Dutch World Cup Soccer Star Converts to Catholicism, Devoted to Rosary

I’ve been coming across a number of stories recently about pro soccer players who are devout Catholics. Here’s another: Wesley Sneijder, who just recently came into the Church and is very devoted to the Rosary, which he wears in public. The major influence in the athlete’s conversion was his Catholic bride-to-be, a Dutch actress, Yolanthe Cabau, who gave him the rosary he wears; but he also was moved by the good Catholic example of his teammate, Javier Zanetti.  Just a couple of weeks ago I posted the story of England’s soccer star Wayne Rooney, who is also very devoted to Our Lady and her Rosary. You may want to check that inspiring story here if you haven’t read it.The Dutch team beat Uruguay yesterday to advance to the World Cup finale Thursday night against either Germany or Spain. Sneijder scored the winning goal in Holland’s defeat of Brazil in the quarter finals. Go Holland! Go Sneijder! Suddenly I’ve become a soccer fan.

CNA reports: The Argentinean daily La Nacion featured a story this week on the Dutch soccer player Wesley Sneijder, who scored the winning goal against Brazil in the World Cup quarter finals last week. The article revealed his conversion and baptism, which took place shortly before he traveled to South Africa for the tournament. You can read more about Wesley Sneijder here.