Ajax player Mark Verkuijl speaks on girlfriend's death; volleyball legend Georg Grozer senior dies

Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Mark Verkuijl has spoken publicly for the first time regarding the tragic death of his girlfriend, Elisa. The 21-year-old student died in December 2025 after being struck by a car while jogging in Ede, Netherlands. Verkuijl, 20, described her as the ‘love of my life’ and noted that while football provides a necessary distraction and mental outlet, he continues to struggle with the loss.

In a separate sporting bereavement, volleyball legend Georg Grozer senior has passed away in Hungary at the age of 61. Known by the nickname ‘Hammer-Schorsch’, the former player represented both Hungary and Germany. He was a prominent figure for Moerser SC, helping the club achieve multiple German championships and European success during the early 1990s. He is the father of current German national player Georg Grozer.