SBV Vitesse

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GelreDome Stadium

Stichting Betaald Voetbal Vitesse Arnhem, commonly known as Vitesse ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}) or internationally as Vitesse Arnhem, is a Dutch football club based in Arnhem, Gelderland. Founded on 14 May 1892, it is one of the oldest professional clubs in the Netherlands. Vitesse last competed in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of the Dutch football league system. Vitesse lost its professional football license in July 2025, but regained it in an appeal in September.

The club experienced its most sustained success in the 1990s, with a highest-ever finish of third place in the 1997–98 Eredivisie season. Vitesse have qualified for European competitions and won their first major trophy in 2017, lifting the KNVB Cup after a 2–0 victory over AZ Alkmaar. They were also cup finalists in 1912, 1927, 1990 and 2021.

Since 1998, Vitesse have played their home matches at the GelreDome, a 21,000-seat stadium featuring a retractable roof and pitch. Former players including Phillip Cocu, Roy Makaay, Nemanja Matić, Wilfried Bony, Martin Ødegaard and Mason Mount.

History

Vitesse's first squad in 1896.
Vitesse's first squad in 1913.
Against AFC Ajax in the 1970 Dutch Cup match.
Nicky Hofs played for Vitesse 194 matches. He was the cousin of Bennie Hofs and Henk Hofs.
Wilfried Bony was awarded the Golden Shoe for the best player in the Netherlands.

Vitesse, founded in 1892, is the second oldest professional football club still in professional football in the Netherlands, after Sparta Rotterdam who were formed in 1888. The roots of Vitesse actually pre-date Sparta by a year as in 1887, a club with the name "Arnhemsche cricket- en voetbalvereeniging Vitesse" was formed by a group of high school students who played their sport on the Rijnkade, overlooking the River Rhine in the city centre. Reluctant to choose a Latin or English name for the club as they felt those languages were too elitist, they picked the French word Vitesse, meaning "speed".<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 1891 the club disbanded as they were no longer able to find anywhere suitable to play cricket after a velodrome was built on their usual playing field in the Klarenbeek Park. The following year a group of wealthy students resurrected the sports club, this time with the name AVC (Arnhemse Voetbal en Cricketclub) Vitesse. In the summer they played cricket and in the winter football. At the end of 1892, Vitesse played its first real football match, and in 1894 Vitesse disbanded the cricket branch. In 1895 and 1896 Vitesse became champions of the Gelderland competition. From the foundation of the Netherlands national football championship in 1898 until 1954, the title was decided by play-offs by a handful of clubs who had previously won their regional league. Vitesse lost the final of the national championship six times (1898, 1899, 1903, 1913, 1914 and 1915).<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

In 1912, Vitesse reached the final of the Dutch Cup Tournament for the first time. Vitesse lost the final with 0–2 from HFC Haarlem. In this period Vitesse had top players, likes Willem Hesselink and Just Göbel. These players were also active in the Netherlands national team. In 1914 John William Sutcliffe became the first foreign trainer.<ref name=":3" />

During World War II, Vitesse did not play-official matches because playing football in the open air was forbidden. During the Battle of Arnhem, the residents of the city were forcibly evicted from their homes, allowing the Germans to turn the north bank of the Rhine into a heavily defended line. Residents were not allowed to return home without a permit and most did not return until after the war. The football field and clubhouse was completely destroyed. The damage was repaired in the years after the liberation.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

In 1984 it was decided to divide the professional and amateur sections of the club. The professional section was renamed SBV (Stichting Betaald Voetbal – "Professional Football Foundation") Vitesse whilst the amateur section became "Vitesse 1892", which lasted until they went bankrupt in 2009.<ref name=":16">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

From 1984, Karel Aalbers was the president of SBV Vitesse. Aalbers' goal was to bring Vitesse from the bottom of the Second League (Eerste divisie, now Keuken Kampioen Divisie), the league in which the club originated, to the top 40 football clubs of Europe. He developed the basic idea for the 'GelreDome', a stadium with a sliding pitch that can be moved out of the building. Later, the same system was applied in Gelsenkirchen (Schalke 04) and in Japan. Events such as pop concerts can be held without damaging the grass. Gelredome opened on 25 March 1998, when Vitesse played NAC and won 4-1. It has a roof that can be opened and closed, and is fully climate controlled as well. In the first season after the opening, Gelredome's attendance rose to 20,000, (from less than 8,000 in the old stadium).<ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Vitesse made their debut in European competitions in 1990. The club won their first match in the first round 1–0 over Derry City.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The club remained financially sound through making notable profits on the transfer market. Players such as Roy Makaay, Sander Westerveld, Nikos Machlas, Glenn Helder and Phillip Cocu were sold for large sums of money. Others came to occupy empty player positions, such as Mahamadou Diarra and Pierre van Hooijdonk. Vitesse finished in the top four positions, made profits and showed a solid balance sheet in the final years of Aalbers' presidency. Also, the club became regular competitors in the UEFA Cup and in 1997–1998 finished third in the Eredivise, its record highest finish to date.<ref name=":5" />

Herbert Neumann was Vitesse's manager over most of these years (1992–95 and 1998–99), while star players included: Nikos Machlas, the first ever Vitesse player to win the European Golden Boot in 1998 when he scored 34 goals in a season;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> John van den Brom, who played 378 matches for Vitesse during this period scoring 110 goals from midfield;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Edward Sturing, who played 383 matches in defence for Vitesse from 1987 to 1998, as well as receiving 3 caps for the Netherlands national team.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Additional stars included Dejan Čurović, who spent six years at Vitesse playing 109 matches as a striker, scoring 41 goals including the first goal in GelreDome.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Meanwhile, Dutch forward Roy Makaay spent four years at Vitesse, scoring 42 goals in 109 matches between 1993 and 1997.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Aalbers was forced to resign on 15 February 2000, after the main sponsor, Nuon, threatened to pull the plug if he did not.<ref name=":4" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Nuon, as a public utility company owned by local authorities, had trouble explaining why it invested heavily in Aalbers' ambitious plans.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Eventually, Nuon pulled the plug on Vitesse in 2001, and the club had to be saved by a group of investors. After Aalbers' resignation, Jan Konings (former chief of Sara Lee/DE) was named interim president until a new candidate could be found. Four months later, Vaessen was named president and Konings resigned.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In a short period of time, Vitesse began to show negative financial results due to poor deals on the transfer market. The club had to be saved again in 2003, with the county providing a loan. The club survived numerous financial crises, such as the one in 2008, when debts were bought off, under the threat of bankruptcy.<ref name=":12">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Fully packed Gelredome during a 1–0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa Conference League at 21 October 2021.

