Sergio Padt

Sergio Padt is a professional goalkeeper who currently plays for Eredivisie club, Groningen. Born on 6th June 1990, the keeper is regarded as one of the most consistent players in the Dutch league. Having made more than 100 appearances for the FC Groningen, Padt has spent the bulk of his career with the club and helped his team win the 2014-2015 KNVB Cup.

Early days

Footballing days started early for the prodigy, who joined local club R.K.S.V. Pancratius as a nine year old. Padt spent four years with the club, before moving to SV Hoofddorp at the age of 13. It was at Hoofddorp where Padt blossomed into a goalkeeper and was scouted by Ajax.

2007 saw the then 16 year old representing his country in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship. Padt started all the games in the tournament but Netherlands failed to qualify for the second round

Sergio Padt then went on to represent his country in the Under-21 format as well for the 2011 European Under-21 qualifiers.

Debut

Sergio Padt signed a contract with Ajax in 2008 but could not get a chance to play as he was sent on loan to HFC Haarlem, a club which plays in the second tier of Dutch football system. Sergio Padt made his professional debut in 2010 in a 0-3 away loss to SBV Excelsior. This turned out to be his only match for the club as HFC Haarlem went bankrupt soon afterwards.

Rise to glory

2010 saw the player being sent out on loan again, this time to Go Ahead Eagles which also plays in the second division. Padt quickly rose through the ranks and soon became the first keeper for the club, making 34 appearances for the club

His performance with Eagles attracted Belgian first division club, AA Gent who bought him in 2011. Padt spent 3 seasons with club, appearing on 55 occasions.

Following three successful seasons in the Belgian Pro League, Dutch top division club, FC Groningen decided to invest in the keeper and bought him 2014. Sergio Padt has remained with the club ever since, while helping them win their first major trophy after qualifying for the UEFA Europa league, which came in the form of KNVB Cup.