Football often tells stories of triumph over adversity, and Sem Steijn’s journey is no exception. Unlike the typical rags-to-riches tale, his story is one of resilience, rising to stardom after enduring life-threatening fears and family turmoil. Sem’s father, Maurice Steijn, once a coach for Ajax, experienced harrowing moments when their family faced threats that forced them into hiding. Sem, along with his sister Biba, sought refuge at their grandmother’s house, marking a dark chapter in their lives.
This biography unpacks the life of Sem Steijn, exploring the emotional rollercoaster that his family endured. It delves into his father Maurice’s turbulent coaching career, including a fateful match where Sem scored against Ajax, the team his father was managing. That bittersweet moment led to the events that saw Maurice’s dismissal, leaving both father and son grappling with conflicting emotions.
Despite these challenges, the Steijn family has remained a close-knit unit. Sem’s rise in football has been bolstered by unwavering family support, overcoming hurdles both on and off the field. This is the story of Sem Steijn—a tale of grit, family unity, and the determination to succeed against all odds.
Sem Steijn’s Story: Turmoil, Triumph, Family Love, and Football Glory.
Preamble:
This article about Sem Steijn goes beyond his football highlights. It explores his full life story, making you learn about his childhood, boyhood experiences with the game, his family background, and the challenges his family faced. We’ll introduce you to his parents, Maurice and Priscilla, his sister Biba, and more. Our goal is to inspire your love for football biographies through Sem’s story. Let’s start with a gallery showing his journey—from a boy sharpening his skills at SV KMD to achieving fame in football. Sem Steijn has truly come a long way, both on and off the pitch.
From a determined boy honing his skills to a rising star in football—Sem Steijn’s journey captured in moments of passion, growth, and triumph. Sources: Vandaaginside, FaceBook/Red Devil Updates, Instagram/sem.steijn, adodenhaagjeugdNL
Sem Steijn Childhood Story:
The Dutch professional footballer was born on the 12th day of November 2001 to his father, Maurice Steijn and mother, Priscilla Steijn in The Hague, Netherlands. Sem Steijn is one of two children, himself and his sister, Biba, born to the blissful marital union between his parents. Now, let’s introduce you to the adorable Dutch family who breathes and lives football. Maurice Steijn and his wife, Priscilla, raised a family that is bound by love and remains united, even in the face of fears and challenges from the outside world.
Meet the Steijn family! From left to right: Sem Steijn, his sister Biba, their mum Priscilia, and dad Maurice, a family united by love and football.
Growing Up Years:
Sem Steijn spent his childhood years alongside his older sister, Biba, in a family deeply connected to football. From an early age, the Steijn family was a familiar name in the football world. Despite his ties to the sport, Maurice Steijn, Sem’s father, never pressured his children to focus solely on football. He encouraged them to explore their passions.
While Sem chose to follow in his father’s footsteps in football, Biba pursued a different dream. She became a model and has excelled in the field for years. As the eldest child and only daughter, Biba is two years older than her brother, Sem, who is the focus of this story.
Maurice worked hard to provide a stable life for his family. Hunger or financial struggles were never part of Sem and Biba’s childhood. However, their father’s journey was not without challenges, as Maurice himself didn’t grow up with wealth. More about his inspiring story will unfold in the next section.
Sem Steijn Family Background:
Maurice, his Dad, began his football career in 1993 with ADO Den Haag and later played for NAC Breda before retiring in 2001. As a midfielder, he made 134 appearances and scored seven goals during his eight-year career. Despite his efforts, Maurice never won a trophy or earned individual honours.
Financial success didn’t come easily for him. It wasn’t until 2019, when he became the coach of Al Wahda, a professional club in Abu Dhabi, that his fortune changed. The job earned him millions, and later, he secured another lucrative contract with Ajax. However, Maurice’s journey to wealth was far from smooth.
During his childhood, Maurice endured poverty and the pain of a broken home. He grew up on the third floor of an impoverished building, living with his mother after his parents divorced when he was six. They struggled to make ends meet, and Maurice lived with her alone for two years.
