Voetbal International named Magazine Media Brand of the Year at Mercurs 2024

Amsterdam, November 19, 2024 – Voetbal International (VI) has been awarded the title of Magazine Media Brand of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Mercurs Awards. VI, a staple among football fans in the Netherlands for nearly 60 years, won the coveted honor over renowned competitors such as Harper’s Bazaar (Hearst Netherlands) and Miljuschka Magazine (Miljuschka Publishing BV).

A Vision Confirmed

Ernst Keyzer, CEO of PXR, publisher of Voetbal International, proudly responded: "We are deeply honored that Voetbal International has been chosen as Media Brand of the Year. This recognition affirms our vision and the dedication of our team to make an impact in the lives of football fans every day. VI remains true to its rich history while leading the way in innovation and growth."

A Digital Pioneer

Voetbal International was the first magazine brand in the Netherlands to successfully transition to a digital subscription model (VI PRO), showcasing its ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape and shifting audience preferences. As of August 2024, VI boasts more digital than print subscribers—a milestone in Dutch media that underscores the brand’s and platform’s future-readiness.

With a combined subscriber base of nearly 50,000, VI reached 5 million unique visitors during the UEFA Euro 2024—covering an impressive 60% of all Dutch football fans. Its social media presence is just as remarkable: 1.24 million followers generated 450 million impressions in the first half of this year alone.

Beyond Print: A Multi-Platform Powerhouse

VI produces a wide range of content, including weekly print magazines, specials, exclusive digital content, a constantly updated website and app, live shows on YouTube, and a massive social media presence. New initiatives such as VI Travel, personalized email services, and events like Oranje Kijken met VI show how VI continues to innovate for football fans.

Pride from the Editorial Team

Editors-in-chief Freek Jansen and Pieter Zwart expressed pride in the recognition. Zwart stated: "It is a great honor to be recognized as Media Brand of the Year. Our team works each day with energy and passion to deliver the best football journalism to our readers. This award is a recognition of that hard work and a motivator to continue pursuing our ambitions."

Jansen added: "Where VI used to be a weekly publication, we’ve now evolved into a daily operation. What used to rest on one pillar is now supported by six, turning VI into a 24/7 content machine. Football never stops—and neither do we. VI is committed to quality, and we deliver that quality across every platform our audience engages with."

About Voetbal International

Voetbal International is the leading authority on football in the Netherlands. For nearly 60 years, VI has provided fans, players, coaches, and enthusiasts with in-depth analysis, storytelling, news, and insights into the beautiful game.

About PXR

PXR is an independent Dutch media company that combines powerful brands and quality content with media sales, innovative technology, and events. With Voetbal International and VoetbalPrimeur, PXR has a strong foothold in football media. In recent years, PXR has expanded its portfolio to include Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Bicycling, Runner’s World, Bright.nl, Scientias.nl, and Autoblog.nl. The company is active across verticals like sports, lifestyle, technology, and automotive. PXR has strong growth ambitions and achieves them through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Headquartered in Amsterdam, PXR has a team of 150 employees.

About the Mercurs

The Mercurs are the leading industry awards in the Dutch magazine media sector, organized by the Magazine Media Association (MMA). These awards recognize individuals and magazine brands that excel across various categories. Since their inception in 1998, the Mercurs have become the benchmark for excellence in the industry.