Xan de Waard stopt na glansrijke carrière: 'Het is mooi geweest'
Amsterdam, zaterdag, 2 mei 2026.
Xan de Waard, tweevoudig winnaar van de titel beste hockeyster ter wereld, stapt per direct uit het Nederlandse vrouwenvoetbal. De 30-jarige middenvelder neemt afscheid van Oranje en clubteam SCHC na een indrukwekkende loopbaan. Ze won onder meer Olympisch goud in Tokio en Parijs, daarnaast behaalde ze wereld- en Europese titels. Met 238 interlands is ze een van de meest ervaren speelsters aller tijden. Haar vertrek komt kort na haar comeback uit een mentale en fysieke pauze. De Waard, ook actief voor diversiteit in hockey, laat een leegte achter. Haar laatste toernooi wordt het WK in augustus in Amstelveen.
a formal farewell from a legend
Xan de Waard, aged 30, has officially announced her departure from international and club hockey. The midfielder ends her tenure with both the national team Oranje and SCHC after a decorated career spanning over a decade. Her decision comes following a period of mental and physical recovery in late 2024, during which she temporarily stepped away from the national squad for six months before returning [2]. She shared her emotions on Instagram, stating it feels like the right time to move on [1][2].
unmatched achievements on the field
De Waard earned recognition as the best female hockey player globally, winning the title twice consecutively in 2023 and 2025 [1]. She represented the Netherlands in 238 international matches, securing Olympic gold at both Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 [1][2]. Her trophy cabinet also includes three World Cup victories and four European championships [2]. These accomplishments solidify her status among the greatest players in women’s hockey history [GPT].
final tournaments and legacy
The upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup, hosted in Amstelveen from August 15–30, 2026, will mark her last appearance for Oranje [1]. The Dutch team aims for a historic fourth consecutive world title, with De Waard leading them one final time. Domestically, she competes in the ongoing play-offs with SCHC for the national championship. She joined the club in 2015, completing eleven seasons, having previously played for Kampong [1][2].
advocacy beyond the game
Beyond athletic success, De Waard championed inclusion and diversity within hockey, notably through public advocacy and media appearances such as a 2023 NOS reportage [2]. Her leadership extended off the pitch, influencing policy discussions around accessibility and representation in sport. As captain of the national side, she emphasized collective resilience and unity. Her impact will continue shaping Dutch hockey culture long after retirement [alert! ‘long-term cultural impact cannot be fully assessed yet’].