Mats Deijl is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Feyenoord. Born in Vlaardingen on July 15, 1997, he spent part of his childhood in Maasland before moving to Waalwijk with his mother and younger brother following his parents’ separation.
Deijl has spoken openly about the importance of his family, particularly during the biggest moments of his career. His relatives and longtime girlfriend, Rianne van Riet, supported him when he captained Go Ahead Eagles to a historic KNVB Cup triumph in 2025 and when he subsequently joined Feyenoord.
Who Are Mats Deijl’s Parents?
The names of Mats Deijl’s parents have not been disclosed in reliable public sources. Both were born and raised in the Netherlands, although Mats also has distant Southeast Asian ancestry through his father’s family.
Deijl spent his earliest years in South Holland. He began playing football for MVV ’27 in Maasland before his parents separated. He subsequently moved with his mother and younger brother to Waalwijk, where he joined local club WSC.
Despite their separation, both sides of his family remained part of his life. His relatives attended important matches during his years with Go Ahead Eagles and were present to celebrate his achievements.
Who Is Mats Deijl’s Father?
Mats Deijl has not publicly revealed his father’s name or occupation. However, he has discussed the distant Asian ancestry found on his father’s side of the family.
One of Deijl’s paternal ancestors—reportedly the mother of his grandfather—was born in Singapore in 1893, when the territory formed part of the wider British Malaya region. This discovery led to discussions about whether Mats could represent Malaysia internationally.
Deijl confirmed that the family connection was extremely distant and that he had never visited Malaysia. His attempt to obtain sporting eligibility was ultimately unsuccessful because the relevant ancestor was one generation beyond the family connection permitted under international football regulations.
Both of Mats’s parents were born in the Netherlands, and he considers himself Dutch despite taking an interest in his distant family heritage.
Who Is Mats Deijl’s Mother?
The identity of Mats Deijl’s mother remains private. Her name and occupation have not been reported by established publications.
After separating from Mats’s father, she moved with Mats and his younger brother from the Maasland area to Waalwijk. This relocation also changed the direction of her son’s early football career.
Mats joined WSC after arriving in Waalwijk and was soon recruited by RKC Waalwijk. When the youth systems of RKC and FC Den Bosch were reorganized, he chose to continue his development with FC Den Bosch.
His mother has remained a visible source of support. She attended important games, including the matches surrounding his move to Feyenoord in January 2026.
Does Mats Deijl Have Any Siblings?
Mats Deijl has at least one sibling, a younger brother. His brother’s name, occupation and personal background have not been publicly disclosed.
The two brothers moved to Waalwijk with their mother after their parents separated. Mats has referred to this part of his childhood when explaining how he began playing for WSC and later entered RKC Waalwijk’s academy.
Deijl’s younger brother has occasionally attended his matches alongside their mother. However, there is no reliable evidence that he pursued a professional football career.
No established source has confirmed whether Mats has any additional brothers or sisters.
Who Is Mats Deijl’s Girlfriend, Rianne van Riet?
Mats Deijl’s longtime girlfriend is Rianne van Riet. The couple maintain a relatively private relationship but have occasionally appeared together during significant moments in Mats’s career.
Rianne became more widely known to football supporters after attending the 2025 KNVB Cup final between Go Ahead Eagles and AZ. Mats converted a late equalizing penalty and scored again during the shootout as Go Ahead Eagles won the first KNVB Cup in the club’s history.
Rianne joined Mats’s family and her own relatives in the stadium. She also attended a television appearance with him following the victory, where she was described as one of his most important supporters.
Mats and Rianne have purchased a home together. Dutch reports describe them as preferring a quiet and private lifestyle away from football publicity.
Are Mats Deijl and Rianne van Riet Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Mats Deijl and Rianne van Riet are married. Current Dutch reports describe Rianne as his girlfriend or partner rather than his wife.
Although they own a home together and have been in a relationship for several years, the couple have not publicly announced a wedding.
Does Mats Deijl Have Children?
There is no credible public information indicating that Mats Deijl has children. Neither Mats nor Rianne has announced the birth of a son or daughter.
Mats Deijl and Rianne van Riet’s Dog
Mats Deijl and Rianne van Riet have a miniature poodle named Ivy. The footballer discussed the dog during a 2023 feature about his life away from the pitch.
Ivy forms part of the couple’s home life and has occasionally appeared in their social-media content. Mats has described his lifestyle away from football as being centered on his partner, family, friends and dog.
How Mats Deijl’s Family Supported His Career
Deijl’s football journey was closely connected to changes in his family life. He began at MVV ’27, joined WSC after moving to Waalwijk with his mother and brother, and was subsequently recruited by RKC Waalwijk.
He continued his development with FC Den Bosch and made his professional debut in December 2016. After more than 100 appearances for the club, Deijl joined Go Ahead Eagles in 2021.
His family and Rianne supported him throughout his rise in Deventer. The defining moment came in April 2025, when he captained Go Ahead Eagles to the KNVB Cup. His mother, girlfriend, other relatives and members of Rianne’s family were all present at the final.
Deijl joined Feyenoord in January 2026, signing a contract until the summer of 2028 with an option for another season. His mother, younger brother, Rianne and her parents attended his early Feyenoord appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mats Deijl’s Family
Who are Mats Deijl’s parents?
The names of Mats Deijl’s parents have not been publicly confirmed. Both were born and raised in the Netherlands.
Are Mats Deijl’s parents still together?
No. Deijl revealed that his parents separated during his childhood. He subsequently moved to Waalwijk with his mother and younger brother.
Who is Mats Deijl’s mother?
His mother’s identity remains private. She raised Mats and his younger brother in Waalwijk following her separation from their father.
Who is Mats Deijl’s father?
Deijl has not disclosed his father’s name or profession. His distant Southeast Asian ancestry comes through his father’s family.
Does Mats Deijl have Malaysian ancestry?
Mats has a distant family connection to the region through a paternal ancestor born in Singapore in 1893. However, the connection was too distant to make him eligible to represent Malaysia under FIFA’s ancestry rules.
Does Mats Deijl have a brother?
Yes. Mats Deijl has a younger brother, although his name and personal details have not been publicly disclosed.
Who is Mats Deijl’s girlfriend?
Mats Deijl’s girlfriend is Rianne van Riet. The couple have been together for several years and own a home together.
Is Mats Deijl married?
There is no public confirmation that Mats Deijl and Rianne van Riet are married.
Does Mats Deijl have children?
Mats Deijl has no publicly known children as of 2026.
Where did Mats Deijl grow up?
He spent his early childhood in Maasland before moving to Waalwijk with his mother and younger brother.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
