Rafael van der Vaart and Estavana Polman at Contacta in Goes, Digi Mart USA News (Goes, Netherlands): Former athletes Rafael van der Vaart and Estavana Polman started their inspiration session at Contacta in Goes slightly behind, trailing 1-0 early on. Asked whether they had ever been to Zeeland before, one joked that he had brought his passport, while the other said it felt like the end of the Netherlands.
They quickly won over the audience with entertaining anecdotes and several wise life lessons. Their appearance continues a long tradition at the event, which has previously featured kickboxer Rico Verhoeven (2018), speed skater Ireen Wüst and national football coach Ronald Koeman.
Perry Kentin, organizer of the annual business fair in Goes, said attendees can listen, ask questions and gather ideas for their businesses or their lives. He sees clear parallels between business and sport: “Running a company is top-level sport.”
Van der Vaart spoke about his youth at Ajax, when he was about 15 or 16 and had to decide whether to stay focused or step back. “I only wanted one thing: to play in the ArenA.” Polman left for the Danish league at 17.
“You grow up very fast,” she said, recalling that she had to learn everyday tasks herself, but she knew she wanted to become the best in the world.
Throughout the interview of just over an hour, the two regularly teased each other. Polman reminded Van der Vaart that she holds a world title and he does not, while he criticized her for retiring too early, citing Cristiano Ronaldo, who continued until 41.
Van der Vaart also described football as “the most egoistic sport,” admitting he once hoped the Netherlands would fall behind Spain in the 2010 World Cup final so he might get on the pitch. He later realized that players also play for family and friends, recalling how his grandfather attended his Real Madrid unveiling.
Polman encouraged the audience to enjoy what they do, acknowledging she did not do so for much of her career until she returned from a serious injury. As the discussion turned more serious, Van der Vaart summed it up with a light remark: “Well, we won’t go any deeper tonight,” before steering the conversation back to a lighter tone.