The club was in serious financial trouble, and in August 2010 its majority shareholder agreed to sell the club to the Georgian businessman Merab Jordania.<ref name=":13">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> There were reports in The Guardian and various news outlets that this purchase was engineered by former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.<ref name=":6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 1 July 2012, Fred Rutten signed a contract as the new manager of Vitesse for the season 2012-13. Rutten left Vitesse after the season, finishing in fourth place. Wilfried Bony ended the season as the Eredivisie's top scorer with 31 goals in 30 matches and was awarded the Golden Shoe for the best player in the Netherlands.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

For the 2013–14 season, Vitesse appointed Peter Bosz as its new manager. In October 2013, Merab Jordania sold his shares in the club to Russian billionaire Alexander Tsjigirinski.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In November 2013, Vitesse was top of the league in the Eredivisie for the first time since 2006. It was the first time since 2000 they'd been top of the league later than the first week. Halfway through the season, after 17 matches, Vitesse was the leader in the competition. Key players in the squad from this period included Davy Pröpper, Christian Atsu and Bertrand Traoré.<ref name=":1" />

Vitesse announced on 13 June 2016 that Henk Fraser would replace Bosz at the start of the 2016–17 season. In his first full season, he won the club's first major trophy in its 125-year existence. Fraser defeated AZ by a score of 2−0 in the final of the KNVB Cup, with two goals from Ricky van Wolfswinkel.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 5 August 2017 Vitesse were beaten 1–1 (4–2 pen.) at De Kuip, Rotterdam in the Johan Cruyff Shield final by Feyenoord.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League group stage, Vitesse's opponents were Lazio, Nice and Zulte Waregem. Vitesse ultimately finished the group stage in fourth place.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In October 2017, Guram Kashia wore a rainbow-striped captain's armband for Vitesse against Heracles Almelo in support of LGBT rights, leading to a backlash in his own country.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In August 2018, he became the inaugural recipient of UEFA's #EqualGame award for his act.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2018, board member Valeri Oyf bought the club, with apparent financial help from Roman Abramovich.<ref name=":15">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":17">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2021, after beating VVV-Venlo in the semi-final, Vitesse reached the KNVB Cup Final for the fifth time in their history. Vitesse lost the final 2–1 to Ajax.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Vitesse finished the 2020–21 Eredivise season in fourth place. In July and August 2021, Vitesse qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Vitesse knocked-out Dundalk (2-2 and 2–1) and Anderlecht (3-3 and 2–1) in the qualifiers. On 27 August, Vitesse was drawn on Group G of the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Rennes and Mura. Vitesse eventually placed second in the group, advancing to the knockout round play-offs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Vitesse won the knockout round play-offs against Rapid Wien 3-2 on aggregate before losing to AS Roma in the round of 16.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, owner Valeri Oyf decided to sell the club. A deal was reached between Oyf and Coley Parry, an American investor.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After a lengthy investigation, the KNVB eventually rejected the sale, despite Parry having already invested millions into the club.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Parry then demanded the money back from Vitesse. Guus Franke, a Dutch businessman, negotiated with Parry regarding the debts and a potential takeover of Vitesse. That deal eventually collapsed.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A deal was finally reached in 2025, with a group of 5 investors all taking a minority share and Parry fully withdrawing from the club.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Towards the end of the 2023–24 Eredivisie season, Vitesse was relegated after an eighteen‑point deduction imposed by the KNVB for failing to comply with licensing requirements amid ongoing financial issues related to the club's sale.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During the 2024–25 Eerste Divisie season, Vitesse received a further 39‑point deduction, of which 12 were for the 2025-26 season due to appeal rules, which contributed to their bottom‑place finish.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the aftermath, the KNVB initiated proceedings in June 2025 to revoke the club's professional license, citing unresolved financial irregularities related to investor Coley Parry, and on 11 June revoked the license, with Vitesse appealing the decision.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":7">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Another response came in the form of a proposed takeover led by Dutch regional investors under "Plan Sterkhouders", chaired by Michel Shaay, aimed at restoring the club's financial stability.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Vitesse signed a cooperation agreement with CROP accountants on 4 June.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 21 June the regional investors and foreign owners reached an agreement subject to KNVB approval, which—if ratified—would have marked Vitesse's return to Dutch ownership for the first time since 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On the same day, Rüdiger Rehm was appointed as the club's new manager.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The club submitted a temporary budget proposal for the deadline of 16 June and had until 3 July to supplement it.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 9 July, the club was deducted 12 points for the upcoming season due to a failed appeal.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Timo Braasch, interim director and one of the 5 owners of the club, stepped down on 27 July as director in an apparent attempt to appease the KNVB ahead of the appeal ruling.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 31 July 2025 the club officially lost its appeal and was no longer a professional club, with the Royal Dutch Football Association claiming that the "Plan Sterkhouders" agreement came too late.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The club went to court to try to get its license back.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> An emergency hearing took place on 7 August in Utrecht, a day before the new season started, with the decision being made public on 8 August.<ref name=":9">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The club's efforts were supported by supporters and the community of Arnhem, including a special bus transport from Arnhem to the courthouse in Utrecht.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On the day of the trial, the court accepted requests from supporters and social organizations to add themselves to the lawsuit.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The emergency hearing began on 7 August 2025 at 13:30 in the court of Middle-Netherlands in Utrecht. Club icons, such as Karel Aalbers, John van den Brom, Nicky Hofs, Theo Janssen, Jan Snellenburg, and Edward Sturing and people involved with the current organization of the club, such as Timo Braasch, Michel Shaay, and the current squad appeared at the court to attend the hearing. According to Vitesse's, Shaay's, and the supporters' lawyers, the KNVB was too harsh with their penalty and did not have ground for the decision, since Vitesse informed the KNVB of everything. They also argued the penalty was out of proportion, citing the 2016 FC Twente case. The KNVB lawyers' pushed back, arguing that it had the right to punish Vitesse in this way, cited examples of Vitesse not informing the KNVB, and said that the FC Twente case was not applicable.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The next day, the court announced that Vitesse had lost the emergency hearing.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Michel Shaay, who is still eyeing to become owner of Vitesse, said there are plans to continue as an amateur club using the team's youth divisions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Before the end of the month, Vitesse announced that its first team would not take part in any competition in the 2025-26 season, but that it would continue playing in the youth divisions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At the end of August, protesting supporters of the club threw smoke bombs during two matches in the Eerste Divisie to protest the KNVB's decision.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On 3 September 2025, Vitesse provisionally regained their licence as they won an appeal.<ref name=":18">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> According to the court of Arnhem-Leeuwarden, the decision to revoke Vitesse's licence came under a large amount of time crunch, due to which the procedures were not followed carefully enough, and the court working on the proceedings on the merits has a chance of ruling as such. Per this decision, Vitesse were to be let back into the league immediately.<ref name=":18" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since this decision was a turbo-urgent appeal, the club does not fully get their licence back, as that decision will be decided by the proceedings on the merits at a later date.<ref name=":18" /> After the result of the appeal was made public, a lot of amateur and out-of-contract players reported to Vitesse to try and further their careers.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The club began the 2025-26 Eerste Divisie season on -12 points, a result of appeal rules.<ref name=":8" />

Stadium and training facilities

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GelreDome with closed roof and pitch outside.
GelreDome Stadium
Training accommodation at Papendal

