In the ever-competitive world of European football, few young talents have sparked as much excitement as Kees Smit, the 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder who has emerged as one of the continent’s brightest prospects. Named the Most Valuable Player at the 2025 UEFA Under-19 European Championship, Smit has caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
A Star on the Rise
Kees Smit’s meteoric rise began in the youth ranks of AZ Alkmaar, where he joined at the tender age of nine. Known for his technical proficiency, vision, and composure, Smit has consistently played above his age group, earning comparisons to modern midfield maestros like Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne. His breakout season in 2024-25 saw him make 30 appearances for AZ Alkmaar’s first team, scoring twice and providing assists in both the Eredivisie and the Europa League. His standout moment came in a Europa League match against Fenerbahce, where he scored a spectacular goal and provided an assist in his debut, showcasing his ability to influence games at the highest level.
🔥💯 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐃𝐚𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡.#AZAlkmaar #PreSeason #azalm #TheFutureIsOurs pic.twitter.com/fdkYhK6ioh
— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) July 12, 2025
Real Madrid and Barcelona enter the race
In a recent interview, Smit addressed the speculation surrounding his future, stating, “I read a lot of things and see big clubs passing by, that’s cool.” When pressed on his valuation, which has been estimated at around €25m (£21.5m, $29.4m), he responded, “Well, more, I think. Maybe five or ten million more.” His comments reflect a confidence that matches his on-pitch swagger, and his acknowledgment of interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona has only intensified the spotlight on him.
