Perr Schuurs scores on emotional NEC return after nearly three years out

Perr Schuurs marked his return from nearly three years of injury problems with a goal as NEC won 3-1 away to PEC Zwolle. The 26-year-old defender entered in the 79th minute and needed only four minutes to head in NEC’s third goal, prompting an emotional celebration.

Schuurs had not played competitively since suffering a serious knee injury while representing Torino in October 2023. He subsequently underwent several operations before ending his contract with the Italian club in February. NEC signed the former Ajax defender to a three-year deal in June and had avoided putting a deadline on his recovery.

The visitors were already two goals ahead after 23 minutes in Zwolle, with captain Tjaronn Chery converting two penalties. Koen Kostons reduced PEC’s deficit from the spot shortly before half-time, but later struck the crossbar with another penalty. The four awards from the spot equalled an Eredivisie record, while two PEC goals were also disallowed for offside.

Schuurs then supplied the decisive moment, meeting the ball with a header to secure the points for NEC. Speaking afterwards, he told NU.nl that it felt “as if I am in a dream” and acknowledged he had been extremely nervous before making his comeback. His late goal completed a remarkable personal return and settled an eventful contest in NEC’s favour.