Gjivai Zechiël showed why he has become an important part of Feyenoord’s midfield on Wednesday night, scoring a long-range equaliser in a 3-2 Champions League victory over Como 1907 at De Kuip. At 22, the academy graduate is giving Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side a growing goal threat and a creative presence in midfield during the early months of the 2026-27 campaign.
In the Eredivisie’s opening seven rounds, Zechiël recorded five goals and four assists, according to the league’s 30 September statistical review. He also created 19 chances across those seven appearances. That combination of goals and chance creation made him one of Feyenoord’s most productive players during the opening weeks of the season.
Goals and Movement From Midfield
Zechiël’s growing influence rests on his goalscoring from midfield, his chance creation and his movement into attacking areas. Speaking to ESPN Netherlands after winning the Eredivisie Player of the Month award for August, Zechiël said teams need goalscoring midfielders and spoke about how naturally he combines with fellow midfielder Luciano Valente.
That attacking output gives Feyenoord an extra threat in the final third when defenders are focused on the forwards. Former professional Lasse Schöne, assessing Zechiël’s August form in the league’s award coverage, highlighted his progression into a more decisive box-to-box midfielder who arrives in dangerous spaces.
Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Como offered a clear example of his impact. After Assane Diao gave Como an 18th-minute lead, Zechiël equalised from distance two minutes later. Anis Hadj Moussa put Feyenoord ahead in the 52nd minute, and his shot later deflected off Como goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and into the net in the 82nd minute to make it 3-1. Tasos Douvikas scored in the 93rd minute, but Feyenoord held on to win 3-2. The victory gave Feyenoord their first three points of the league phase following an opening defeat to Barcelona.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport after the final whistle, Zechiël reflected on his strike. He said he knew he could celebrate as soon as he saw how the ball left his foot.
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From Loan Spells to International Recognition
Zechiël’s current role follows a gradual path into senior football. He joined Feyenoord’s youth academy in 2018 at age 14 and made his first-team debut against Almere City in August 2023, before leaving on loan to gain regular minutes.
He joined Sparta Rotterdam on loan in February 2025 and then spent the 2025-26 season on loan at FC Utrecht. Those two Eredivisie spells gave him further experience in senior football before he returned to Rotterdam ahead of the current campaign.
Upon his return, Feyenoord moved to secure his future. Following reported summer interest from French side Lille, according to Voetbal International, the club extended his contract on 17 September to keep him at De Kuip through mid-2029. “I feel right at home here and know that I can still make a lot of progress,” Zechiël said in the club’s announcement.
His club form has also earned him a place on the international stage. Now part of the senior Netherlands setup, Zechiël made his debut on 1 October as the Dutch fought back for a draw away to Greece in Thessaloniki. He returns to domestic action on Saturday, 17 October, when Feyenoord travel to face Telstar in the Eredivisie.
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