SCHC’s de Waard once again delivered an excellent campaign for the Netherlands, combining vision, technical precision and leadership at the highest level.
Her crucial contributions and consistent performances during the FIH Hockey Pro League season and the EuroHockey Championships, both of which ended in triumphs for the world number one, have cemented her status as one of the world’s greatest midfield talents.
Key highlights of her year include an impressive role in the Netherlands’ success at the European Championships, when the Dutch team won a record-extending 13th title at the continental competition.
She was also a standout in the FIH Hockey Pro League, consistently beating elite opposition, and driving her team’s momentum and success as captain.
Under her leadership, the Dutch women’s team clinched their fifth Pro League title in six seasons of the competition’s history, finishing the season eight points ahead of second-placed Argentina.
Among the men, Royal Léopold’s Tom Boon once again showed why he is still one of the most dangerous attackers in international hockey for the Belgian Red Lions.
With a mix of razor-sharp goal-scoring instincts and the ability to deliver in the big moments, he has been central to Belgium’s success for more than a decade.
Boon was in rampant goalscoring form during the 2024/25 FIH Hockey Pro League season. By mid-season, several players were vying for the title of top scorer, but Boon’s second-half outburst left his competitors in the dust as he finished the season with 21 goals, 9 ahead of Sam Ward in second place.
His goals and assists proved decisive as Belgium finished second in the league, matching their best result in the league since winning the title in season two.
Tom Boon’s leadership presence, through both seasoned experience and contemporary impact, anchors Belgium’s attacking ambitions and competitiveness on the world stage.
His pivotal role in Belgium’s performance and his continued excellence make him a worthy recipient of the FIH Player of the Year Award.
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