Jurriën Timber
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Arsenal and Netherlands defender Jurriën Timber has taken a meaningful step off the pitch by officially inaugurating the Cruyff Court Jurriën Timber in the Montaña neighborhood of Curaçao, his mother’s homeland.
The grand opening, held on Wednesday morning, marked a celebration of community, heritage, and opportunity. It also served as a tribute to Timber’s Curaçaoan roots and a commitment to empowering young people through football. The new court, part of the Johan Cruyff Foundation’s global initiative, provides a modern, safe space for children to play, grow, and pursue their dreams.
Jurriën Timber, 24, who earned the prestigious Johan Cruyff Award as Dutch Talent of the Year in 2022 during his time at Ajax, chose Curaçao as the site for his namesake court to honour his family’s background. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, he wrote: “Curaçao is my mother’s island and my family’s home. To open a Cruyff Court on this island today means a lot. This pitch is for the next generation to come together, play, and chase their dreams. That’s what football can do.”
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The project was made possible through the support of the Johan Cruyff Foundation and the VriendenLoterij. The Montaña court will not only foster physical activity but also teach life values such as teamwork, respect, and creativity through the Foundation’s renowned “14 Rules of Johan Cruyff.”
The new facility, equipped with artificial turf, is envisioned as a community hub where both children and adults can engage in sports. Local publicationExtra described it as “a place where everyone, young and old, can play sports and move together.”
The opening ceremony brought together local children, community leaders, and Cruyff Foundation representatives. Jurriën Timber, who has 29 international caps and played a vital role in the Netherlands’ 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, was on hand to welcome young footballers eager to break in the new pitch.
With this latest addition, Montaña joins a global network of over 300 Cruyff Courts across more than 20 countries, including recent expansions in France and Brazil.
Timber’s connection to Curaçao runs deep. Born in the Netherlands to a Curaçaoan mother, Marilyn, and raised alongside twin brother Quinten and older brother Dylan who plays internationally for Curaçao, Timber has embraced his heritage with pride. In 2022, he visited the island with Ajax for a friendly and a community outreach program, further cementing his ties to the region.
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This initiative comes as Jurriën Timber works to regain momentum in his club career. After a promising start at Arsenal following a £34 million move from Ajax in July 2023, his debut season was disrupted by a serious ACL injury. However, his recent return to form in the just concluded season, including a goal in Arsenal’s 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven in March 2025, has re-established his value in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Beyond football, Timber’s latest gesture enhances his growing reputation as a role model, particularly for young people in the Caribbean. His values align with Arsenal’s own history of supporting the Cruyff Foundation, notably through the opening of the UK’s first Cruyff Court in Islington in 2008, attended by icons Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, and Robin van Persie.
The Cruyff Court Jurriën Timber is expected to have a lasting impact in Montaña. With the support of local partners, the facility will host regular sporting and educational activities aimed at promoting inclusion, development, and community spirit. Through programs like Heroes of the Cruyff Courts, the Foundation continues to empower young leaders, just as Timber now inspires the next generation, both at Arsenal and in Curaçao.
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