Damián van der Vaart Shines at Ajax
From Celebrity Offspring to Promising Football Talent
Damián van der Vaart, son of Dutch football legend Rafael van der Vaart and German model Sylvie Meis, is carving out his own path in the sport. Now 19, the young talent has made his debut for Ajax, following a career trajectory that has seen him move across Europe.
A Life in the Spotlight
Born into a high-profile celebrity couple, Damián‘s early life was marked by constant media attention and frequent relocation. His parents’ careers took them to cities like Hamburg, Madrid, and London, with Damián accompanying them. During their time in Madrid, his mother, Sylvie Meis, bravely battled breast cancer, a period she later described as intensely challenging.
The family’s fairy-tale narrative fractured when Rafael van der Vaart and Sylvie Meis divorced in 2012, following a tumultuous period involving infidelity allegations. Rafael later entered a relationship with Sabia Boulahrouz, formerly a close friend of Sylvie, leading to public disputes. He has since found stability with Estavana Polman, with whom he has a daughter, Jesslynn. Sylvie Meis remarried in 2020, with Damián famously escorting her down the aisle, though her marriage also ended in divorce in 2023.
Rising Through the Ranks
Damián‘s football journey began in Germany, but he later signed his first professional contract in Denmark. In 2023, he made the significant move to Amsterdam, joining Ajax. This transition followed his father’s tenure as a player and assistant coach at Esbjerg. His contract with Ajax is secured until 2029.
The young midfielder is diligently working towards establishing himself in the first team. His efforts have been rewarded with his senior debut for the club. Reflecting on the milestone, Damián shared his pride, posting photos of his first appearance with the caption, “Great experience.” His performances have not gone unnoticed, with many seeing him as a considerable talent for the future.
The Dutch Eredivisie, where Ajax competes, has seen a significant rise in player valuations in recent years. In 2023, the average market value of players in the league was reported to be around €2.5 million, highlighting the competitive landscape Damián is navigating (Transfermarkt, 2023).
While Rafael and Estavana remain together, Rafael has indicated that marriage is not currently on their agenda.