The final match before the winter break always leaves a lasting impression on the fanbase. For FC Groningen, the 5-2 demolition of NEC Nijmegen in late December was a spectacular send-off, and page 18 of the February 2014 matchday programme reveals exactly who the fans held responsible for that joy.

The “Essent Speler van het Jaar” section announces striker Michael de Leeuw as the Man of the Match. He claimed a commanding 41% of the SMS votes, comfortably beating out the fierce Chilean right-back Stefano Magnasco (29%) and the midfield engine Maikel Kieftenbeld (15%). The photo captures a smiling De Leeuw holding his bouquet of flowers, a fitting reward for a player whose intelligent movement and clinical finishing had tormented the NEC defense.

While Filip Kostic still maintained his lead in the overall season standings, De Leeuw’s victory here was a reminder of his crucial role in the squad. He wasn’t just a goalscorer; he was the tactical focal point of Erwin van de Looi’s attack, a player whose work rate endeared him to the blue-collar crowd at the Euroborg.

A Look into the Future

Michael de Leeuw would go on to cement his status as an absolute modern legend for FC Groningen. He became the club’s top scorer and played a pivotal role in winning the 2015 KNVB Cup. His success in the north eventually earned him a highly celebrated move to the United States to play for the Chicago Fire in MLS. Remarkably, his connection to the club was so strong that he returned to Groningen in the twilight of his career to help the team once again. This 2014 Man of the Match award is just one of many testaments to his enduring bond with the supporters.