Heartwarming Moment: FC Groningen Fans Pay Tribute to Peter Houtman

FC Groningen fans unveiled a giant banner to honor Peter Houtman, a beloved club legend and Feyenoord stadium speaker, who is retiring due to his diagnosis with Alzheimer's.

FC Groningen fans showcased their compassion and loyalty by unveiling a massive banner in honor of Peter Houtman, a beloved club legend and Feyenoord stadium speaker. Houtman, 67, had an illustrious playing career with FC Groningen, appearing in 200 games across three separate periods and retiring in 1993 as the club's all-time leading scorer with 128 goals.

After hanging up his boots, Houtman went on to become the stadium speaker at De Kuip, the home of Feyenoord, in 1998. He has since become a cherished figure in Rotterdam. However, Houtman recently announced his upcoming retirement due to his diagnosis with Alzheimer's. In a heartwarming gesture, FC Groningen fans paid tribute to their legendary former player during Wednesday's Eredivisie match against Feyenoord at De Kuip.

The away fans unveiled a gigantic banner that covered the entire away end, featuring an image of Houtman in a classic FC Groningen kit. The banner read, “Topschutter aan de Zaagmuldersweg,” which translates to “Top scorer at the Zaagmuldersweg,” referencing the street where FC Groningen's old Oosterpark Stadion was located. The emotional gesture visibly moved Houtman and warmed the hearts of everyone in attendance.

Before the match, Peter Houtman shared an update on his health with ESPN. Despite his diagnosis with Alzheimer's, Houtman remains optimistic, stating, “I actually still feel quite good.” He attributed his relatively good health to his healthy lifestyle, saying, “The advantage was that when they discovered it, by chance actually, I never smoked or drank alcohol. That all seems to help. To delay it - let me put it this way.”

Van het uitvak, voor Peter Houtman.

Mooi, @fcgroningen! 👏 pic.twitter.com/iWLCpIhfSO

— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) April 2, 2025

Houtman's love for football is evident in his illustrious career, which includes 200 games for FC Groningen and 150 games for Feyenoord. He has since served as the stadium speaker for Feyenoord for 27 years. Houtman expressed his appreciation for the passionate fanbases of both clubs, saying, “Football is incredibly alive in Groningen, and Feyenoord and Groningen have huge fanbases. I've always liked that, to do it for those people.”

Houtman has announced that he will officially retire as Feyenoord's stadium speaker in May, following the conclusion of the football season. He has come to terms with this decision, stating, “Feyenoord has a place deep in my heart, and the club and supporters deserve the very best. I therefore consider it appropriate to step aside.”