Danny Makkelie combines his practical experiences into an inspiring and substantive story. He does not hesitate to answer critical questions and dares to be vulnerable. He realizes that a single decision can turn everything upside down, both positively and negatively. This is how he interacts with an audience, engaging, empathetic, perceptive, motivating, captivating, guiding, adjusting, and above all, enjoying. And with a healthy dose of humor.
Danny Makkelie
Speaker Danny Makkelie is the best referee in the Netherlands and belongs to the absolute world elite. Weekly, he performs with his team at the highest level of (inter)national football. Under the watchful eye of millions, he makes decisions in a fraction of a second under extreme pressure, while players, coaches, media, and fans worldwide assess his choices. Danny knows better than anyone how to command respect, handle tension, and collaborate effectively under the most intense circumstances. His expertise extends far beyond the football field. As a former assistant public prosecutor and inspector with the police, and now as a manager at the KNVB, he has in-depth knowledge of leadership, communication, teamwork, and performance management. His insights are not only relevant on the field but are also essential for any organization that wants to perform at a top level. His presentations are energetic, sharp, and inspiring. With engaging anecdotes, humor, and interaction, he encourages his audience to think and take action. Danny confronts, motivates, and challenges individuals and teams to improve. Danny Makkelie is available for booking as a speaker at the Sprekershuys.
Themes
Subthemes
No items
Available for booking as
- Speaker
Languages
- English
- Dutch
Rate indication
- € 4,850.-
About Danny Makkelie
Danny Makkelie took his first steps as a referee at just 10 years old. By the age of 22, he was already officiating in the Eerste Divisie, and two years later he broke records as the youngest referee ever in the Eredivisie. His career took off like a rocket: at 27, he became a FIFA referee; at 29, he debuted in the Europa League; and at 31, the Champions League followed. At 34, he reached the UEFA elite group, placing him among the absolute top referees in Europe. He officiated the Europa League final, was active at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the 2020 and 2024 European Championships, and in the Netherlands he holds the record for the most Klassiekers between Ajax and Feyenoord. A career defined by perseverance, highs and lows, and an unrelenting drive to keep winning.
Danny Makkelie as a speaker
Danny Makkelie is a highly sought-after speaker who takes his audience into the intense world of top-level football. With exclusive footage revealing team communication, he offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes. As an experienced elite referee, he shares unique insights on leadership, decision-making under pressure, the power of teamwork, and the importance of effective communication.
How do you make the right decision in a split second when every choice is under a magnifying glass and emotions are running high? How do you build a team that feels responsible for success? How do you stay on course in an environment full of opinions and pressure? What makes a team unbeatable, and where do the pitfalls lie? With vivid real-life examples and razor-sharp analyses, Danny effortlessly builds a bridge to the business world. His presentations are interactive, inspiring, and fully tailored to the client’s needs. He captivates, challenges, and provokes thought. Whether in sports or in business: those who want to win must dare to lead.
Sessions
Videos
Reviews
Related speakers
- Wide range of current speakers
- Personal & non-binding advice
- For every type of event