The Netherlands national football team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup and has several devout players in the squad. Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay are two of the players who openly discuss their Christian faith. Gakpo even leads a prayer group within the national team. Memphis Depay previously told the EO: „I know that I do well when I read the Bible and pray. It has a deep, powerful meaning for me.” The players are role models for many young people and their openness about their faith can have a positive influence. In Katwijk, a place with a strong Protestant tradition, the devout players of the Netherlands national football team are appreciated. Football fan Kees van Wolferen says: „I can only applaud that people in the world of football openly express their Christian faith.” The Katwijk resident Piet Vooijs, who wears a cross, appreciates that top footballers openly discuss their Christian faith. „It's nice that they dare to come out, especially in a time that is no longer so Christian”, he says. His wife Larissa also thinks it's fine that star players pray for strength for their sport. „You can pray for your well-being. Football is work for men like Gakpo. He earns his money with it. Yes, a lot of money. He may be grateful for that. The footballer got his legs from the Lord, right?” The Netherlands national football team will face strong opponents in the 2026 World Cup, but with devout players like Gakpo and Depay in the squad, they may have an extra source of strength. It remains to be seen how the team will perform in the tournament, but one thing is certain: the devout players of the Netherlands national football team will play with passion and conviction.