KNVB follows American example and awards rings to Dutch Cup standouts

The KNVB will award custom rings to the best player and brightest talent in the Dutch Cup each season, following the American sports model.

From this season, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) will present individual awards to the standout performers in the national cup competitions for both men and women. The best player will receive a ring featuring a cut diamond, while the most promising talent will be awarded a ring with an uncut diamond, which the KNVB says symbolises the winner's potential.

A panel of football experts—VI journalists Pieter Zwart and Freek Jansen, and ESPN presenters Milan van Dongen and Fresia Cousiño Arias—will select the recipients. KNVB director of professional football Marianne van Leeuwen said: "With the ring we highlight individual performances in the cup tournament. It is a nice addition to the prizes we already know and recognition that players truly deserve."

The initiative mirrors the championship rings awarded in America's four major sports and follows the World Cup's introduction of rings for tournament winners at the most recent edition.