Van Veen: The Resilient Journey of a Prolific Striker
The career of Van Veen is a testament to perseverance. From being released by a top academy as a teenager to setting historic scoring records in the Scottish Premiership, his path has been marked by dramatic highs and challenging lows. A natural goal-scorer with a physical presence, Van Veen has navigated multiple leagues across the Netherlands, England, and Scotland.
Early Career and the Path to Professionalism
Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Van Veen began his footballing education at the PSV academy. However, his journey hit an early roadblock when he was released after six years due to his height. This setback led him away from the professional game for a time; he focused on amateur football and worked as a plasterer.
His professional ambitions were revived in 2005 when Helmond Sport tempted him back into the game. After being promoted to the first team in 2010 and making six appearances, he spent time with Dijkse Boys, UDI '19, and JVC Cuijk. His consistency in front of goal—scoring over 15 goals every season—eventually earned him a return to the Eerste Divisie (the second-tier of Dutch football).
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Rise at FC Oss and Move to England
In July 2014, Van Veen signed a one-year contract with FC Oss. He made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick in only his second game on August 15, 2014, against RKC Waalwijk. His form was explosive, recording three separate hat-tricks and scoring sixteen goals in twenty-one appearances. This prolific run attracted significant interest from English League One clubs.
On January 30, 2015, Scunthorpe United secured his signature on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He debuted on February 7 against Oldham Athletic and soon impressed manager Mark Robins with a chip goal against Swindon Town. While his first two seasons were inconsistent—including a loan spell at SC Cambuur in 2016 where he scored once in twelve appearances—he eventually found his stride.
The Breakthrough Season at Scunthorpe
The 2016–17 season marked a turning point. Wearing the number ten shirt, Van Veen formed a potent striking partnership with Paddy Madden. He scored twelve goals in forty-two appearances, including a Goal of the Season contender against Fleetwood Town. His form was so impressive that Chinese Super League side Henan Jianye launched a £4 million bid, which was rejected by manager Graham Alexander.
Transitions and the Return to Scunthorpe
Van Veen moved to Northampton Town on January 30, 2018. Despite a strong start to the 2018–19 season with a brace against Cambridge United, the club suffered relegation to EFL League Two. He finished his tenure there with ten goals in 38 appearances.
He returned to Scunthorpe United on January 1, 2019. While the club struggled with relegation from League One, Van Veen remained a threat, scoring ten league goals and three cup goals during the following season. This period was marked by a controversy involving Manchester City U21 player Taylor Harwood-Bellis, which drew public comments from Pep Guardiola.
Following a difficult 2020–21 season and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Van Veen opted not to renew his contract and became a free agent.
Record-Breaking Success at Motherwell
On July 2, 2021, Van Veen joined Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, reuniting with former manager Graham Alexander. He made an immediate impact, earning praise from former internationals Steven Naismith and Chris Iwelumo on his debut against Hibernian.
His second season (2022–23) was historic. Van Veen embarked on an extraordinary scoring streak, scoring in eleven consecutive league games—a new club and league record. This feat surpassed the modern era records of Mark Viduka and Marco Negri and equaled a top-flight record set by Hughie Ferguson in 1920. His performances earned him a spot in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year and a nomination for the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year.
Recent Years and Return Home
In June 2023, Van Veen returned to the Netherlands to join FC Groningen. His subsequent years involved loan spells back in Scotland with Kilmarnock and St Mirren, though the latter was terminated due to domestic abuse charges.
On July 31, 2025, Van Veen returned to his roots, signing a two-year contract with his hometown club, FC Eindhoven. Upon his return, he spoke openly about battling depression during his time away, crediting his daughter for helping him persevere through his darkest moments.
Key Facts
- Record Breaker: Set a Scottish league and Motherwell club record by scoring in 11 consecutive games.
- Early Adversity: Released by PSV academy as a teen due to height; worked as a plasterer before returning to pro football.
- Market Value: Once the subject of a rejected £4 million bid from Henan Jianye in 2016.
- Versatility: Has played professionally in the Netherlands, England, and Scotland.
| Club/Period | Key Achievement/Stat | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| FC Oss (2014-15) | 16 goals in 21 games | Three hat-tricks |
| Scunthorpe Utd (1st spell) | 12 goals (2016-17) | £4m bid rejected from China |
| Northampton Town | 10 goals in 38 games | Relegation to League Two |
| Motherwell (2021-23) | 25 goals in 40 games | 11 consecutive game scoring record |
| FC Eindhoven (2025-) | Hometown return | Overcame depression to return to play |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Van Veen released by PSV?
Van Veen was released by the PSV academy after six years because of his height, which led him to play amateur football and work as a plasterer before returning to the professional game.
What is Van Veen's most significant record in Scotland?
He holds the Motherwell club and league record for scoring in eleven consecutive league games, a feat achieved during the 2022–23 season.
Which clubs have attempted to buy him from abroad?
Both Henan Jianye (offering £4 million in 2016) and Changchun Yatai (offering a six-figure sum) attempted to sign him for the Chinese Super League.
What happened during his time at St Mirren?
His loan spell at St Mirren was terminated following domestic abuse charges.
How did he handle his return to FC Eindhoven?
Van Veen credited his daughter for helping him persevere through a difficult period of depression before signing a two-year contract with his hometown club in 2025.