When he was eight, his mother met a new partner who became his foster father. Maurice still visited his biological father on weekends, but their time together was short-lived as his father passed away young. Today, Maurice’s foster father remains a guiding figure in his life, and his mother is still with him.
With no trophies to his name, Maurice Steijn retired from football with a vow to see his son live the dreams he couldn’t achieve. After retiring, Maurice earned a Bachelor of Education and worked as a primary school teacher before starting his coaching career in 2010.
Threats to his Family:
Maurice Steijn once shared one of the toughest moments of his life in an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, a Dutch newspaper. He revealed that after becoming coach of NAC Breda, many within the club’s circle seemed determined to see him fail. According to Maurice, these individuals spread rumours and made accusations against him, creating an unbearable atmosphere.
He was accused of bringing friends from his hometown, The Hague, to the club and spending NAC Breda’s money on them. Some even claimed he took trips to Ibiza with this so-called clique, and these allegations were leaked to the press. From the start of these rumors, Maurice sensed he wouldn’t enjoy his time at the club. He decided he wouldn’t continue, even if NAC Breda won a trophy or achieved promotion under his leadership.
Things took a darker turn when Maurice and his family received death threats while on holiday. To protect his family, he instructed his children, Sem and Biba, to hide at their grandmother’s house. Investigations later revealed the threats came from NAC Breda supporters, who demanded his resignation and blamed him for the departure of club legend Ton Lokhoff.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service took the threats seriously and arranged for permanent security at the Steijn family home. Reflecting on the ordeal, Maurice made a heartfelt statement on NAC Breda’s website:
“I do not want to leave NAC at all. But threats to my family are unacceptable. I never expected my wife and children would have to go through this. Unfortunately, these things are part of football, but they should never happen.”
Here, the Steijn family stands united and strong, a true testament to their resilience despite the challenges and ordeals they’ve faced together.
The Steijn family, unwavering in their bond, showing strength and unity in the face of adversity they’ve overcome together.
Family Origin:
As the hometown of the Steijn family, The Hague offers a blend of modernity and tradition, with picturesque canals, grand architecture, and a strong connection to the arts. It’s a place where the Steijns grew up, shaping their values and resilience in a city that balances both the hustle of urban life and the tranquillity of its beaches.
The Steijn family’s roots in The Hague, marked on the map, where their journey of resilience and unity began. Image Credit: Netherlands-Tourish, GoogleMaps.
Heritage:
Sem Steijn is of Dutch ethnicity, with both of his parents hailing from the Netherlands. His heritage is deeply rooted in Dutch culture, and he proudly carries this legacy in his football journey. Growing up in a football-loving family, Sem’s Dutch background has played a significant role in shaping his identity both on and off the field.
Sem Steijn Biography: Football Story:
During his primary education years, Sem Steijn joined SV KMD, a youth academy that played a key role in shaping his career. The academy, formerly known as Sportvereniging Klein Maar Dapper (KMD), provided a strong foundation for his development. The Steijn family lived just a 17-minute drive from Wateringen to The Hague, making it easy for Maurice and Priscilla to drop off young Sem and stay involved in his progress. Sem enjoyed his time at SV KMD from 2009 to 2011, after which he decided to take on bigger challenges.
Young Sem Steijn joined the academy of ADO Den Haag, where his father worked as a coach. When he moved to a new academy, he faced a heartbreaking loss—his maternal grandfather passed away. The tragic death of Priscilla’s father left a deep scar on the entire family. Reports revealed that he took his own life in 2010. The bond between him, his children, and grandchildren had been very strong, making his death even more painful. It was a traumatic experience for everyone. Maurice, Sem’s father, recalled:
“My wife was at the shopping center when she got the call. I was at ADO and received the same news. I rushed to my father-in-law’s place. There were police cars, red and white ribbons, men in white suits. Our world fell apart. My wife always said, ‘My father will never let me down. I can always count on him.’ She never blamed him for anything.”
Road to Fame Story:
Maurice Steijn began his coaching career in 2010 as a caretaker manager at ADO Den Haag, a football club based in The Hague. Around that time, he had an idea to bring his son, Sem, into the club’s academy. This way, he could closely guide his son’s football development.
