Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong he didn't spend Wednesday night watching Real Madrid thrash Manchester City like most football fans, as he was otherwise busy with an event of royal proportions.
Ace for Sport, the Dutch midfielder was a guest of honor at the royal gala dinner with his partner Mikky Kiemeny at the royal palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam. King Wilhelm-Alexander and Queen Maxima organized the event as a reception for the Spanish royal family, represented by King Philip and Queen Letizia.
Frenkie de Jong spent Wednesday night at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, as a guest at a royal reception. (sport) #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/lQi7KTkNAh
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) April 19, 2024
He was not the only football figure at the event, since the Dutch manager Ronald Koeman also attended alongside his partner, in a meeting that counts 200 strong.
Royals and politicians are well aware of the power of footballers these days, culturally and socially. This was exemplified by the presence of Kylian Mbappe with French President Emmanuel Macron in February, as he discussed state affairs with his Qatari counterparts.