PEC Zwolle forward Thomas Buitink has announced his immediate retirement from professional football at the age of 26.
The decision follows the mutual termination of his remaining one-year contract with the Eredivisie club, confirmed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
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Buitink struggled to secure a starting position at Zwolle during the past season, making only ten appearances as a substitute.
In an April interview with VI, he described his secondary role as an agonizing ordeal and a severe mental burden.
The forward came through the youth academy at Vitesse, where he made over 100 appearances and scored a hat-trick on his full debut.
He later spent loan spells at PEC Zwolle and Fortuna Sittard before joining Zwolle permanently.
Mental Toll Led to Decision
Buitink expressed gratitude to supporters and teammates via social media, stating: "It was a difficult but well-considered choice to stop playing professional football.
But it is good this way, and I look forward to what the future holds."
He added that the mental toll of being a reserve player left him feeling completely depleted for the last two years.
"I have had a very difficult time here for two years, I have not felt like a footballer.
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To say it has been mentally tough is an understatement. It has been an ordeal," Buitink said.
He elaborated on his daily struggles: "Mentally, I was very low and still am. At the bottom, actually.
