His girlfriend was killed in a hit and run
Scott Trotter Sports Writer
07:40, 25 Dec 2025
(Image: ESPN)
Ajax’s young star, Mark Verkuijl, was unable to hold back his tears as he paid a heartfelt tribute to his girlfriend, Elisa, who tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run incident. The 19-year-old’s partner had been out for a jog when she was struck by a car.
Elisa later died from her injuries in hospital, leaving Verkuijl and his team-mates heartbroken. The alleged driver reportedly left the scene but was later located by police at her residence and taken into custody.
Before a Jong Ajax match, the club’s reserve team, Verkuijl gave an emotional homage to his late girlfriend. Despite currently nursing a hamstring injury, the teenager joined his team-mates on the pitch.
The midfielder, still recovering from his injury, stood with his team-mates before the kick-off against RKC Waalwijk to honour Elisa. He held up an Ajax shirt bearing her name, struggling to hold back his tears in the poignant moment.
Jong Ajax players wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before their match to commemorate the tragic loss. In the 21st minute, as fans broke into applause, Verkuijl was seen in the stands holding up the shirt, reports the Mirror.
In the wake of Elisa’s death, the reserve team were given time off from training to come to terms with the tragedy. Ajax’s director of football affairs Marijn Beuker, along with players and staff members, visited Verkuijl to offer their condolences.
Mark Verkuijl paid tribute to his girlfriend following her death(Image: ESPN)
The club sought to postpone their Keuken Kampioen Divisie fixture but were compelled to play just four days after the tragedy. Jong Ajax manager Willem Weijs revealed that his squad would have preferred not to take to the pitch.
“Our primary thoughts weren’t on this game,” he told ESPN on Monday. “But it became clear to us very quickly that this game had to be played. To be honest, I didn’t feel that need. And I had the feeling that a lot of players didn’t either.”
The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) stated: “In situations like this, it’s an extremely difficult decision whether matches should go ahead or not.
“We have a policy in place where matches are generally only postponed in the event of the death of a player or staff member. This does not alter the fact that this remains a difficult decision and does not diminish the seriousness of what has happened. This is a very profound and sad event.”