Rafael van der Vaart’s son Damian, 17, lands first top contract as European giants snap him up in transfer
RAFAEL VAN DER VAART’S son has followed in his father’s footsteps and signed for Ajax.
Damian, 17, has joined the club from Danish side Esbjerg.
He has signed a one-year deal at Ajax and was unveiled to supporters via a touching photo of both smiling at the Amsterdam Arena.
Damian will be involved with their Under-18 side this season.
He plays in midfield like his dad.
Van der Vaart, 40, came through the youth ranks at Ajax, making 156 appearances for the club to help them win two league titles.
He then made the move to Hamburg in Germany before spending two seasons at Real Madrid.
The Dutchman followed his time at the Santiago Bernabeu with a spell at Tottenham.
Van der Vaart became a cult hero at Spurs, scoring 28 goals for the club between 2010 and 2012.
After short spells again at Hamburg, then Real Betis and Midtjylland, he finished his career at Esbjerg, where his son was playing.
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Van der Vaart worked as an assistant coach for the Danish team across two years after his retirement and was interim manager for six games last season.
Damian’s mother is the former Netherlands international’s ex-wife Sylvie Meis.
She is a TV personality and model.