The club plays its home games at the GelreDome stadium, with a capacity of 21,248 seats.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":10">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The GelreDome was built to serve as a multifunctional stadium suited for sports, concerts and other events. It was the first football stadium in the world to have a retractable pitch, and, after the Amsterdam ArenA, the second stadium in Europe to have a sliding roof.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The pitch is surrounded on each side by four covered all-seater stands, officially known as the Edward Sturing Stand (North), Charly Bosveld Stand (East), Theo Bos Stand (South) and Just Göbel Stand (West).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The idea of building a multifunctional stadium, which had more than doubled the capacity of Vitesse's old Nieuw Monnikenhuize stadium, came from former Vitesse chairman Karel Aalbers. The ambitious chairman had been playing with the idea from as early as the late 1980s, but it took until 1996 and the prospect of the upcoming Euro 2000 championships for construction to finally begin. The GelreDome opened two years later, on 25 March 1998, with a league match between Vitesse and NAC Breda (4–1). Three international matches of the Netherlands national football team were played in the stadium, the first one being on 27 May 1998: a friendly against Cameroon (0–1). The last one, played on 26 April 2000, was also a friendly: a 0–0 against Scotland. In 2019, the Netherlands women's national team, also played their an international (friendly) match at the stadium. Furthermore, the GelreDome was the location for three UEFA Euro 2000 group stage matches, as well as the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship tournament.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Vitesse's training facilities are conducted at National Sports Centre Papendal, located in the outskirts of Arnhem in woodland surroundings.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The training ground consists of several pitches, a number of which have an artificial turf pitch, and extensive training facilities, including a fitness centre.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Papendal, a mere twelve kilometers north of the GelreDome, is not only the training facility for Vitesse's first team; the youth teams play their home matches here as well.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Its main field has seating capacity for 500 people. The complex is situated in large wooded area, where the players can prepare in a peaceful and private environment, whilst not being too far from the hustle and bustle of Arnhem's city centre.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Papendal is also the base for administration staff, scouting department and all club coaches.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Stadium history

Name Years
Rijnkade / Klarenbeek Park 1887–1891
Molenbeekstraat 1892
IJsclub Boulevard Heuvelink 1892–1894
Bronbeek Royal Palace 1893
Paasweide 1894–1896
Klarenbeek Stadium 1896–1915
Monnikenhuize 1915–1950
Nieuw Monnikenhuize 1950–1997
GelreDome 1998–present

Symbols

Vitesse's crest is composed of an eagle.
Mister Vitesse Theo Bos

Hertog

Vitesse are well known for the American bald Eagle 'Hertog', which is released before the match and flies over the crowds.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Anthems

Vitesse fans are known to be creative and have various songs and chants during matches. Among the most important Vitesse songs are "Geel en Zwart zijn onze kleuren" by Emile Hartkamp (which was the anthem until 2017), "Ernems Trots" by Joey Hartkamp and Emile Hartkamp (which is the current anthem), and "Bouw mee aan een steengoed Vites!" by Henk Bleker & Enka Harmonie. Vitesse opens its home matches with "Whatever You Want" by Status Quo, and after every home goal "Bro Hymn" by Pennywise is played.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mr Vitesse

Theo Bos was raised in Arnhem and started playing football from an early age. He began his career at amateur club Sv Sempre Avanti and played from 1979 to 1983 in the academy of Vitesse. Manager Leen Looijen gave him his professional debut on 13 August 1983 against FC Wageningen; the match ended in a 3–0 victory for Vitesse. Bos spent his entire playing career for Vitesse, making a total 369 appearances in 14 seasons with his club. After his playing career, Bos worked at Vitesse as youth coach, assistant coach and manager.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He is therefore considered to be Mister Vitesse. In 2012, the south stand of the GelreDome stadium was named the Theo Bos Stand.<ref>Vitesse vernoemt tribune naar zieke Theo Bos, volkskrant.nl, 26 juli 2012</ref> Bos died on 28 February 2013 of pancreatic cancer, aged forty-seven.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following his death, a special remembrance to honour Theo Bos took place at Gelredome with around 7,000 Vitesse supporters.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After the 2012–13 season, no player will wear the number 4 shirt at Vitesse after the club decided to retire the shirt out of respect for Theo Bos, "the legendary number four". Dutch defender Jan-Arie van der Heijden was the last player to wear the number.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In November 2013, his biography Het is zoals het is ('It is what it is') was published, written by journalist Marcel van Roosmalen. In 2015, a statue of Bos was erected outside of the training complex at Papendal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Airborne-match

The 'Airborne memorial' football match

Around September there is an annual 'Airborne memorial' football match. During this annual Airborne-match the veterans of World War II are honoured. The Gelredome is decorated with Airborne flags, both outside and inside the stadium, and at halftime, 120 members of the Royal British Legion play bagpipes with some other musical guests. Club symbol Hertog flies with the typical Airborne colours. The match is traditionally visited by veterans who fought in this battle, while a special shirt is worn by Vitesse. The club drop their normal striped black and yellow kit for this special match. Instead they wear claret and blue outfits, the same colours of the 1st Airborne Division, with a 1st Airborne 'winged horse' emblem also etched on the kit. Pictured on the collar sticker is the John Frost Bridge. These shirts are after the match auctioned for charity. In addition, Vitesse wears a special captain's armband as a sign of recognition and respect for those who have "fought for our freedom".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the 2014–15 and 2019–20 seasons, Vitesse played their away games in the same colours of the 1st Airborne Division.

Colours and badge

Originally, Vitesse played in white shirts with a blue sash from inception until 1900, paying hommage to the city's colours. At the turn of the century, player Reinhard Jan Christiaan baron van Pallandt offered to sponsor the club's shirts in exchange for Vitesse switching to his family colours of black and yellow. The board were quick to accept, noting that Vitesse, being one of the strongest team in the province of Gelderland, would be vindicated in playing in what could also be considered the province's colours (the flag of Gelderland is a tricolour in blue, yellow, and black).

The first logo of Vitesse was a shield-shaped crest. In the middle there was a diagonal dividing line between the left yellow face and the right black box. In the left box, "Vitesse" was diagonally written and in the right-hand side, "1892 ", the club's founding year. This logo underwent minor redesigns and was replaced in 1984, the year in which the professional branch and the amateur branch separated. The amateur branch retained the logo with limited modification, while SBV Vitesse got a new logo.<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The new logo of the professional club from 1984 was once again a shield-shaped figure, but it had straight lines at both the top and sides of the logo. At the top was a black box with thick white uppercase Vitesse. Under the name is a double-headed eagle counterchanged on a black and yellow field. This double-headed eagle can also be found in the coat of arms of Arnhem. In the middle of the logo is a football.

In 2012, a new version of the logo was put into use; a total of 13 changes were made. For example, the symmetry of the eagle was improved, the black outer edge replaced by a white and the writing has been made thinner. The football has been altered in terms of appearance as a shadow effect is added and (if the context allows it) the year of creation as text EST. 1892 under the logo can be found.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

Since 2023 Vitesse's kit has been manufactured by Robey. Previous manufacturers include Adidas (1982–89), Hummel (1989–90), Bukta (1990–91), Diadora (1991–93), Umbro (1993–97), Lotto (1997–99), Uhlsport (1999–05), Quick (2005–06), Legea (2006–09), Klupp (2009–12), Nike (2012–14), Macron (2014–19), Nike (2019–23) and Robey (2023-present).

