Why football matters

Football fanatics, rejoice. This summer, the Women’s European football championship will bring nail-biting games to Switzerland, giving us an acute case of footy fever in the process. But while all eyes are on the big screen, the real magic often happens at ground level, in the stories of people who’ve carried the game on their back long before the world tuned in. Just like former street footballer turned social entrepreneur Rocky Hehakaija Perremuto.

Today, she’s a coach, mentor, and founder of Favela Street — a foundation that empowers young people through football in places like Haiti, Brazil, and South Africa. For this episode of TRAINING DAY, we caught up with the all-around star to learn all about her passion for the sport, and what keeps her coming back for more, match after match.

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“ Football gave me a voice when I didn’t know how to speak. ”

- Rocky Hehakaija Perremuto

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m 41 years old, married to the love of my life Bettina, and we live together in Amsterdam — along with our beloved cats, who pretty much run the house. My Moluccan father was my first football idol. I became one of the few women to break through in the world of street football, earning my place not just through skill, but through passion, persistence, and a deep belief in what the sport can do for people.

Can you tell me about your first football memory?

My very first memory of football is with my father. He was incredibly skillful on the ball, and he was the one who taught me my very first tricks. I always had my ball with me, playing in his shadow, soaking it all in.

What does a typical training day look like for you?

My perfect training day kicks off with a shock to the system — in the best way possible. I step out onto my balcony in Amsterdam, take a deep breath, and plunge into the cold tank. From there, it’s go time. I throw on my training gear and race to Vondelgym. I train strength or boxing with Reffel or Anne from the Boxing Culture Club, two coaches who push me hard and keep it real. If it’s a cardio day, I swap gloves for handlebars and hit the road on my racing bike, flying past the Amstel and feeling totally free. And when the workday winds down, I grab my football and hit the streets.

How has football shaped who you are today?

I can confidently say that football shaped me into the woman I am. It’s not just a sport to me — it’s the heartbeat of who I am. Without football, I wouldn’t be Rocky. It’s been there for me through every chapter of my life. Football gave me a voice when I didn’t know how to speak. It’s my universal language, a way to speak heart-to-heart with anyone, anywhere in the world. I could go on forever, because it’s so much more than a game.

Growing up, who were your football heroes?

Growing up, there weren’t many female football stars to look up to. But there was one player who changed everything for me. Her name was Sissi. She looked like Ronaldo – bald-headed, confident – and her skills were unreal. The moment I saw her play, I was in awe. Finally, I saw a woman owning the game with swagger and joy. She was proof that I belonged in football too.

You became the only woman on Street Legends — can you tell us about that journey?

As a kid, Edgar Davids was one of my heroes — part of the legendary Ajax ’95 team, a baller with pure street style. He was on my bedroom wall, and I dreamed of playing with him one day. That dream came true. I was at one of the iconic street football tournaments on the Edgar Davids courts in Amsterdam East when he showed up and challenged me to a battle. I was shocked — but I said yes. That moment led to an invitation to join the Street Legends, the best street football team in the world.

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You suffered a knee injury which changed the course of your career. Can you tell us about how you recovered after that setback, and how you changed direction?

Tearing my ACL was one of the hardest moments in my football journey. It’s one of the most serious injuries a player can face — especially for athletes who rely on quick turns, explosive movement, and confidence in every step. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how serious it was, and neither did the people around me. I realised how essential strength and fitness are, not just to perform, but to protect your body, to sustain yourself as an athlete. Afterwards I had serious cartilage damage. And that was it. My playing career was over. The lack of support, education, and investment in women's recovery pathways robbed me and many others of a fair shot at a full comeback.

Tell me about the story and inspiration behind Favela Street.

The inspiration for Favela Street began long before it had a name — back in 2003, when I was just 18 years old. I’d made it to the Netherlands U18 national team, and like many young players, I dreamed of going pro. A Dutch television program invited me to take part in a special project: a trip to Rio de Janeiro to meet other young footballers my age. What I experienced there cracked my perspective wide open. I saw young people who had so much less in terms of resources, but so much more in terms of spirit. Ten years after that life-changing trip, I launched Favela Street through a crowdfunding campaign. I wanted to create something that honored the spirit I felt in Rio — something that empowered young people in marginalised communities through the power of football.

What’s unique for you about street football, as opposed to playing for a club?

Street football is where the game truly comes alive. Unlike club football — with its structured training sessions, fixed positions, coaches, and referees — street football is raw, free, and wildly creative. The street is your coach, and the game teaches you everything you need to know. It’s also radically inclusive. You don’t need a club membership, fancy gear, or even proper goals — just a ball and some people who love to play. Anyone can join, regardless of background, skill level, or experience. You learn how to hold your own, how to connect with others, and how to make something out of nothing.

What’s your post-training ritual: stretch or straight to the coffee shop?

If I have the time, I like to cool down on the bike, ease my body out of that high-energy zone. Then I stretch it out — nothing fancy, just giving my muscles the care they deserve. And to wrap it up, I head to the gym bar and treat myself to a protein shake.

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“ You don’t need a club membership, fancy gear, or even proper goals — just a ball and some people who love to play. ”

- Rocky Hehakaija Perremuto

How do you approach leadership, on and off the pitch?

The setting might change, but the core vision stays the same: it’s about empowering people to become more aware of their ability to create impact. Leadership, for me, isn’t about control or authority. It’s about awareness and intention. Everything you say, everything you do — it sends out a signal.

When you look back at your career, what’s one thing you’re most proud of?

Favela Street is what I’m most proud of. It’s not just a project — it’s the heart of my journey. In many ways, everything I’ve experienced, every setback, every victory, every lesson, has led to this. Favela Street represents everything I believe in: the power of people, the strength of community, and the magic that happens when someone realises they can create change, starting with themselves.

And what’s one goal within the sport that you want to hit for the future?

For me, it’s simple: keep doing the work with Favela Street and stay in the gym for life. That’s the vision. Keep building spaces where young people can grow into leaders on their own terms. Keep using football as a tool for transformation, not just performance. That work fuels me, and I know it’s bigger than me.

Do you have any advice for young people trying to get into football today who are unsure of where to start?

Just start anywhere. Football isn’t one-size-fits-all, so try out different styles and see what lights you up. Maybe it’s street football, where the game is fast, creative, and free. Or futsal, where the touches are quick and the space is tight. The most important thing is: give it a go. Bring a friend, make it fun, and don’t worry about being perfect. The game belongs to everyone — and there’s a version of it out there that’s right for you.

What does success mean to you, compared to when you first started?

When I first started, it was very personal — about pushing myself, achieving goals, proving what I could do. It was about making it, on my own terms. But over time, my perspective shifted. Now, success isn’t just about what I achieve — it’s about what I can create and share with others. It’s about the communities I work with, the young people I support, and the spaces we build together. Real success is collective. It’s about creating ripple effects that last far beyond your own story.