By 2011, Maurice was promoted to head coach of the senior team. That same year, Sem joined the academy. It turned out to be a life-changing moment for him. At the academy, Sem met Joshua Zirkzee, a talented young player who would later become a Manchester United forward.
The two boys formed a strong bond as teammates. They shared dreams, played together, and pushed each other to improve. Back then, neither of them could have imagined they’d grow into star strikers, leaving their mark on football. Their journey began at ADO Den Haag, where destiny brought them together.
From Boys to Ballers: Sem Steijn and Joshua Zirkzee at ADO Den Haag’s academy, dreaming big. Years later, they’re living those dreams as professional stars, proving that destiny starts young. Credit: FaceBook/Red Devil Updates
Road to Fame Story:
Sem Steijn stayed at ADO Den Haag even after his father left to manage VVV-Venlo, a club in Venlo near the German border. Sem worked hard and graduated from ADO Den Haag’s academy. He became a talented attacking midfielder, capable of playing anywhere in the front line.
Young Sem Steijn shining bright at ADO Den Haag’s academy, showing early signs of his future as a star striker. Image: Adodenhaagjeugd
Around the time Sem graduated, his best friend, Joshua Zirkzee, had moved on. In 2016, Joshua joined Feyenoord’s youth academy, and by 2017, he was part of Bayern Munich’s setup. Despite being on different paths, their bond remained strong as they pursued their dreams of football greatness.
On July 27, 2018, Sem Steijn signed his first professional contract with ADO Den Haag. Soon after, he was loaned to VVV-Venlo, the club his father was managing. Staying at ADO Den Haag wasn’t an option for Sem. The club was in turmoil, struggling with a financial crisis and a six-point deduction. To make matters worse, their trainers were dismissed, shares were up for takeover, and an uncertified coach was brought in for the youth team.
Upon his return from loan experience, Sem started with the reserve team, Jong ADO Den Haag. He quickly made an impact, scoring four goals in five games. This earned him a promotion to the senior team, where he began gaining valuable football experience.
At just 20 years old, Sem Steijn was a key player for ADO Den Haag, contributing 18 goals and 5 assists. But trouble arose when he got injured. Despite his importance to the team, the club didn’t give him much attention during his recovery.
When Sem suffered a pubic bone injury, he had to seek help outside the club. With support from coaching legend Dick Advocaat, he connected with Feyenoord doctor Casper van Eijck for treatment. His father, Maurice Steijn, was furious about how the club handled the situation. He said,
“It made me angry. The club brings in players from all over the world, but one of the greatest talents from The Hague isn’t even allowed to rehabilitate at his own club.”
This moment highlighted the challenges Sem faced, even as a homegrown talent.
Path to Fame:
Upset with how his son was treated, Maurice Steijn supported Sem’s decision to leave their hometown club, ADO Den Haag, for good. On March 8, 2022, Sem signed with FC Twente, officially joining them on July 1.
Around the same time, Maurice faced personal challenges. After receiving threats to his life and family, he left NAC Breda and took over as Sparta Rotterdam’s manager. Maurice quickly made an impact at Sparta. With the help of players like Tobias Lauritsen and others, he led the team from 14th place to an impressive 6th-place finish in the 2022/2023 Eredivisie season. With this achievement, everyone got to know that Maurice Steijn showed resilience and a drive to succeed, no matter the challenges. But little did Sem’s dad know that trouble was on the horizon— including one from his son and external factors that would soon become too much to handle.
The Twente Rise Admist his Father’s Ajax Issues:
After the Erik ten Hag era, Ajax began searching for a manager who could replicate his success with star players like Antony (RW), Matthijs de Ligt (CB), Lisandro Martínez (CB), and Frenkie de Jong (CM). On June 14, 2023, Maurice Steijn was appointed as Ajax’s manager on a three-year contract.
However, Maurice’s time at Ajax took a challenging turn. The club endured its worst-ever start to a season under his leadership. Adding to his troubles was his own son, Sem Steijn. In a twist of fate, Sem did his job as a professional footballer—scoring a goal against his father’s team during a crucial match.