The club's shirts are currently sponsored by BetCity. Previous commercial sponsors have been Akai (1982–83), Oad Reizen (1983–85), Spitman (1985–86), Schoenenreus (1987–89), RTL 4 (1990–1991), PTT Telecom (1991–92), BFI (1991–92), Spaarenergie (1992–93), Nuon Energy (1993–01), ATAG Benelux (2000–01), SITA (2002–03), Hubo (2002–03), Bavaria (2002–03), SBS6 (2002–03), Sunweb Group (2003–04), AFAB (2004–2010), Zuka.nl (2010–2011), Simpel (2011–12), Youfone (2013–14), Truphone (2014–17), SWOOP (2017–18), Droomparken (2018–19), Royal Burgers' Zoo (2019–20), The Netherlands Open Air Museum (2019–20), Waterontharder.com (2020–21) eToro (2021–23) and BetCity (2023–present).

Rivalries

Rivalry with NEC

N.E.C. from Nijmegen are Vitesse's archrivals. The two clubs share a long history together and matches between the two clubs are called the Gelderse Derby (Derby of Gelderland).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The rivalry between these two clubs goes beyond the football rivalry, it transcends into the city rivalry between the two largest cities of Gelderland: Nijmegen and Arnhem. This city rivalry began when these two cities first received their city rights. The two cities are just 15 kilometres apart, leading to an intense feeling of a cross-town rivalry, heightened by a feeling that local pride is at stake. The meeting between the two teams is still considered to be one of the biggest matches of the season.

The inhabitants of these cities differ extremely in both attitudes and cultures which is clearly reflected on the football pitch. Vitesse's style of play has long been a source of pride for the supporters, and one of irritation for the NEC fans.

Since 1813, Arnhem has been the capital of Gelderland, historically based on finance and trade. Arnhem is perceived as an office city with modern buildings. Nijmegen, on the other hand, is predominantly a workers' city, with middle and high-income groups in the minority. People from Nijmegen see Arnhem as arrogant and lazy.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2

Statistics
Competition Matches Wins Draws Goals
Vitesse NEC Vitesse NEC
Eredivisie 58 23 19 16 73 62
Eerste divisie 14 2 6 6 18 27
Tweede divisie 4 0 3 1 3 9
Eerste klasse 8 1 6 1 9 23
Tweede klasse 4 2 1 1 7 5
KNVB Cup 5 0 3 2 3 9
Play-offs 6 4 1 1 9 4
Total 99 32 39 28 122 139

Template:Col-2 Template:Col-end

Rivalries with other clubs

De Graafschap are also a rival of Vitesse, but in terms of tension and rivalry, these matches are not as loaded as the duels with NEC Nijmegen. The rivalry has existed for some time with De Graafschap and stems from various causes, such as the opposition between the large city (Arnhem) and the countryside (Doetinchem).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Further teams who share a rivalry with Vitesse include Twente, Utrecht and Ajax. Past rivalries include local derbies between Vitesse and clubs such as FC Wageningen, Go Ahead Eagles, Quick 1888, Arnhemse Boys and VV Rheden. However, due to the clubs playing in different leagues for an extended period of time and/or clubs being abolished, tensions between these clubs have settled.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Players

Current squad

Template:Updated Template:Fs start Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs mid Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs end

Academy players with first-team appearances

Template:Fs start Template:Fs player Template:Fs player Template:Fs mid Template:Fs player Template:Fs end

Retired numbers

4 Template:Flagicon Theo Bos, defender (1983–98), posthumous honour
12 Club Supporters (the 12th Man)
13 Vito, the official team mascot

Youth teams

The club is famous, however, for its Youth Academy, which is rated with the maximum of 4 Stars by the KNVB. Many players in professional football in Europe have played at Vitesse in the past including Roy Makaay, Robin Gosens, Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Davy Pröpper, Alexander Büttner, Stijn Schaars, Peter Bosz, Marco van Ginkel, Theo Janssen, Erwin Mulder, Eloy Room, Piet Velthuizen, Martin Laamers, Nicky Hofs and Mitchell van Bergen. All youth teams train and play their matches at Papendal.

The Vitesse Academy comprises age-group teams ranging from U8's up to the flagship U19's. The youngest players are scouted at amateur clubs in the direct surroundings of Arnhem. For the age of twelve and older, the academy extends its scouting area, mainly to the remaining part of the Netherlands and Germany. In Vitesse's youth system, efficient and qualified training is done by full-time coaches and organized by further employees looking after the administration. The goal of the sporting education is to train the youths from basic to development to performance levels, for them to fulfill the sportive and non sportive demands of professional football.

Former players

Template:Further

National team players

The following players were called up to represent their national teams in international football and received caps during their tenure with Vitesse:

Template:Col-begin Template:Col-3

Template:Col-3

Template:Col-3

Template:Col-3 Template:Col-end

  • Players in bold actively play for Vitesse and for their respective national teams. Years in brackets indicate careerspan with Vitesse.

National team players by Confederation

Member associations are listed in order of most to least amount of current and former Vitesse players represented Internationally

Total national team players by confederation
Confederation Total (Nation) Association
AFC 4 Template:Flagicon Japan (2), Template:Flagicon China (1), Template:Flagicon Saudi Arabia (1)
CAF 14 Template:Flagicon Ghana (4), Template:Flagicon Burkina Faso (2), Template:Flagicon Nigeria (2), Template:Flagicon Algeria (1), Template:Flagicon Ivory Coast (1), Template:Flagicon Mali (1), Template:Flagicon Morocco (1), Template:Flagicon South Africa (1), Template:Flagicon Zimbabwe (1)
CONCACAF 5 Template:Flagicon Curaçao (1), Template:Flagicon El Salvador (1), Template:Flagicon Haiti (1), Template:Flagicon Mexico (1), Template:Flagicon United States (1)
CONMEBOL 2 Template:Flagicon Ecuador (2)
OFC 0  
UEFA 57 Template:Flagicon Netherlands (24), Template:Flagicon Serbia (6), Template:Flagicon Georgia (3), Template:Flagicon Norway (3), Template:Flagicon Belgium (2), Template:Flagicon Estonia (2), Template:Flagicon Israel (3), Template:Flagicon Kosovo (2), Template:Flagicon Slovakia (2), Template:Flagicon Slovenia (2), Template:Flagicon Albania (1), Template:Flagicon Bosnia & Herzegovina (1), Template:Flagicon Czech Republic (1), Template:Flagicon Denmark (1), Template:Flagicon Finland (1), Template:Flagicon Luxembourg (1), Template:Flagicon Romania (1), Template:Flagicon Russia (1), Template:Flagicon Ukraine (1)

Players in international tournaments

The following is a list of Vitesse players who have competed in international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, UEFA European Championship, CONCACAF Gold Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Copa América, and the Caribbean Cup. To this date no Vitesse players have participated in the AFC Asian Cup, or the OFC Nations Cup while playing for Vitesse.

