There is no second-guessing the fact that Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, has unwavering support for Dutch soccer club PSV. With the 2023 F1 season done and dusted, the Dutchman’s recent joy stems from a thrilling soccer match where PSV emerged victorious against Sevilla FC, despite Sergio Ramos‘ historic feat of scoring the 10,000th goal in the UEFA Champions League’s history.
Max Verstappen is always extremely passionate when discussing his favorite football club. The Red Bull driver’s devotion runs so deep that he declared his willingness to forgo a year of F1 victories if it meant witnessing PSV securing Champions League glory. The surprising revelation came during a press conference following the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, where the Dutchman faced the hypothetical choice of being an F1 flop for a year or witnessing PSV’s triumph.
PSV added the cherry on top of Max Verstappen’s 2023 success
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Sergio Ramos, the seasoned football veteran, scored the historic 10,000th goal in the Champions League during a match against PSV Eindhoven. The clash with Sevilla FC ended 3-2 in favor of PSV, creating an atmosphere of jubilation for the fans and Max Verstappen alike. Ramos etched his name in the history books. But it was the resilience of PSV that stole the spotlight for the 26-year-old Dutch driver, whose team fought back from a 2-goal deficit. Caught between the thrill of F1 victories and the ecstasy of his soccer team’s success, Verstappen found joy in the PSV’s success.
Max Verstappen is blij met de zege van @PSV in de @ChampionsLeague. “Ik probeer ook echt wel alle duels van PSV te volgen, als het lukt qua planning tenminste”, aldus de Red Bull-coureur in een openhartig interview in ons dubbeldikke ‘Jaar van Max’.
➡️ https://t.co/dqLQd4FkAs pic.twitter.com/Rw7HVra4rV
— Formule1.nl (@Formule1) November 30, 2023
Ramos, heading in Ivan Rakitic’s cross at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, achieved a milestone in a game marked by exceptional moments. Former Everton forward Daniel Amokachi scored the first Champions League goal in 1992 for Club Bruges, setting the stage for the competition’s rich history. Sevilla boss Diego Alonso also entered the record books by naming the oldest starting line-up in Champions League history, with an average age of 32 years and 19 days.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Formula 1.nl posted Max Verstappen’s response to the win secured by his favorite club. “Max Verstappen is happy with @PSV’s victory in the @ChampionsLeague. ‘I really try to follow all PSV matches if it works out in terms of planning,‘ said the Red Bull driver in a candid interview in our double-length ‘Year of Max’.” [Translated by Google]
While Verstappen’s success on the F1 track has been nothing short of remarkable, his achievements this season drew comparisons from an unexpected source.
Ronald Koeman compared Max Verstappen to Messi and Ronaldo following his 2023 domination
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The former Barcelona and Netherlands star Ronald Koeman, currently managing the Dutch national soccer team, likened the young Dutchman to icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. As quoted by Formule1.nl, Koeman said, “Max is always there for the supreme moment, and that is a special quality.” Comparing him to Messi, Koeman noted the shared attributes of a strong will to win, toughness, and the ability to take charge. “He decides. For example, if he enters a race for new tires. He doesn’t ask, he reports it. He takes responsibility. Messi also has that,“ Koeman remarked, drawing parallels between the two athletes.
As Verstappen continues to break records, the football legend affirmed, “Max doesn’t get confused about anything either. He is focused and confident, even when, like in Zandvoort, 300,000 Dutch people come to the circuit for him. He delivers when he has to. And those are the very best, the Messis, the Ronaldos, and the Verstappens of this world.”
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Watch This Story | Will Max Verstappen Retire Early from F1?
Max Verstappen’s passion for PSV and the comparisons to football legends underscore the depth of a champion’s character. Beyond the speed, beyond the checkered flag, the Dutchman continues to redefine what it means to be a sporting legend.