NEC Nijmegen has achieved a historic success in the Dutch Eredivisie, finishing the season in third place and securing a spot in the Champions League qualifiers for the 2026/27 season. One of the key figures in this remarkable story is Croatian defender Darko Nejašmić.

The club, which has struggled for years to compete at the top, finished last season in eighth place. This time, they outperformed giants like Ajax, Twente, Utrecht, and AZ, finishing right behind PSV and Feyenoord. For Nijmegen, this is a significant achievement.

Brave Play Yielded Results

NEC's success wasn't accidental. Throughout the season, they maintained a moderate and brave style of play, emphasizing ball possession, aggressive defensive exits, and quick counterattacks. With 77 goals scored, they ranked among the most efficient teams in the league, demonstrating that their success isn't purely based on a traditional underdog story relying on defensive play and counterattacks.

Contribution of the Croatian Defender

One of the season's strongest symbols is that NEC finished ahead of Ajax. While the Amsterdam giant struggled to secure a Champions League spot, Nijmegen seized every opportunity and exploited their rivals' weaknesses. This return to European competition is a significant milestone for NEC, as the Champions League brings prestige, financial gain, and opens a new dimension in the club's development.

Croatian defender Darko Nejašmić, who previously played for Hajduk and Osijek, contributed to the team's success with four goals and one assist. However, his importance to the team goes beyond the statistics. For Nejašmić and his teammates, this is more than just a successful season; it's a confirmation of their participation in something greater.

Former Croatian Youth Player

Although Nejašmić played for Croatia's youth teams and U-21 squad, he never made it to the senior national team. Born in Split, he began his career with Hajduk, progressing through the youth ranks and playing for the first team. After Hajduk, he moved to Osijek and briefly played for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates before joining NEC.