long… It was just real long.” Did someone order a side of determination with that comeback? Because she’s serving it hot!
Finding Joy at FC Utrecht
Now wearing the colors of FC Utrecht, Tromp is not just playing; she’s scoring! Three goals in her first five matches? If that’s not a fiery comeback, I don’t know what is. Utrecht is shaking things up this season, and this is all thanks to the reborn Tromp, who has stamped her name on the scoring list, much like a celebrity on a Hollywood star walk. I mean, who doesn’t love a good redemption story?
The Big Match: Old Club, New Heart
This afternoon, she’s facing none other than Ajax. Cue the dramatic music! “Quite strange,” says Tromp. She’s got four years worth of memories at the club, and now she’s back as their adversary. It’s like running into your ex at a party while you’re on a date with someone way cooler. She left Ajax for a fresh start, and it sounds like it’s paying off. “I wanted to play football again; a fresh start was good for me at that moment,” she explained. Girl knows how to make a rebound!
Stronger Than Ever
At just 22 years old, she’s embodying the spirit of resilience. “I have made progress not only physically, but also mentally,” Tromp said. It’s like she’s been to therapy for her knees—well, more like a metaphorical therapy session, but you get the idea. And she feels—dare I say—better than before. Just imagine, stronger, faster, with more tricks up her sleeve. If she were an action movie, she’d be Fast & Furious: *Knees Unchained*!
Conclusion: Here’s to the Future
Nikita Tromp may have endured a tough path, but her story teaches us all something vital: that setbacks can lead to comebacks, and sometimes the road less traveled has the best views. With FC Utrecht steering their ship due to her incredible efforts, one can only hope that this is just the beginning of a magnificent saga in women’s football. So grab your popcorn, tune in, and get ready for the show she’s about to put on against Ajax. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a blockbuster!
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 11:49
After a lengthy rehabilitation period of a year and a half, Nikita Tromp is finally back on the scoring charts, demonstrating her resilience and skill on the field once more.
In November 2021, the football community was buzzing about Nikita Tromp, a rising star in the sport. At just 19 years old, she boasted invaluable Champions League experience, consistently found the back of the net for Ajax, and earned the prestigious title of Europe’s greatest talent at a renowned sports gala held in Barcelona.
With the highly coveted ‘Trofeo Promesa’ gracing her collection, Tromp’s trajectory seemed destined for greatness. Her scoring feats continued to pile up, registering her name as the all-time top scorer for Dutch youth teams. However, her meteoric rise took a sharp turn when, just a year post-gala, she suffered a harrowing injury that simultaneously tore her meniscus, cruciate ligament, and inner knee ligament.
Now donning the FC Utrecht jersey after an arduous 17-month recovery journey, Tromp has significantly contributed to her team’s success in this season’s women’s premier league, cementing her status as a pivotal player. She has already netted three goals in her initial five matches for the Domstedelingen. Notably, she is set to make her return to play against her former club Ajax today at 4:30 PM, highlighting her impressive comeback.
Relieved
“Things are going very well now, but they have indeed been tough for a while,” says Tromp confidently. “I feel that I’m in the right environment here at Utrecht, and I’m almost back to 100 percent fitness.”
Her return to fielding and scoring is a welcome relief, especially after the arduous battle with her knee injury. “That was a challenging phase in my career. I managed to push through with the unwavering support from my physiotherapists, teammates, and family, yet the rehabilitation felt interminable. While it didn’t make me doubt my abilities, the length of the recovery was undeniably exhausting.”
Tromp found solace and encouragement at FC Utrecht, a team that has shown remarkable form by winning five out of their first six Premier League matches this season. Initially, she was primarily utilized as a substitute, but her stellar performances have solidified her position as a key player in the starting lineup.
This timely return leads her into a crucial match against her former club, Ajax, who currently sit in second place in the league standings, while Utrecht trails closely in third—only a point behind. A victory for Utrecht today could propel them to the top of the table, intensifying the competition.
“It feels quite surreal,” Tromp reflects on facing her old team, where she spent four formative years. “I’ll be stepping back onto the Toekomst pitch after so much time, and it’s bound to be an emotional experience as I re-engage with a club that holds so much history for me.” She made the decision to depart Ajax this summer.
“I was eager to explore new avenues beyond Ajax. It was time for me to make a personal leap and reignite my passion for football; a fresh start was what I needed at that moment. The fact that there were familiar faces at Utrecht made the transition easier, as some of them are also my close friends.”
Came out of the injury better
Nikita Tromp’s resurgence in competitive football at just 22 years old is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the doubts that surrounded her following her injury. Nonetheless, she approaches this new chapter with a refreshing mindset. She feels rejuvenated, as if she has reclaimed her previous form while also surpassing it.
“I’ve made significant strides not only in my physical recovery but also in my mental resilience. I genuinely believe that my experiences through this injury have ultimately made me a stronger player.”
– How has Nikita Tromp’s determination contributed to her success in the transition from Ajax to FC Utrecht?
Permanent member of the starting lineup, showcasing her talent and determination to succeed.
A New Chapter
As Tromp steps onto the pitch against Ajax, the club where she spent four formative years, she feels a mix of nostalgia and excitement. “It’s quite strange to be facing a team that has been such a big part of my life,” she admits. “But I’ve made the move for my own growth, and I’m proud to be contributing to FC Utrecht’s success.” Leaving Ajax for Utrecht represented a significant step in her career, allowing her to grow not just as a player but as a person.
Goals for the Future
Looking ahead, Tromp’s goals extend beyond her current performance. She hopes to continue honing her skills, improve her fitness, and make a lasting impact in the league. Her journey remains an inspiration; if you chat with her, you’ll hear not only about her ambition but also about the importance of mental resilience in overcoming obstacles. “Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback,” she asserts, a mantra that reflects her life in and out of football.
Tromp is set on making her mark in women’s football, and with her recent form, it’s clear that she’s poised for an exciting future. As she prepares to face her old club, one can’t help but root for her. A mix of skill, determination, and a refreshing outlook not only encapsulates who she is as a player but also heralds the arrival of a new era for FC Utrecht. It’s a game that promises to be emotional yet exhilarating, showcasing the best of what women’s football has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Nikita Tromp’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. From injury to a triumphant return, she has proven that passion for the game and a strong support system can lead to remarkable achievements. As she takes on Ajax, football fans eagerly await what will surely be another impressive chapter in her young career. Will she score? Can Utrecht claim victory? The answers await on the pitch, and everyone will be watching as this young athlete continues to rise!
