Teun Koopmeiners moved by AZ tribute before scoring for Juventus

Teun Koopmeiners was moved by a tribute from AZ supporters before scoring in Juventus’ 2-1 Europa League victory in Alkmaar. The home fans displayed a large banner featuring Teun and his younger brother Peer wearing AZ shirts as the teams entered the pitch.

The 28-year-old, who spent 12 years with AZ across the academy and first team, said the image brought back a rush of memories. “I had a lump in my throat,” Koopmeiners told NU.nl. He and Peer exchanged looks during the display, recognising the significance of their first official match against one another.

Koopmeiners opened the scoring in the 19th minute but kept his celebration restrained. The Juventus midfielder explained that he still loves AZ and did not want to cause his former club pain, although he also acknowledged the satisfaction of scoring at the stadium for the first time in more than five years. Peer completed the full match for AZ, with their mother, father and grandfather among the family members in attendance.

The brothers had little direct contact during the game, although Teun joked with Peer after Juventus went 2-0 ahead. They exchanged shirts at full-time before Koopmeiners left with the Italian side for Schiphol and an overnight flight back to Turin. He also suggested that Juventus’ victory would provide material for some teasing in the family group chat.