Cup Players
Template:Flag icon 1994 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Benedict Iroha
Template:Flag icon 1994 FIFA World Cup
Template:Flag icon 1997 Copa América Template:Flag icon Giovanny Espinoza
Template:Flag iconTemplate:Flag icon 2000 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Mamadou Zongo
Template:Flag iconTemplate:Flag icon UEFA Euro 2000 Template:Flag icon Pierre van Hooijdonk
Template:Flag icon 2002 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Matthew Amoah
Template:Flag icon Tijani Babangida
Template:Flag icon Mahamadou Diarra
Template:Flag icon 2010 FIFA World Cup Template:Flag icon Dalibor Stevanović
Template:Flag iconTemplate:Flag icon 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Anthony Annan
Template:Flag icon Wilfried Bony
Template:Flag icon 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Wilfried Bony
Template:Flag icon 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Template:Flag icon Mike Havenaar
Template:Flag icon 2014 FIFA World Cup Template:Flag icon Christian Atsu
Template:Flag icon Renato Ibarra
Template:Flag icon 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Bertrand Traoré
Template:Flag icon 2015 Copa América Template:Flag icon Renato Ibarra
Template:Flag icon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Marvelous Nakamba
Template:Flag icon 2017 Caribbean Cup Template:Flag icon Eloy Room
Template:Flag icon 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Template:Flag icon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Template:Flag icon Thulani Serero
Template:Flag iconTemplate:Flag icon 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Template:Flag icon Carlens Arcus

List of Vitesse coaches

Template:Div col

Template:Div col end

Owners

After Karel Aalbers left, the financial situation for the club became dire. This downfall almost led Vitesse into bankruptcy in 2008, as they were not able to pay back loans given by their sponsor AFAB Geldservice B.V. Eventually the club arranged a deal that saw AFAB's owner, Maasbert Schouten, gain 100% of Vitesse's shares.<ref name=":12" /> Schouten immediately expressed his intent to sell the club, which opened the window for Merab Jordania to buy Vitesse. When Jordania, a former Dinamo Tbilisi player and owner, bought the team in 2010, Vitesse became the first Dutch club in history with a foreign owner.<ref name=":13" /> In 2013, Russian businessman Alexander Tsjigirinski bought the club from Jordania.<ref name=":14" /> In May 2018 a new acquisition took place at Vitesse. Valeriy Oyf, previously a board member of the club, became the new majority shareholder of Vitesse.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":17" />

A consortium of five new owners (Dane Murphy, Flint Reilly, Timo Braasch, Leon Müller, and Bryan Mornaghi) acquired Vitesse, assuming its €17 million debt from creditor Coley Parry, who had stepped in after the club's previous Russian owner, Valery Oyf, sought a sale following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref name="Pascoe 2025">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Chairmen

The first chairman was Frans Dezentjé. Willem Hesselink was chairman of the club from 1917 to 1922 and was appointed honorary chairman in 1962. Although Vitesse's coaches have come from all over Europe, the club's chairmen have been mostly Dutch, with Merab Jordania and Yevgeny Merkel as the only exceptions. The name of Karel Aalbers is inseparably linked to Vitesse. Although a club's success is never the work of a single man, nonetheless, the former chairman's part in the sportive and professional growth of Vitesse may be labelled as truly exceptional. Karel Aalbers handled the chairman's gavel from 1984 to 2000.

Template:Div col

  • Frans Dezentjé, 1982
  • Dick Couvéé, 1892–1993
  • Siegfried Leopold, 1893
  • Fons Donkers, 1893–1895
  • Chris Engelberts, 1895–1909
  • Johan Caderius van Veen, 1902–1906
  • Lodewijk Suringa, 1906–1908
  • Jan F. Keppel Hesselink, 1908–1909
  • Wim Hupkes, 1909–1916
  • Daniel Brondgeest, 1916
  • Willem Hesselink, 1916–22
  • Lex Staal, 1922–1924
  • Jan Holtus, 1924–1929
  • Wim Hupkes, 1929–1936
  • Henk Herberts, 1936–1947
  • Jan Bosloper, 1947–1949
  • Herbert Mogendorff, 1949–1951
  • Henk Hoolboom, 1951–1955
  • Henk Lammers, 1955–1963
  • Henk Herberts, 1963
  • Coen Winters, 1963–1965
  • Herbert Mogendorff, 1965
  • Herman Ribbink, 1965–1967
  • Gerard Veerkamp, 1967–1969
  • Arnold van der Louw, 1969–1974
  • Eef van Amerongen, 1974–1979
  • Piet Bodewes, 1979–1982
  • Bob Treffers, 1982–1984
  • Karel Aalbers, 1984–2000
  • Jan Konings, 2000
  • Jos Vaessen, 2000–2003
  • Kees Bakker, 2003–2004
  • Henk Ramautar, 2004–2008
  • Kees Bakker, 2008–2009
  • Maasbert Schouten, 2009–2010
  • Merab Jordania, 2010–2013
  • Bert Roetert, 2013–2016
  • Kees Bakker, 2016–2017
  • Yevgeny Merkel, 2017–2021
  • Henk Parren, 2021–

Template:Div col end

Honours

Domestic

Runners-up: 1897–98, 1902–03, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1914–15
Winners: 1976–77, 1988–89
Runners-up: 1959–60, 1973–74
Promoted: 1970–71
Winners: 1965–66
Winners: 2016–17
Runners-up: 1911–12, 1926–27, 1989–90, 2020–21
Runners-up: 2017

Regional

  • Eerste klasse Oost
Winners: 1896–97, 1897–98, 1902–03, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1914–15, 1952–53
Promoted: 1954–55
  • Tweede klasse Oost
Winners: 1922–23, 1940–41, 1943–44, 1945–46, 1949–50
  • Gelderland Competition
Winners: 1894–95, 1895–96

Club Awards

Winners: 1989–90

Personnel honours

European Golden Boot

The following players have won the European Golden Boot whilst playing for Vitesse:

Dutch Footballer of the Year (Golden Boots)

The following players have won the Dutch Footballer of the Year whilst playing for Vitesse:

Johan Cruyff Trophy

The following players have won the Johan Cruyff Trophy whilst playing for Vitesse:

Eredivisie Top Scorer

Eerste Divisie Top Scorer

Rinus Michels Award (Manager of the year)

UEFA's #EqualGame Award

Georgian Footballer of the Year

Vitesse in Europe

File:Vitesse Arnhem vs Zulte Waregem (0-2).jpg
Vitesse in the Europa League.
File:Vitesse sfeeractie (Ernemse Boys).jpg
Theo Bos – South Stand.

