The defender reflects on his triumph and the significance of family support.
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Aberdeen defender Mats Knoester has added a prestigious Scottish Cup winner’s medal to his collection, and he insists that this latest achievement is his most cherished. The 26-year-old Dutchman, who previously won the KNVB Cup with Feyenoord in 2018 and the Hungarian league title with Ferencvaros in 2023, has placed this Scottish medal at the pinnacle of his accomplishments.
A moment of pride and emotion
Knoester played a crucial role in Aberdeen’s penalty shootout victory against Celtic at Hampden, which has made this win particularly special for him. He expressed, “This one is the best by far, even better than winning a league because it means more.” He elaborated on the emotional weight of the victory, stating, “At Ferencvaros, you have to win every year.
Here you can see it’s been so long. There are more emotions.” The defender emphasized the importance of the moment, saying, “You should just look around you and take it all in. It’s a lot to describe.”
Family support enhances the victory
Adding to Knoester’s joy was the presence of his family during the celebration. He shared, “Everybody was here, my mum and dad as well, my brothers. It means a lot.” Although he noted that his father might not show his emotions outwardly, Knoester believes that the victory resonated deeply within their family. “In our family, we are calm. You don’t see it from the outside, but definitely from the inside, it means a lot,” he said.
Team spirit and determination
Throughout the match, Knoester showcased his resilience, lasting the full 120 minutes alongside his teammates. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Celtic, stating, “They’re a good team, they’re a really good team. They win a lot of prizes.” However, he emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan, which ultimately led to their success. “We said to each other, ‘The one thing that can’t happen is if they score a goal or we score a goal and we change’,” he explained. This determination and belief in their strategy proved vital as they secured the cup after a long wait.
The victory not only brought home the Scottish Cup but also guaranteed Aberdeen a place in the European group stage next season. Knoester reflected on this achievement, saying, “We have it all now, huh? Nobody would say that before. So, I think that’s the nicest thing.” His journey from a young player in the Netherlands to a celebrated defender in Scotland is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
