‘People call Clarence Seedorf homophobic, but…’

Latest update:

23:25
28.03.2024

Nino Wilkes, the stepson of Patrick Kluivert and the grandson of the legendary footballer Faas Wilkes, has written a book about his personal story surrounding his orientation. The book called Ball boystems from the notion that homosexuality is still a taboo in the football world.

Wilkes unveiled his book on Wednesday. The Telegraph was present and interviewed the main character. “The idea actually came about during the World Cup in Qatar,” the author explains. “There was quite a discussion after Virgil van Dijk did not wear the One Love band, because otherwise he would have received a yellow card. Then I thought: what is happening here?”

Wilkes says the book is based on research, but his own life experiences are also interwoven in the work. Shane Kluivert, Patrick’s son, is ‘very proud’ of his stepbrother. “We’ve talked about this a lot. I’m very proud of him.”

Patrick Kluivert also speaks with admiration about his stepson. “The feeling he has expressed in a book is fantastic. And he helps other people who are also struggling, because this is of course very important issue. I hope this book makes a difference. Everyone should be who they are and express that.”

Wilkes does not play football himself, but therefore sees himself as the ideal person to challenge the football taboo of home sexuality. “I think because I am not a football player and because of my family I know both worlds, that it is very good together and that I am the one who can say something about it,” he thinks.

“Because football players often have a certain pressure behind them, which means they cannot say anything and find it scary to say something. I can say everything I think regarding this theme.”

Clarence Seedorf

Wilkes said he had the most interesting conversations for passages in his book with Clarence Seedorf. The former international challenged his views, he says. “What I remember most is the conversation with Clarence Seedorf.”

“He was the one who argued with me quite a bit. Then he said: ‘Your group already has enough of a stage.’ People call him a homophobe, but I was happy that he dared to honestly say what he thinks about it, because then you get a conversation, a dialogue. I just try that. I don’t want to look angry, I just want a conversation. And what someone gets out of that is up to them,” Wilkes concludes.

More sports news