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

  • Group = group game
  • Q = qualifying round
  • KPO = knockout round play-offs
  • PO = play-off round
  • 1R = first round
  • 2R = second round
  • 3R = third round
  • 1/8 = 1/8 final
Season Competition Round Country Club Score Goalscorers Vitesse
1978–79 Intertoto Cup Group Template:Flagicon Hellas Verona 2–1, 0–2 Bursac, Hofs / (-)
Template:Flagicon RWDM 0–5, 0–2 (-) / (-)
Template:Flagicon Troyes 5–3, 2–1 Bleijenberg (2), Heezen, Mulderij, Bosveld / Bleijenberg, Beukhof
1990–91 UEFA Cup 1R Template:Flagicon Derry City 1–0, 0–0 Loeffen / (-)
2R Template:Flagicon Dundee United 1–0, 4–0 Eijer / Latuheru (2), Van den Brom, Eijer
1/16 Template:Flagicon Sporting CP 0–2, 1–2 (-) / Van Arum
1992–93 1R Template:Flagicon Derry City 3–0, 2–1 Van den Brom (2), Van Arum / Straal, Laamers
2R Template:Flagicon Mechelen 1–0, 1–0 Van den Brom / Cocu
1/16 Template:Flagicon Real Madrid 0–1, 0–1 (-) / (-)
1993–94 1R Template:Flagicon Norwich City 0–3, 0–0 (-) / (-)
1994–95 Template:Flagicon Parma 1–0, 0–2 Gillhaus / (-)
1997–98 Template:Flagicon Braga 2–1, 0–2 Čurović, Trustfull / (-)
1998–99 Template:Flagicon AEK Athens 3–0, 3–3 Laros, Perović, Machlas / Machlas (2), Reuser
2R Template:Flagicon Bordeaux 0–1, 1–2 (-) / Jochemsen
1999–00 1R Template:Flagicon Beira-Mar 2–1, 0–0 Van Hooijdonk, Grozdić / (-)
2R Template:Flagicon Lens 1–4, 1–1 Van Hooijdonk / Kreek
2000–01 1R Template:Flagicon Maccabi Haifa 3–0, 1–2 Martel, Peeters, Amoah / Amoah
2R Template:Flagicon Internazionale 0–0, 1–1 (-) / Peeters
2002–03 1R Template:Flagicon Rapid București 1–1, 1–0 Peeters / Peeters
2R Template:Flagicon Werder Bremen 2–1, 3–3 Amoah, Verlaat (o.g.) / Levchenko, Claessens, Mbamba
3R Template:Flagicon Liverpool 0–1, 0–1 (-) / (-)
2012–13 Europa League Q2 Template:Flagicon Lokomotiv Plovdiv 4–4, 3–1 Van Ginkel (2), Reis, Bony / Van Ginkel, Van Aanholt, Bony
Q3 Template:Flagicon Anzhi Makhachkala 0–2, 0–2 (-) / (-)
2013–14 Template:Flagicon Petrolul Ploiești 1–1, 1–2 Reis / Van der Heijden
2015–16 Template:Flagicon Southampton 0–3, 0–2 (-) / (-)
2017–18 Group Template:Flagicon Nice 0–3, 1–0 (-) / Castaignos
Template:Flagicon Lazio 2–3, 1–1 Matavž, Linssen / Linssen
Template:Flagicon Zulte Waregem 0–2, 1–1 (-) / Bruns
2018–19 Q2 Template:Flagicon Viitorul Constanța 3–1, 2–2 Matavž, Linssen, Beerens / Matavž, Linssen
Q3 Template:Flagicon Basel 0–1, 0–1 (-) / (-)
2021–22 Europa Conference League Template:Flagicon Dundalk 2–2, 2–1 Bero, Openda / Bero, Gboho
PO Template:Flagicon Anderlecht 3–3, 2–1 Dasa, Frederiksen, Tannane / Wittek (2)
Group Template:Flagicon Tottenham Hotspur 1–0, 2–3 Wittek / Rasmussen, Beró
Template:Flagicon Rennes 1–2, 3–3 Wittek / Huisman, Buitink, Openda
Template:Flagicon Mura 3–1, 2–0 Buitink, Openda, Huisman / Tronstad, Doekhi
KPO Template:Flagicon Rapid Wien 2–0, 1–2 Grbic, Beró / Openda
1/16 Template:Flagicon Roma 0–1, 1–1 (-) / Wittek

UEFA ranking

Template:Updated<ref name="uefa">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Rank Country Team Points NA
124 Template:Flagicon Vitesse 9.000 13.430

Dutch Cup finals

Season Opponent Result Place Date
1911–12 Haarlem 0–2 R.A.P.-terrein, Amsterdam 26 May 1912
1926–27 V.U.C. 1–3 Monnikenhuize, Arnhem 19 June 1927
1989–90 PSV Eindhoven 0–1 De Kuip, Rotterdam 25 April 1990
2016–17 AZ 2–0 De Kuip, Rotterdam 30 April 2017
2020–21 Ajax 1–2 De Kuip, Rotterdam 18 April 2021

The winners of the cup compete against the winners of the Eredivisie for the Johan Cruyff Shield.

Johan Cruyff Shield

Season Opponent Result Place Date
2017 Feyenoord 1–1 (2–4 pen.) De Kuip, Rotterdam 5 August 2017

Club records

File:Вильфрид Бони.jpg
Highest transfer fee received: Wilfried Bony to Swansea City for £12 million. (2013)

Domestic results

File:Vitesse League Performance.png
Historical chart of league performance

Below is a table with Vitesse's domestic results since the introduction of the Eredivisie in 1956.

Domestic Results since 1956
Domestic league League result Qualification to KNVB Cup season Cup result
2024–25 Eerste Divisie 20th  – 2024–25 first round
2023–24 Eredivisie 18th Eerste Divisie (relegation) 2023–24 quarter-final
2022–23 Eredivisie 10th  – 2022–23 first round
2021–22 Eredivisie 6th – (losing UECL play-offs) 2021–22 quarter-final
2020–21 Eredivisie 4th Europa Conference League (Q3) 2020–21 final
2019–20 Eredivisie 7th  – 2019–20 quarter-final
2018–19 Eredivisie 5th  – 2018–19
2017–18 Eredivisie 6th (5th after EC play-offs) Europa League (Q2) (winning EC play-offs) 2017–18 first round
2016–17 Eredivisie 5th Europa League 2016–17 winners
2015–16 Eredivisie 9th  – 2015–16 second round
2014–15 Eredivisie 5th (4th after EC play-offs) Europa League (Q3) (winning EC play-offs) 2014–15 quarter-final
2013–14 Eredivisie 6th (8th after EC play-offs)  – (losing EC play-offs) 2013–14 round of 16
2012–13 Eredivisie 4th Europa League 2012–13 quarter-final
2011–12 Eredivisie 7th (6th after EC play-offs) Europa League (winning EC play-offs) 2011–12
2010–11 Eredivisie 15th  – 2010–11 round of 16
2009–10 Eredivisie 14th 2009–10 third round
2008–09 Eredivisie 10th 2008–09
2007–08 Eredivisie 12th 2007–08 second round
2006–07 Eredivisie 12th (10th after IC play-offs)  – (losing IC play-offs) 2006–07 third round
2005–06 Eredivisie 11th (10th after IC play-offs) 2005–06 second round
2004–05 Eredivisie 7th  – 2004–05 third round
2003–04 Eredivisie 16th  – (surviving promotion/relegation play-offs) 2003–04 round of 16
2002–03 Eredivisie 14th  – 2002–03 quarter-final
2001–02 Eredivisie 5th UEFA Cup 2001–02 second round
2000–01 Eredivisie 6th  – 2000–01 semi-final
1999–2000 Eredivisie 4th UEFA Cup 1999–2000
1998–99 Eredivisie 1998–99 quarter-final
1997–98 Eredivisie 3rd 1997–98
1996–97 Eredivisie 5th 1996–97
1995–96 Eredivisie  – 1995–96 second round
1994–95 Eredivisie 6th 1994–95
1993–94 Eredivisie 4th UEFA Cup 1993–94 third round
1992–93 Eredivisie 1992–93 round of 16
1991–92 Eredivisie 1991–92
1990–91 Eredivisie 5th  – 1990–91 quarter-final
1989–90 Eredivisie 4th UEFA Cup 1989–90 final
1988–89 Eerste Divisie 1st Eredivisie (promotion) 1988–89 quarter-final
1987–88 Eerste Divisie 9th promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion 1987–88 first round
1986–87 Eerste Divisie 7th  – 1986–87 quarter-final
1985–86 Eerste Divisie 8th promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion 1985–86 first round
1984–85 Eerste Divisie 17th  – 1984–85 second round
1983–84 Eerste Divisie 11th 1983–84 first round
1982–83 Eerste Divisie 10th 1982–83 second round
1981–82 Eerste Divisie 8th 1981–82
1980–81 Eerste Divisie 1980–81 first round
1979–80 Eredivisie 17th Eerste Divisie (relegation) 1979–80 round of 16
1978–79 Eredivisie 14th  – 1978–79 second round
1977–78 Eredivisie 9th  – 1977–78 quarter-final
1976–77 Eerste Divisie 1st Eredivisie (promotion) 1976–77 second round
1975–76 Eerste Divisie 5th promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion 1975–76 first round
1974–75 Eerste Divisie 3rd 1974–75 first round
1973–74 Eerste Divisie 2nd 1973–74 second round
1972–73 Eerste Divisie 3rd  – 1972–73
1971–72 Eredivisie 18th Eerste Divisie (relegation) 1971–72 first round
1970–71 Eerste Divisie 3rd Eredivisie (promotion) 1970–71 second round
1969–70 Eerste Divisie 7th  – 1969–70
1968–69 Eerste Divisie 3rd  – 1968–69 quarter-final
1967–68 Eerste Divisie 5th  – 1967–68 group stage
1966–67 Eerste Divisie 8th  – 1966–67 first round
1965–66 Tweede Divisie 1st (group A) Eerste Divisie (promotion) 1965–66 group stage
1964–65 Tweede Divisie 4th (group A)  – 1964–65 first round
1963–64 Tweede Divisie 9th (group B)  – 1963–64
1962–63 Tweede Divisie 6th (group A)  – 1962–63 second round
1961–62 Eerste Divisie 10th (group A) Tweede Divisie (relegation) 1961–62 fourth round
1960–61 Eerste Divisie 4th (group A)  – 1960–61 group stage
1959–60 Eerste Divisie 2nd (group A) promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion not held
1958–59 Eerste Divisie 10th (group B)  – 1958–59 no participation
1957–58 Eerste Divisie 5th (group A) 1957–58 fourth round
1956–57 Eerste Divisie 7th (group B) 1956–57 second round

