NEC Nijmegen

Dutch football team.

NEC Nijmegen, officially known as Nijmegen Eendracht Combinatie, is a professional football club based in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Founded in 1900, NEC is one of the oldest clubs in Dutch football and currently competes in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football. The club plays its home matches at the Goffertstadion, which has a capacity of 12,500 spectators.

NEC's colors are red, green, and black, which are prominently featured in their home kits. The club has a rich history, although major silverware has eluded them. NEC has spent most of its existence alternating between the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, with their most successful period coming in the late 2000s when they qualified for European football.

The club's nickname is "De Trots van het Oosten" (The Pride of the East), reflecting their status as one of the most prominent clubs in the eastern Netherlands. NEC has a strong local following and is known for its passionate fan base, who create a vibrant atmosphere at the Goffertstadion.

Throughout its history, NEC has been known for its focus on developing young talent. The club's youth academy has produced several players who have gone on to have successful careers in the Netherlands and abroad. This emphasis on youth development has been a key part of NEC's strategy, allowing them to compete with larger clubs despite more limited financial resources. NEC's biggest rivalry is with Vitesse Arnhem, with matches between the two teams known as the Gelderse Derby.

In recent years, NEC has experienced both highs and lows. The club faced relegation to the Eerste Divisie in 2017 but managed to secure promotion back to the Eredivisie in 2021. Since their return to the top flight, NEC has been working to establish themselves as a stable Eredivisie club.