Introduction: A Boy From Heiloo With Big Dreams
On 20 January 2006, in the Dutch town of Heiloo, a child named Kees Henricus Petrus Smit was born who would grow up to become one of the most talked‑about young footballers in Europe. Today, at the age of twenty (in early 2026), Smit is a central midfielder for AZ Alkmaar, already a regular figure in the first team, a Netherlands youth international, and an emergent talent linked with some of the biggest clubs on the continent.
Chapter 1 – Early Years and Choosing AZ
From Local Football to AZ’s Academy
Kees Smit began his football journey with the local club De Foresters before one of Dutch football’s most ambitious youth structures – AZ Alkmaar – came calling. In 2015, at just nine years old, Smit joined the AZ youth academy, immediately setting him apart as one of the youngest players the club had ever recruited into their system.
This transfer was not simply a matter of convenience. Reports later revealed that Smit had also spent time at Ajax’s youth setup, Holland’s most decorated academy, but ultimately found the environment there less enjoyable and opted for AZ instead — a choice that clearly shaped his future. Reflecting on the decision in 2025, Smit said that while he “thought seriously” about Ajax, he didn’t return after his fourth session there because he ‘no longer enjoyed it’, whereas at AZ, he felt welcomed and challenged.
This early decision — to stay with AZ rather than swing toward one of the Netherlands’ most prominent clubs — may have been pivotal. It placed him into a development path steeped in trust, continuity, and opportunity: key ingredients for accelerating the growth of a young playmaker.
Chapter 2 — Climbing the Youth Ranks
Youth League Success and the UEFA Youth League
Smit quickly rose through the youth ranks at AZ, distinguishing himself not just as another midfielder but as a standout creative force. His performances culminated in a crucial role in AZ’s successful UEFA Youth League campaign, where AZ’s youth selection captured one of Europe’s most prestigious junior titles.
One highlight from this tournament — a goal against FC Barcelona scored from near halfway — became iconic; it earned Smit Goal of the Year 2023 and signaled his willingness to attempt audacious, technically impressive moments under pressure.
In the same period, he was also involved in AZ’s pursuit of the U20 Intercontinental Cup, illustrating his exposure to not only European but global youth competition.
These experiences at youth level weren’t just about individual accolades — they put him in high‑stakes, high‑visibility matches that served as a springboard into professional football.
Chapter 3 — Breaking Into Professional Football
Jong AZ and First Team Debut
In January 2023, at just 17, Smit made his professional debut for Jong AZ — the reserve squad that competes in the Dutch second tier.
His seamless transition from youth football into the rigors of senior competition was promising: he displayed maturity in midfield roles, a nose for goal, and a comfort on the ball beyond his years.
Just months later, in March 2023, he made his official first team debut for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie in a match against Excelsior Rotterdam, entering as a substitute late in the game.
By mid‑2023, he even featured in preseason friendlies with the AZ first team — for instance, an unofficial debut in a game against Shakhtar Donetsk — underscoring the club’s desire to integrate him gradually at the highest level.
2024 Season — Breaking Ground
The 2023/24 season marked a meaningful turn: Smit began earning regular first‑team minutes in the Eredivisie and domestic cup competitions. He wasn’t immediately a headline‑grabbing star by stats alone — but his influence on the pitch grew steadily.
Then, a defining moment came in November 2024, when Smit scored his first official senior goal for AZ during a Europa League match against Fenerbahçe, where he came off the bench and netted after a clever dribble past a defender.
Such moments of impact — especially on the European stage — accelerated the spotlight on his potential and signaled that this was no ordinary youth prospect.
Chapter 4 — Establishing Himself: 2025 and Recognition
A Breakthrough Year
By 2025, at 19 years old, Smit had firmly established himself as a starting midfielder for AZ’s first team in the Eredivisie. His creativity, ball progression, and tactical sense allowed him to operate centrally — both as a deeper playmaker and as a link between defense and attack.
Across the 2024/25 season, he made substantial contributions: with 18 Eredivisie appearances, plus his work in the domestic cup and reserve league, his all‑around game started to attract transfer attention from abroad.
European football analytics platforms noted that his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) had ballooned significantly over the course of the year — at one point rising from roughly €1.6 million to over €10 million, reflecting the growing recognition of his quality, adaptability, and potential.
International Success With Under‑19s
2025 was also a milestone on the international stage. Smit played a pivotal role in the Netherlands Under‑19 team at the European Championship, where the Dutch squad emerged victorious. Not only was he part of the title‑winning team, but he also finished as one of the tournament’s top scorers and was named Best Player.
Such a double distinction — both scoring and leadership — even at youth international level only augmented his reputation and brought him to the attention of clubs across Europe.
Chapter 5 — The Young Talent Award
In December 2025, Smit reached another remarkable personal milestone when he was honored with the NOC*NSF Young Talent Award, given to the most promising young athlete in the Netherlands across all sports.
Notably, this award has been won by icons such as Max Verstappen, Marianne Vos, and Mathieu van der Poel — indicating the level of esteem it carries in Dutch sport.