It was a moment that highlighted both the pressures of managing a top club and the unique challenges of having family ties in professional football. Maurice faced it all with resilience, even as the odds stacked against him.
In the Dutch League, matches between Sem Steijn and his father Maurice’s Ajax team were always special. But when Sem scored against Ajax, troubling his father’s side, it was a bittersweet moment. Onlookers could almost see Maurice thinking about the deeper problems he had gotten himself into.
After the match, Sem admitted how much it hurt to see his father in such a difficult situation. Maurice, once known for his strong dislike of Ajax, had become the coach of the club he had once opposed. To make matters worse, Sem scored against them at a time when Maurice’s job was under heavy scrutiny.
Standing in front of the cameras after the match, Sem could feel the pity people had for his dad. Reflecting on the moment, the Twente striker said:
“When I see my dad standing on the sidelines like that, it hurts me a lot. Seeing him feel so sad after I scored really affected me.”
It was a moment filled with mixed emotions—a son doing his job and a father facing the weight of expectations.
On October 23, 2023, Ajax announced they were parting ways with Maurice Steijn. For Sem, his father’s departure came as a relief. Watching his dad suffer had been tough. Sem believed the club’s troubles weren’t his father’s fault, but rather issues rooted in upper management. This became evident later when Ajax went on to hire and sack two more coaches—Hedwiges Maduro after just two games and John van ‘t Schip after 32 games.
Sem stood by his father, convinced he had done everything possible to help Ajax during difficult times. Despite the challenges, including the awkward moment when Sem scored against Ajax, the ordeal only strengthened their bond. Sem continued to grow as a player, improving each season. His performances at Twente, where he kept scoring important goals, sparked speculation about a potential big-money move to one of Europe’s top clubs. The rest of Sem Steijn’s career story, as they say, is history in the making.
Personality:
Sem Steijn is not just a talented footballer; he’s also known for his charm and good looks, qualities that fans often admire when assessing a player’s appeal off the pitch. Despite his success and the money he earns as a professional athlete, Sem remains down-to-earth and humble, much like Luka Modrić and the Ice Cold Cole Palmer. He embraces a simple lifestyle that reflects his grounded personality.
Beyond his skills on the field, Sem’s athletic physique hasn’t gone unnoticed. With a body that could easily grace the covers of top magazines, he exudes confidence and comfort in his own skin. Whether it’s his casual style or going shirtless, Sem carries himself effortlessly, showing that he’s as at ease off the pitch as he is on it.
Family Lifestyle:
If there’s one thing Sem Steijn loves most, it’s going on vacation. Not with a girlfriend or fiancée, but with his beloved father, Maurice Steijn. For Sem, these trips are more than just getaways—they’re a chance to bond with his dad and Mum.
One of the Steijn family’s favorite escapes is a trip to the Dubai desert. It’s a tradition where father and son recharge their energy after the pressures of a long football season. Joining them on these adventures is Priscilla, who adds warmth and joy to their getaway.
Desert vibes and family ties: The Steijns, all smiles, recharging in the golden dunes of Dubai.
For Sem and Maurice, these trips aren’t just vacations—they’re a way to reconnect, leave the stress of football behind, and create lasting memories in a serene setting. The vast desert, with its golden dunes and peaceful atmosphere, offers the perfect backdrop for this close-knit family to unwind together.
While Maurice, now 51, avoids risky activities like surf watersports, he encourages Sem to enjoy such adventures with his friends. However, when it comes to spending time together, they both prefer something calmer, like their favorite boat tours. These moments on the water are where they connect best, sharing laughs and stories far away from the pressures of football.
It’s clear that their relationship isn’t just about football. As a former player and manager duo who once stood on opposite sides during an FC Twente vs. Ajax match, they’ve shared intense professional moments. But off the pitch, they’re more than that—best friends who cherish their sweet world beyond the game.
Father and son beyond the pitch: Sem Steijn and his dad, Maurice, enjoying their favourite boat tour—a bond stronger than football.
Bonding with Priscilla Steijn:
Much has been said about the unbreakable bond Sem shares with his beloved dad, Maurice. But there’s another key figure in his life—his mom, Priscilla. While Sem’s daily life may not always revolve around her, he cherishes every moment they spend together.
