No national anthem for the cult hero Boulahrouz

Tonight the fans will sing “You’ll never walk alone” for Khalid and Sabia. It wouldn’t be surprising to even see cuddly toys and teddy bears being thrown on the pitch. And the web is clustered by digital condolences for the stricken pair. Rituals, being performed when someone you love has experienced something dreadful.

Boulahrouz’ popularity is a novelty. The full back hasn’t really been one of Oranje’s best players, but he developed slowly but surely into the hearts of the fans. The fans recognize his winners’ mentality. In the first three matches, the fans cheered loudest when his name was called and he doesn’t even sing the Dutch anthem. He never really tries to be popular. He plays with a lion’s heart, is very friendly and shy off pitch and tries not to be too visible.

There is something special about the affinity for the Chelsea man. He is also Moroccan. And normally Moroccan players aren’t the most popular among the fans. He is the most capped player of Morrocan descent and played his 25th international against Romania. One day later, his young baby daughter died. And now what? A national hug? Boulah doesn’t need it. He told Marco van Basten he wants to finish his job. He wants to contribute. He wants to finish with 28 caps.

Marco asked him if he could handle the pressure, the emotions. And not so much in a football technical sense, but more the tornado of emotional support. Because that could result in a waterfall of emotions for Boulah. But he seems to be able to handle it. He has the profile of the perfect professional. A winner. A football mercenary from Morocca, wanting to earn the pride of a football nation. And that was his status already before the tragedy with Anissa. It’s what he deserves on his own merit.