Statistics

(Template:As of) Eredivisie Eerste Divisie Tweede Divisie UEFA CUP UEFA Europa League Europa Conference League
Template:Left 1228 852 120 36 18 14
Template:Left 482 379 57 14 3 6
Template:Left 342 215 34 9 5 4
Template:Left 404 258 29 13 10 4
Template:Left 1868 1450 221 40 19 25
Template:Left 1697 1192 165 37 32 20
Template:Left 37 25 4 9 5 1
Template:Left 3 (1997–98) 1 (1976–77, 1988–89) 1 (1965–66) – – –
Template:Left 18 (1971–72) 17 (1984–85) 9 (1963–64) – – –

Club topscorers by season

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Player of the Season

Vitesse's Player of the Season award is voted for by the club's supporters. It was first introduced in the 1989–90 season.

Year Winner
1990 Template:Flagicon Theo Bos
1991 Template:Flagicon René Eijer
1992 Template:Flagicon Martin Laamers
1993 Template:Flagicon Phillip Cocu
1994 Template:Flagicon Glenn Helder
1995 Template:Flagicon Chris van der Weerden
1996 Template:Flagicon Arco Jochemsen
1997 Template:Flagicon Edward Sturing
1998 Template:Flagicon Nikos Machlas
1999 Template:Flagicon Sander Westerveld
Year Winner
2000 Template:Flagicon Michel Kreek
2001 Template:Flagicon Victor Sikora
2002 Template:Flagicon Dejan Stefanović
2003 Template:Flagicon Matthew Amoah
2004 Template:Flagicon Nicky Hofs
2005 Template:Flagicon Abubakari Yakubu
2006 Template:Flagicon Youssouf Hersi
2007 Template:Flagicon Danko Lazović
2008 Template:Flagicon Piet Velthuizen
2009 Template:Flagicon Paul Verhaegh
Year Winner
2010 Template:Flagicon Piet Velthuizen
2011 Template:Flagicon Slobodan Rajković
2012 Template:Flagicon Alexander Büttner
2013 Template:Flagicon Wilfried Bony
2014 Template:Flagicon Christian Atsu
2015 Template:Flagicon Davy Pröpper
2016 Template:Flagicon Guram Kashia
2017 Template:Flagicon Ricky van Wolfswinkel
2018 Template:Flagicon Mason Mount
2019 Template:Flagicon Martin Ødegaard
Year Winner
2020 Template:Flagicon Remko Pasveer
2021 Template:Flagicon Remko Pasveer
2022 Template:Flagicon Maximilian Wittek

Most appearances

All competitions

File:Theo Bos 2011 1.jpg
Bos spent his entire career for Vitesse, making a total of 429 appearances in 14 seasons with his club. He is therefore considered to be Mister Vitesse.
File:Raimond-van-der-gouw-1398447774.jpg
Van der Gouw is a former Dutch goalkeeper who played most of his career for Vitesse. He amassed a total of 294 matches. In 2009, he was appointed as goalkeeping coach of Vitesse.
Ranking Name Position matches First season Last season
1. Template:Flagicon Theo Bos DF 429 1983/1984 1997/1998
2. Template:Flagicon Edward Sturing DF 383 1987/1988 1997/1998
3. Template:Flagicon John van den Brom MF 378 1986/1987 2000/2001
4. Template:Flagicon Martin Laamers MF 354 1986/1987 1995/1996
5. Template:Flagicon Raimond van der Gouw GK 294 1988/1989 1995/1996
6. Template:Flagicon Guram Kashia DF 292 2010/2011 2017/2018

Eredivisie

Ranking Name Position matches First season Last season
1. Template:Flagicon Guram Kashia DF 244 2010/2011 2017/2018
2. Template:Flagicon Davy Pröpper MF 133 2009/2010 2014/2015
3. Template:Flagicon Eloy Room GK 128 2008/2009 2016/2017
4. Template:Flagicon Piet Velthuizen GK 125 2006/2007 2015/2016
5. Template:Flagicon Jan-Arie van der Heijden DF 123 2011/2012 2014/2015
6. Template:Flagicon Renato Ibarra FW 122 2011/2012 2015/2016

Europa

Ranking Name Position matches First season Last season
1. Template:Flagicon Theo Bos DF 17 1983/1984 1997/1998
2. Template:Flagicon John van den Brom MF 17 1986/1987 2000/2001
3. Template:Flagicon Raimond van der Gouw GK 16 1988/1989 1995/1996
4. Template:Flagicon Theo Janssen MF 16 1998/1999 2013/2014
5. Template:Flagicon Martin Laamers MF 16 1986/1987 1995/1996
6. Template:Flagicon Bart Latuheru FW 15 1989/1990 1995/1996

Top goalscorers

File:Zenit-AZ (14).jpg
John van den Brom played at Vitesse from 1986 to 1993, and from 1996 to 2001. He came back to manage the club from 2011 to 2012.