Priscilla is not just a supportive mother; she’s been a pillar of strength for Sem during his toughest times. When injuries sidelined him during his days at ADO Den Haag, it was Priscilla who stood firmly by his side. She offered him unwavering support, helping him navigate those challenging moments with love and care.
For Sem, Priscilla isn’t just his mom—she’s his biggest cheerleader, his comforter in tough times, and a constant source of inspiration. It’s clear that his love for her runs just as deep as his passion for football.
Behind every strong footballer is a supportive mom! Sem and Priscilla share a moment full of love, laughter, and unwavering support.
No Sister like Biba:
Like her mother, Priscilla, Biba Steijn prefers a quiet life away from football headlines and media attention. Despite her reserved nature, she shines in her own way. Her Instagram account, @bibasteijn_, has over 35,000 followers, a testament to her charm and influence as a model. Biba has a love for travel, often visiting beautiful destinations like Curaçao, Ibiza, and Abu Dhabi. Above all, she values bonding with her family, cherishing the moments spent together. Biba Steijn’s elegance and family-oriented spirit make her truly admirable.
The Steijn Sibling love at its best: Biba and Sem sharing a special moment together.
Untold Facts:
In the final section of Sem Steijn’s Biography, we’ll unveil traits you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Sem Steijn FC25 Stats:
Sem Steijn is undoubtedly one of the best in the world when it comes to stamina. He excels at sprinting throughout the game and has an incredible recovery time. With an 89% stamina rating, Sem is a force on the field. He reminds us of why someone like Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is considered a more valuable first-choice striker for Enzo Maresca than Christopher Nkunku, especially when it comes to his work rate.
Sem also stands out for his attacking positioning. As a versatile player, he’s skilled in all the roles a modern forward needs—whether it’s as a second striker, central forward, or attacking midfielder. Despite his impressive abilities, EA should consider increasing his overall rating to reflect his true value. Sem is undoubtedly one of the most underrated strikers in world football.
FIFA stats showcase his exceptional stamina (89%) and strong attacking positioning, making him a versatile and dynamic forward.
What is Sem Steijn’s Religion:
Sem Steijn’s social media offers no clear indication of his faith. Despite this, there are reasons to believe that he identifies as a Christian. The Netherlands, where Sem is from, is a predominantly Christian country. The Catholic community, which we don’t know if he is part of, makes up a significant portion of the Christian population. However, Sem has not openly confirmed his religious beliefs.
End Note:
Sem Steijn’s journey is one of resilience, family ties, and growth. Born into a football family, with his father Maurice Steijn being a former player and manager, Sem’s career path was shaped by both love and challenges. From his early days at ADO Den Haag to his successful time at FC Twente, he’s proven himself to be an exceptional player with remarkable stamina, versatility, and determination.
Despite the pressure of being the son of a high-profile coach, Sem has always maintained his close relationship with his family. His father’s departure from Ajax was a tough moment for both of them, but it only strengthened their bond. Sem’s loyalty to his father remained unwavering, despite the ups and downs of Maurice’s career.
Off the pitch, Sem is grounded, enjoying quiet family moments with his mother, Priscilla, and his sister, Biba. He finds peace in activities like beach outings, vacationing in places like Ibiza. Also, Curacao, and Abu Dhabi, and sharing special moments with his family, away from the football spotlight.
Through it all, Sem has continued to thrive in his own career. Sem Steijn is emerging as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in Dutch football, capturing the attention of many top clubs across Europe. His performances have steadily put him on the radar of major teams looking for promising talent. With his impressive skill set, strong work ethic, and unwavering family support, Sem Steijn’s future is bright, and his story is one of overcoming adversity while staying true to himself and his roots.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read Sem Steijn’s story. We care about accuracy and fairness in the quest to deliver football stories about fast-rising Dutch football talents, as we have done for names like Jorrel Hato and Jurrien Timber. Please let us know via comment if you find something that doesn’t look right in this article about this footballer with The Hague family origins. In addition, let us know what you think about Sem Steijn, his impressive career, and his great story in the comment section.
