AMSTERDAM — A new chapter in the Van Bommel family football story has arrived.
Ruben van Bommel has received his first senior Netherlands call-up after new Oranje head coach Xavi Hernández selected the 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger in his 26-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
The announcement creates a remarkable football moment for the Van Bommel family: on the same day Ruben was handed his first Netherlands opportunity, his father Mark van Bommel announced his first squad as the newly appointed head coach of Belgium.
Mark, a former Netherlands international and Bayern Munich midfielder, publicly praised his son’s return to form after a serious knee injury. Reporting from Goal quoted Mark as describing Ruben’s comeback as impressive.
From injury setback to Oranje call-up
Ruben van Bommel’s selection comes after a difficult period in which he had been working his way back from injury.
The PSV forward has made a strong start to the new campaign. Flashscore reported that he had scored twice and supplied two assists in six appearances after returning from his knee injury.
His call-up therefore represents more than simply a famous surname entering the Netherlands squad.
Ruben is the son of Mark van Bommel and the grandson of former Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk, giving him a particularly strong Oranje football lineage. But his selection was made by Xavi Hernández, who has begun his Netherlands tenure by combining established internationals with emerging players.
Ruben is one of two players receiving their first senior Netherlands call-up. Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël has also been selected.
Xavi begins a new Netherlands era
The squad is Xavi Hernández’s first since taking over as Netherlands head coach in August.
The former Barcelona manager has retained experienced players including captain Virgil van Dijk, while also introducing younger options. The 26-man group includes players from major European clubs and reflects Xavi’s stated desire to assess his squad closely during a demanding international period.
Xavi explained that the size of the squad gives him flexibility across four matches while allowing his coaching staff to work closely with the players and evaluate them in person.
One of the biggest headlines surrounding the squad is the absence of Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ record goalscorer. Reuters reported that Xavi left Depay out while retaining Van Dijk as captain.
Several other established players are also unavailable, including Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from injury.
A demanding Nations League schedule awaits
Ruben van Bommel could make his Netherlands debut during a particularly busy international window.
The Netherlands are in UEFA Nations League Group A2 alongside Germany, Serbia and Greece.
Their schedule is:
- September 24: Netherlands vs Germany — Amsterdam
- September 27: Serbia vs Netherlands — Belgrade
- October 1: Greece vs Netherlands — Thessaloniki
- October 4: Netherlands vs Serbia — Eindhoven
The players are due to report to the national team camp in Zeist on September 21.
That means Ruben could potentially make his senior international debut against Germany in Amsterdam on September 24.
A remarkable father-and-son football moment
The timing makes the story particularly unusual.
Mark van Bommel is beginning his own international managerial chapter with Belgium, while Ruben is preparing for his first opportunity with the Netherlands senior team.
The two countries are football rivals, but the Van Bommel family now has a connection to both national setups.
Mark’s own Netherlands career included 79 international appearances, and he was part of the Dutch side that reached the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. His son is now attempting to establish his own international career rather than simply following his father’s path.
For Ruben, the next step is straightforward but significant: turn the call-up into a senior Netherlands debut.
And if Xavi gives the PSV winger his chance during the four-match Nations League window, the Van Bommel name could once again be at the centre of Dutch international football.
