Dimitri Metgod Steps Into De Kuip as Feyenoord’s New Stadionspeaker
Dimitri Metgod took over as Feyenoord’s stadionspeaker starting last season, succeeding Peter Houtman in the role at De Kuip, fr12.nl reported. The 44-year-old Rotterdam native balances his matchday duties with a job at Sportbedrijf Rotterdam, bringing prior announcing experience from top amateur club Excelsior Maassluis to the Eredivisie powerhouse.
The Path From Amateur Audio to Feyenoord Audition
Metgod’s connection to the club’s staff paved the way for his appointment. During his time at Excelsior Maassluis, he worked alongside Jesse Lub, who has since spent several years serving as Feyenoord’s press officer, according to fr12.nl. Roughly five years ago, Metgod made a casual remark to Lub about stepping in if Peter Houtman ever stepped down. When Houtman’s retirement arrived, Metgod told Lub to put his name forward.
Feyenoord contacted Metgod in May to gauge his availability for a full-time commitment. The initial meeting led to a second-stage audition on the pitch, where he held the microphone and practiced reading official lineups and goalscorers using a provided form. feyenoord.headliner.nl noted that the audition took place on a Tuesday while crews were dismantling the stage following a DI-RECT concert series in the stadium. By Friday, Feyenoord formally offered him the position.
Stepping Into Large Shoes Without Asking for Advice
Rather than seeking guidance from his predecessor, Metgod chose a clean slate. feyenoord.headliner.nl reported that he did not consult Houtman about the nuances of the job, preferring to experience the role firsthand and develop his own approach. While acknowledging the massive legacy left by the beloved former speaker, Metgod maintained that tips meant for one person might not apply to another.
His matchday routine begins approximately three hours before kickoff. Arriving at the stadium, Metgod settles into the press room to watch early Eredivisie television broadcasts before heading to his workstation next to DJ Bootsy Paul. One hour before the match, he reviews his script, steps onto the pitch to interview the team mascots, and announces the visiting lineup and Feyenoord substitutes. He describes his delivery style as “quasi-formal”—professionally adhering to mandatory scripted announcements while leaving room for spontaneous humor, such as dubbing Ayase Ueda “our Japanese warrior” after a goal against PEC Zwolle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dimitri Metgod
How did Dimitri Metgod get the job as Feyenoord stadionspeaker?
Metgod was recommended by Feyenoord press officer Jesse Lub, with whom he previously collaborated at amateur club Excelsior Maassluis. After an initial introductory meeting and an on-field microphone audit, Feyenoord offered him the position in May.
What other job does Dimitri Metgod hold outside of Feyenoord?
Metgod combines his stadium duties at De Kuip with a regular job at Sportbedrijf Rotterdam. He resides in Berkel en Rodenrijs with his wife and dog.
Did Metgod consult Peter Houtman before taking over the role?
No, Metgod did not ask Houtman for advice or tips. He preferred to approach the job completely blank and build his own unique announcing style without relying on his predecessor’s methods.
What was Metgod’s first match in De Kuip?
His debut match took place during the preseason against Union Saint-Gilloise. The stadium was only half full at the time due to other concurrent events taking place across Rotterdam.
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