For Smit, receiving it at the age of 19 was not only validation of his footballing ascendancy but also a reflection of the broader Dutch sporting community’s belief in his bright future.
Chapter 6 — Playing Style and Growth
Technical Profile
Smit’s football identity combines creativity, vision, composure, and technique — traits that modern midfielders at elite clubs must possess. While not overly prolific in terms of goals, his strength lies in ball progression, balance, spatial awareness, and initiating play from deeper positions.
Multiple outlets have remarked on the “cerebral” nature of his game — with analysts and managers emphasizing his ability to make smart decisions under pressure, retain possession, and move the ball into dangerous areas effectively.
This has led to comparisons — not hyperbolic but based on style — with top midfield talents like Pedri, praised by former Dutch national coach Ronald Koeman for Smit’s intelligence, two‑footed comfort, and influence in build‑up phases.
Areas for Development
Despite his strengths, coaches have also been candid about areas where he needs refinement. Former AZ manager Maarten Martens pointed out that Smit’s defensive work and reactions during team struggles are dimensions of his game that remain under development, but integral to his long-term profile as a complete midfielder.
Chapter 7 — Moments of Controversy and Adversity
Rising stars rarely have careers without tension or tough moments, and Smit has been no exception.
Self‑Control on the Pitch
In late November 2025, during a league match at SC Heerenveen, Smit was involved in an unusual incident where he lost his composure and grabbed an opponent by the neck in a moment of conflict. The referee chose not to send him off, but the incident drew media attention and remarks on the emotional intensity with which he approaches competitive matches.
Such episodes remind observers that despite technical maturity, temperament and situational control are ongoing areas of professional growth for young players.
Team Challenges and Leadership
Elsewhere in late 2025, as AZ underwent a managerial change amid poor league form, Smit was quoted reflecting on club struggles and the need for collective accountability rather than pinning blame on coaching changes — a sign of his leadership maturity beyond his years.
Chapter 8 — Transfer Speculation, Market Interest, and the Future
Perhaps the most talked‑about narratives surrounding Smit in late 2025 and early 2026 have been transfer rumors and external interest from elite clubs.
Major Clubs on the Trail
Throughout late 2025, reports suggested wide‑ranging interest from top European clubs, including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and others.
Some reports claimed AZ had rejected a €60 million bid for Smit in December 2025, underscoring not only the seriousness of external interest but also AZ’s desire to hold on to their prized asset for further development.
Media commentary has highlighted Real Madrid’s ongoing monitoring, linking his style with the more cerebral midfielder profile sought by the Spanish giants, while other outlets note Premier League clubs such as Newcastle and Crystal Palace remain interested — potentially for future windows.
AZ’s Stance and Smit’s Statements
Despite the speculation, by early 2026 Smit publicly ruled out a move during the January transfer window, declaring his intent to stay and continue developing at AZ for the rest of the season.
His contract with AZ reportedly runs until 2028, giving both player and club flexibility: AZ can command a strong fee later, and Smit can consolidate his craft before a leap to a bigger league.
Controversies Around Transfer Ethics
Amid this transfer buzz, a broader debate unfolded within Dutch football circles about the treatment of young players as mere commodities, with unions criticizing clubs and intermediaries for the commercialization of youth talent — Smit’s situation was even cited in such national discussions.
Chapter 9 — Statistics, Key Performances, and Impact
Although raw numbers don’t fully capture a creative midfielder’s worth, they offer context:
- In the Eredivisie and European competitions during the 2025/26 season, Smit amassed around 27 appearances with two goals and several assists, supplementing his creative influence.
- In the previous season, he had 18 Eredivisie matches, and strong productivity with Jong AZ — nine goals and five assists — which reflected his consistent growth.
- Internationally, he represented the Dutch youth sides across age groups and at the U21 level by late 2025.
Such statistics illuminate not merely his presence but his ability to consistently contribute at differing levels of competition.
Chapter 10 — The Road Ahead: Prospects and Legacy
As of early 2026, Kees Smit’s story is at a compelling crossroads:
- Continued development at AZ: Remaining at AZ for the 2025/26 season allows him to fine‑tune his game and lead a mid‑table Dutch club’s midfield with increasing reliability.
- Potential move to Europe’s elites: Clubs with Champions League pedigree are circling, and a summer 2026 transfer — possibly even a record sale for AZ — is widely anticipated.
- International aspirations: While yet to debut for the senior Dutch national team, his inclusion at the U21 level and comparisons by coaches suggest that an eventual senior cap is likely if his trajectory continues.
- Balancing expectation and growth: As accolades, media hype, and comparisons grow, Smit’s challenge will be to maintain performance consistency, manage pressure, and evolve into a midfielder who can excel not just in the Dutch league but at European elite level.
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
Kees Smit’s narrative – from local talent in Heiloo to one of Europe’s most intriguing young midfielders – encapsulates the blend of skill, opportunity, discipline, and timing that defines modern football careers.
In less than a decade, Smit went from AZ’s youngest recruit to a first‑team lynchpin, youth international star, award winner, and a figure at the center of high‑stakes transfer speculation.
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