Sergiño Dest has never been built for safe football, which is probably why his game still feels so refreshing.
He’s still only 25, but his CV already reads like someone who’s lived several careers: Ajax, via one of football’s most revered academies, AC Milan, Barcelona and now PSV.
Across all of it, the thing that has followed him is that same sense of risk, flair and trust in the instinct to try something different. In an era where football can feel increasingly structured and controlled, Dest still plays with a kind of street-level freedom. That doesn’t mean chaos, mind, for him, flair is functional. It creates space, shifts momentum and forces opponents to react.
Ahead of his second World Cup appearance for the United States, Dest sat down with SoccerBible to talk about growing up in the Netherlands, his decision to represent the US, playing without fear, and why, if the tournament becomes his canvas, he already knows exactly what he wants to paint on it.
You play with a lot of freedom. Has that always been natural, or did you have to fight for it?
That’s always been natural. Since I was young, I’ve always practised a lot of skills and looked up to players who played like that. When you do it a lot, you become confident in it. That’s just the way I play, and I trust it.
Growing up, did coaches ever try to take that out of your game?
Yeah, definitely. Not every coach likes that style. When I was younger, some coaches would tell me to play simple. But I feel like sometimes you need to take that little risk — and sometimes it’s a big risk. If you play with fear, then you’re better off not playing. For me, to make myself a little bit unique in the sport, and to really enjoy it, I need to play with risk in the right moments.
Coming from the Netherlands, a place with such a strong creative football identity, what did living there teach you about style, both on and off the pitch?
In football, there’s a big street football culture over there. The country is small, so everywhere you go, every corner, you’ll find people playing. That’s where a lot of your flair and style in the game comes from. Off the pitch, I wasn’t really into style too much before. I only got more into fashion maybe two or three years ago. I had some friends who were already in that world and they kind of taught me about it.
How do you balance discipline with flair?
It’s about choosing the right moments. Even with something simple like a pass, you can still put your own style on it – a no-look pass, something with a bit of entertainment. It feels good, and it can affect the opponent too. Sometimes they get mad or frustrated, and when people start reacting with emotion, that’s when the big gaps and opportunities open up. So flair, skills, style… it’s expression, but it’s also a tactic.
What’s one of the boldest things you’ve done on the pitch?
I’ve done a lot of things, man, so it’s hard to pick one. But maybe just dribbling out from the back. That always carries risk.
Have there been moments where you’ve felt misunderstood as a player?
Yeah, obviously. Sometimes by players, especially if you haven’t played together a lot or you don’t really have that connection yet, they can misunderstand you on the pitch. And sometimes by coaches too. A lot of people prefer the safer option, but with risk you can open up teams, create two-v-one situations and give your team something different. Football has changed a lot. It’s more tactical now, more structured, more zonal, so it’s harder to play. But if you can create those situations, it can really help the team.
Away from football, what does joy look like for you?
It starts with sun. Always. It needs sun, good food, and spontaneity. Not knowing exactly what you’re going to do, just doing something with friends or family. Sun and good food are the most important things. And a good city helps too.
What kind of music matches your mindset right now?
That’s a tough one. It depends. Every game I listen to something different. But right now it’s more like beast mode, so maybe some hip-hop, some rap. Maybe 50 Cent.
You make the unpredictable look natural. Do you see yourself as a risk-taker?
Yes, for sure. And I don’t blame myself if I take a risk and it goes wrong. Obviously I care, but it can happen. It’s important to take those risks. I’d rather play like that than just be simple all the time.
If the World Cup became your canvas, what would you want to paint on it?
The trophy. For sure. I’m going for the win.
What do you want kids watching you, especially on a stage like the World Cup, to feel?
I want them to see that I’m fearless, and that you can be fearless, skilful and functional at the same time.
What does “playing fearless” mean to you?
Taking the risks. If you feel like you should take it, then take it, but do it with confidence. Don’t doubt.
In the best way, what makes you a wild card?
That’s a tough question. Maybe it’s just that unpredictability. You never really know what I’m going to do.
If your career so far has been one wild ride, what’s the wildest chapter still to come?
Hopefully this World Cup. Hopefully that’s the craziest chapter still to come.
