Milan Zonneveld, from the factory to an Eredivisie contract

Dutch striker Zonneveld, 23, worked at Tata Steel steelworks while playing semi-pro football before joining Sparta Rotterdam in February; has scored 10 goals in 20 matches.

Milan Zonneveld's journey from factory worker to professional footballer is a remarkable story of perseverance. The 23-year-old Dutch striker, standing 1.98m tall, worked the early morning shift at Tata Steel's IJmuiden steelworks from 7am to 3:30pm, then drove to evening training with semi-professional side Quick Boys in the Dutch second division. "It was really tough, but I learned a lot in the factory," Zonneveld said. "Arriving on time, acquiring discipline, depending on a boss and knowing what hard work means. Those are things you carry with you."

After scoring 26 goals for ADO '20 in the third division and 14 for Quick Boys, Zonneveld signed with Eredivisie side Telstar in summer 2025, netting two league goals and five in cup competitions. On 3 February 2026, in the final hours of the transfer window, Sparta Rotterdam signed him on a contract until 2029 with an option for a further year. "When I think about it, it's all incredible," he reflected.

At Sparta Rotterdam, Zonneveld has thrived, scoring 10 goals in 20 matches from February to October. The striker, who models himself on Harry Kane, has become a fan favourite at Het Kasteel stadium—a far cry from his days clocking in at the steelworks.