Xan de Waard and Tom Boon have been named the FIH Players of the Year for 2025 following their super years.
SCHC’s de Waard delivered yet another outstanding campaign for the Netherlands, blending vision, technical precision and leadership at the highest level.
Her pivotal contributions and consistent clutch performances throughout the FIH Hockey Pro League season and the EuroHockey Championships, both of which ended in triumphs for the world number one Dutch side, have reinforced her status as one of the world’s premier midfield talents.
Key highlights of her year include a commanding role in the Netherlands’ success at the Euros as the Dutch side won a record-extending 13th title at the continental competition.
She was also a standout presence in the FIH Hockey Pro League, consistently delivering against elite opposition, and as the captain, drove her team’s momentum and success.
Under her stewardship the Dutch women’s side picked up their fifth Pro League title in six seasons of the competition’s history, finishing the season eight points clear of the second placed Argentina.
On the men’s side, Royal Léopold’s Tom Boon once again showed why he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in international hockey for the Belgian Red Lions.
With a blend of razor-sharp goal-scoring instincts and the ability to deliver in the big moments, he has been central to Belgium’s success for over a decade.
Boon was in rampant goal-scoring form during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 season. Mid-way through the season there were multiple players vying for the top-scorer title, but Boon’s second half burst left his competitors in the dust, as he ended the season with 21 goals, 9 clear of Sam Ward in second place
His goals and assists proved decisive in Belgium finishing second in the competition, which matched their best result in the competition since winning the title in season two.
Tom Boon’s leadership presence through both seasoned experience and present-day impact anchors Belgium’s attacking ambitions and competitive edge on the world stage.
His pivotal role in Belgium’s performance and enduring standard of excellence make him a worthy recipient of the FIH Player of the Year Award.