All competitions

Ranking Name Position Goals Period
1. Template:Flagicon Jan Dommering FW 168 1929–1948
2. Template:Flagicon John van den Brom MF 110 1986–2001
3. Template:Flagicon Gerrit Langeler FW 91 1916–1925
4. Template:Flagicon Kees Meeuwsen FW 89 1929–1954
5. Template:Flagicon Henk Bosveld MF 82 1968–1979
6. Template:Flagicon Boško Bursać FW 78 1974–1980

Eredivisie

Ranking Name Position Goals Period
1. Template:Flagicon Matthew Amoah FW 61 1998–2006
2. Template:Flagicon John van den Brom
Template:Flagicon Nikos Machlas 		MF 60 1986–2001
1996–1999
3. Template:Flagicon Wilfried Bony FW 46 2011–2013
4. Template:Flagicon Roy Makaay FW 42 1993–1997
5. Template:Flagicon Bryan Linssen FW 41 2017–2020
6. Template:Flagicon Dejan Čurović FW 41 1994–2000

Europa

Ranking Name Position Goals Period
1. Template:Flagicon Maximilian Wittek DF 5 2020–2023
2. Template:Flagicon John van den Brom MF 4 1986–2001
3. Template:Flagicon Bryan Linssen FW 4 2017–2020
4. Template:Flagicon Bob Peeters FW 4 2000–2003
5. Template:Flagicon Matthew Amoah FW 3 2000–2005

Vitesse All Stars

File:Henk Bosveld (1968).jpg
The daily newspaper De Gelderlander conducted a survey in which fans voted Henk Bosveld (r.) as the best Vitesse-player of the twentieth century.
Name Pos Nat Years at Club Games Goals
Bert Jacobs Coach Template:Flagicon 1988–1993 Template:N/a Template:N/a
Just Göbel GK Template:Flagicon 1909–1924 116 0
Willem Hesselink DF Template:Flagicon 1892–1919 79 38
Theo Bos DF Template:Flagicon 1983–1998 429 1
Edward Sturing DF Template:Flagicon 1987–1988 383 3
John van den Brom MF Template:Flagicon 1986–2001 378 110
Theo Janssen MF Template:Flagicon 1998–2014 242 30
Dik Herberts FW Template:Flagicon 1947–1959 220 49
Toon Huiberts FW Template:Flagicon 1951–1968 469 71
Henk Bosveld FW Template:Flagicon 1968–1979 191 82
Nikos Machlas FW Template:Flagicon 1996–1999 92 70
Dejan Čurović FW Template:Flagicon 1994–2000 109 47

Other teams

Vitesse II

Vitesse's reserve team (Under-21) currently plays in the Beloften Eredivisie. It plays its home matches at Papendal and it is coached by Joseph Oosting.<ref name="U23HeadCoach">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref> The team is composed mostly of professional footballers, who are often recent graduates from the highest youth level (Vitesse U19) serving their first professional contract as a reserve, or players who are otherwise unable to play in the first team.

Honours

The team's honours:

Amateur team

In 1984, it was decided to divide the professional and amateur sections of the club. The professional section was renamed SBV (Stichting Betaald Voetbal – "Professional Football Foundation") Vitesse whilst the amateur section became "(AVC) Vitesse 1892", who played their home matches at the Sportcomplex Valkenhuizen. In total, the club has won five trophies; one Derde Klasse title, one Vierde Klasse title, one Zesde Klasse title and two Arnhem Cups. In 2009, Vitesse 1892 was declared bankrupt. The amateur section has produced a number of professional players including Andy van der Meijde, Nicky Hofs, Léon Hese, Erwin van de Looi and Theo Janssen.

Vitesse Legends

{{ safesubst:#invoke:Unsubst||date=__DATE__ |$B= {{ safesubst:#invoke:Unsubst||date=__DATE__ |$B= Template:Ambox }} }} Vitesse Legends are a beneficiary team that was initiated by Ben Snelders, Leo de Kleermaeker and Dik Herberts in the 1990s, competing in at least one match a year, usually in the name of charity and/or to bid farewell to retiring former Vitesse players. The team is made up of various members of the Club van 100 of Vitesse who will come out of retirementTemplate:When for this match to face the current Vitesse squad. Past participants have included Theo Janssen, Marc van Hintum, Edward Sturing, Ruud Knol, Remco van der Schaaf, Nicky Hofs, Erwin van de Looi, Glenn Helder, Philip Cocu, John van den Brom, Theo Bos, Martin Laamers, Michael Dingsdag, Roberto Straal, Frans Thijssen, Dejan Čurović, Jhon van Beukering and Huub Loeffen.

National team players

File:Willem Hesselink, monochrome and adjusted photo.jpg
Willem Hesselink.

A number of Vitesse players have represented the Netherlands national team, the first official international being Willem Hesselink. He was one of the founders of Vitesse in 1892 at age 14. In 1905 he started in the first ever home match of the Netherlands national football team, a 4–0 victory against Belgium. Some historians attribute one of the goals scored to him. Just Göbel played 22 matches for the Dutch team, being best remembered for his numerous saves during the 2–1 win over England's amateurs and his bronze medal in the football tournament of the 1912 Summer Olympics. The record number of Vitesse players for the Netherlands was three, which occurred on two occasions in 1989. The following players were called up to represent the Netherlands national team in international football and received caps during their tenure with Vitesse: Template:Div col

Template:Div col end

Notable former players

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See also

Literature

  • Van Mierlo, Joost: Verspeelde Energie. Vitesse en Nuon, verslag van een explosieve relatie. SUN, Nijmegen 2001, Template:ISBN.
  • Molenaar, Arjen: 111 Jaar Vitesse. De sportieve geschiedenis van Vitesse 1892-2003 Vitesse, Arnhem 2003, Template:ISBN.
  • Van Roosmalen, Marcel: Je hebt het niet van mij. Een tragi-komisch verslag over de soap bij Vitesse. Hard gras, Amsterdam 2006, Template:ISBN.
  • Van Roosmalen, Marcel: Het Jaar van de Adelaar. Hard gras, Amsterdam 2009, Template:ISBN.
  • Van Roosmalen, Marcel: Geef me nog twee dagen. Hard gras, Amsterdam 2011, Template:ISBN.
  • Bierhaus, Peter: Vites! 9 verhalen over onvoorwaardelijke liefde voor Vitesse. Ctrl-E, Arnhem 2011, Template:ISBN.
  • Remco, Kok: Een Arnhemmer is niet voor Ajax. Lecturium, Zoetermeer 2014, Template:ISBN.
  • Reurink, Ferry: Elke dag Vitesse. 125 jaar clubgeschiedenis in 366 verhalen. Kontrast, Oosterbeek 2017, Template:ISBN.

Notes and references

Template:Reflist

Template:Sister project

Official websites

General fan site

News sites

Template:SBV Vitesse {{#invoke:Navbox|navbox}} Template:KNVB Cup Winners 1961-present Template:Authority control

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