Calvin Stengs

Calvin Stengs has built his career on creativity, instinct and staying true to himself. From his early days at AZ to playing on Europe’s biggest stages, football has always been a defining part of his journey. Beyond the pitch, Calvin is inspired by family, music, fashion and the people around him.

August 06, 2026

"What was the last time you were completely indulged in the now, being completely present? And what made that moment different from all the others?

If I think about the last few times I was completely present it brings me back to the birth of my daughter, but before that the weddings of two close friends in June. To see them celebrate their love and to be around the people they love was something really special. It reminds you how beautiful it is when people come together to celebrate life and each other.

Looking back, can you remember a moment in your life where you felt yourself grow up almost overnight? When you think about that moment now, what do you think it taught you about yourself

Walking into a dressing room when you are around 17/18 and sharing it with a lot of people who already have kids. It taught me that no matter the age, everybody can still and should be playful and go back to their inner child every once in a while. It’s important to not take life too seriously in a way that you should be enjoying every moment and process you’re going through in life.

Football has given you many things throughout your life. Has it ever taken something away from you? If so, how has that shaped the person you've become beyond the game?

Being in topsport takes away some of the freedom when you are younger. When my friends used to go out partying on the weekends, I had to stay focused and stay in. Not that I feel like I really missed out on anything but it definitely taught me to take responsibility and accountability. To stay on track for a bigger goal that I set for myself.

Every profession develops its own rhythm. Outside of match day, what does your everyday routine look like, and what parts of that routine have become essential to helping you feel your best, both mentally and physically?

My usual days outside of match day are slightly different per day of course but they always consist of two parts: football and spare time.

The first thing in the morning after waking up is starting fresh by taking a shower, if I don’t, I keep feeling sleepy. Then I get dressed, pack my bags and I will drive to the club and have my breakfast there. My daily go to is avocado toast with eggs. Before heading outside for training we head to the gym to do some exercises to activate the body. After training I go to physical therapy almost everyday to loosen up the muscles. I finish up my day at the club by having lunch before I head home.

When I get home family life starts. My afternoon is mostly spent with my son. While I do some recovery we play with his cars or we watch a film together. Then we prepare dinner or order in before we have to get the kids ready for bed. During the evening it changes from gaming with friends or watching series with my girlfriend.

My daily essentials would for sure be physical therapy and the time spent with my kids and girlfriend. They help me feel my best and happiest.

Most people know Calvin Stengs the football player, but your oldest friends and family know a different version of you. What is something they see that the football world rarely gets to?

That I am a true family person, I am pretty calm and I like my peace.

Football has a way of exposing parts of your personality under pressure. Is there something you've learnt about yourself through the game that you don't think you could have discovered anywhere else?

In football you get to experience tough situations and a lot of outside pressure from a young age. To not get nervous or anxious under this pressure and let these situations get to you is something I learned over the years.

Has there been a conversation, book, piece of music, film or experience recently that genuinely changed the way you think about life? And what was the biggest lesson it taught you?

This has to be my grandfather’s funeral that I had a little while ago. It was the first time I got to experience a traditional Surinamise funeral and it completely changed my view on saying goodbye. Instead of focusing only on the sadness and grief over losing someone there was such a big focus on the celebration of the life he had lived. It was beautiful to see and made my remember to take in all the parts of life.

Throughout your career you've met people from all walks of life. Was there ever a conversation or experience that didn't seem important at the time, but only years later you realised it quietly changed you?

The conversations that I had in the dressing room with team mates that were a bit older. When you are young and you spend time with these people they always tell you to enjoy every moment. Life goes fast and you are their age before you know it. I always used to think, yeah right, but now I am their age I couldn’t agree more. Enjoy the process, your growth and be happy and grateful.

When you have time completely to yourself, where does your mind naturally wander? What helps you slow down, recharge, or simply feel most like yourself?

When I am by myself my mind usually wanders to my son and I think about what he is doing at that moment in time. When I really want to know I facetime him hahaha. What helps me recharge is having my family or friends around and to do things together that make me feel comfortable and at home, like playing board or card games.

As you grow older, what's something you've stopped trying to prove?

Honestly, myself. People will always have their opinions and have a perception on how I am and my career. The only thing I can control is myself and the way me and my friends perceive me.

Football won't define your entire life forever. If the game disappeared tomorrow, what part of your identity would still remain?

Competitiveness and the ambition to keep fighting for what I want. If you set your mind to something, challenge yourself and work really hard you can get it.

You're constantly being watched, judged and discussed by people who've never met you. How do you stop those opinions from becoming your own?

Don’t read the outside opinions too much I would say. When you think to yourself realistically you will know when something is right or wrong, so trust in your own beliefs and abilities. For me this was never really an issue but I can imagine that some people might struggle with this as people can be harsh.

What do you wish someone had warned you about before stepping onto a professional football pitch for the very first time?

That this football world can be really cruel and hard to be in.

And finally, what is one question you would like to pass on to our next guest? It can be serious, playful, or completely unexpected.

What was the last moment where you felt truly happy in life?

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Calvin Stengs

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