NAC Breda
The pride of Breda, with a history of perseverance and passion.
NAC Breda, often simply known as NAC, is a Dutch professional football club based in Breda, Netherlands. The club plays in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh. NAC competes in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football, following relegation from the Eredivisie in the 2025–26 season. In their history, NAC won one national title in 1921 and one KNVB Cup in 1973.
- region
- North Brabant
- stadiums
- Philips Stadion, Rat Verlegh Stadion
- league_context
- Eredivisie History
- founding_era
- Early 20th Century
- type
- Provincial Rivalry
Lore & Background
NAC was founded on 19 September 1912 when the clubs ADVENDO and NOAD merged. The name NAC is a fusion of the abbreviations NOAD (Nooit Opgeven, Altijd Doorzetten) and ADVENDO (Aangenaam Door Vermaak En Nuttig Door Ontspanning), with the C standing for Combinatie. Early in 2003, NAC added 'Breda' to their club name as a symbol of gratitude after the City of Breda bought the Rat Verlegh Stadium to help the club cope with financial problems. The club's golden ages were in the 1920s and 1930s, winning the Dutch championship in 1921 and playing international friendlies, including a 4-0 win over Real Madrid. In 1973, NAC won the KNVB Cup by defeating NEC Nijmegen 2-0. The club's fans are known for creating an 'Avondje NAC'—a flamboyant mix of Burgundian fun, beer, fanaticism, and love for the club.
In Their Own Story
The rain falls lightly over the Rat Verlegh Stadion as the away section fills with red and white scarves. Buses from Eindhoven line the streets outside, unloading fans who have traveled just an hour for this clash. Inside, the air hums with anticipation, a mix of local chants and familiar club songs echoing off the concrete stands. When the whistle blows, it is not just three points at stake, but the pride of two neighboring cities.
Reader's Guide
NAC Breda plays at the Rat Verlegh Stadium. The club's full name is Nooit opgeven altijd doorzetten, Aangenaam door vermaak en nuttig door ontspanning, Combinatie Breda. NAC's longest-running rivalry is with Willem II (the derby of Brabant), and they also have a rivalry with Feyenoord, highlighted by the 'Ashtray Incident' in 1979. The club's crest was reinstated as the first crest for the 2012–13 season.
Did You Know?
- NAC's name comes from the merger of NOAD and ADVENDO, with the C standing for Combinatie.
- Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh, the club's most important player, died in a car accident on 12 March 1960.
- In 1935, NAC became the first Dutch club to travel by airplane to an away match.
- NAC won the KNVB Cup in 1973, beating NEC Nijmegen 2-0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is NAC Breda?
They are a professional football club based in the city of Breda, located within the same province as PSV Eindhoven. Founded in the early 20th century, they serve as one of the main provincial competitors for regional bragging rights.
Why is this rivalry important?
This contest represents a battle for North Brabant supremacy between two historically significant industrial cities. Matches intensify when both teams share the same division, highlighting local pride over national antagonism.
Where are these matches played?
Home games for PSV take place at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, while NAC hosts their fixtures at the Rat Verlegh Stadion in Breda. These venues become the focal points of the provincial derby atmosphere.
How does this compare to other rivals?
Unlike larger national derbies, this relationship is defined by shared heritage and competitive intensity rather than deep animosity. It remains a significant fixture within local football culture despite not being the primary antagonist for either side.
What defines their history together?
Their encounters are rooted in early 20th-century foundations and ongoing battles within Eredivisie history. The dynamic fluctuates based on league status, but always underscores the geographical proximity of the two clubs.
More in Great Rivalries
Elsewhere in the PSV Eindhoven universe
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