From Soccer Star to Politics: Beugelsdijk Faces Haag’s Tough Vote!
Former Professional Footballer Tom Beugelsdijk Joins Local Elections
Ex-professional footballer Tom Beugelsdijk is set to run in the municipal elections next year as a candidate for Hart voor Den Haag. The 34-year-old former player from Sparta Rotterdam and ADO Den Haag is being positioned as the party’s “sports ambassador,” according to party leader Richard de Mos.
A Second Attempt at Political Office
In the 2018 municipal elections in The Hague, Beugelsdijk was also slated to be on the list, but he was prevented from participating by ADO Den Haag. Former director Mattijs Manders stated at the time that the club wanted its players to focus solely on the competition, deeming political activities inappropriate. Consequently, Beugelsdijk withdrew his candidacy.
Past Endorsements and Current Aspirations
During the same election cycle, De Mos managed to enlist renowned dart player Raymond van Barneveld as a support candidate, and former professional footballer Lex Immers had previously participated on behalf of the largest party in The Hague.
Years ago, Beugelsdijk became popular on social media when he famously responded to a reporter’s comment that he looked like “a tomato” after a heated match against FC Utrecht by quipping in local slang, “rustâg.”
Future Plans and Responsibilities
While van Barneveld and Immers primarily served as symbolic support, Beugelsdijk sees a more significant role for himself in the upcoming elections. He stated, “I am convinced that I will be the new sports spokesperson for Hart voor Den Haag next year.” He aims to ensure that young athletes receive the same opportunities he once had.
| Candidate | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Beugelsdijk | Future Sports Spokesperson |
| Raymond van Barneveld | Support Candidate |
| Lex Immers | Support Candidate |
De Mos believes that Beugelsdijk is well-suited for this role. Following the elections, he is expected to visit sports clubs and collaborate with them to identify areas for improvement in local sports facilities, including the availability of sports resources and well-maintained fields.
Political parties often leverage well-known personalities as support candidates in local elections, hoping their reputation will attract more votes. Typically, these individuals do not intend to take up a seat, instead lending their name to a group without committing to official responsibilities.
