As the school holidays begin and the regular TV season comes to an end, all eyes turn to NOS. The Dutch public broadcaster traditionally forms the heart of the Summer of Sport, and in 2026 this will once again be the case around the matches of the FIFA World Cup. Each broadcast day typically concludes with a montage, where a single track underscores the highlights of the day. For fans, that piece of music becomes inseparably linked to the summer: a soundtrack to collective memory.
But how does a summer sports anthem come to life? And what role do music editors, rights, timing and a sense of the moment play in that decision? A look under the hood.
This panel is Dutch spoken.
Remme
Artist and Music Producer, NLRemme’s (26) talent as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is undeniable. He started writing music at the age of 16, commuting between his hometown in the Netherlands and Berlin, where his studio is located. Inspired by Jeff Buckley, Fleetwood Mac and Frank Ocean, he writes and produces powerful alternative pop songs about his grounded self and the chaotic world around him. “When people listen to my music, I hope they can escape the noise for a while. Step into another world when they don’t have all the answers just like me.”
Thijs Mantel
Music Industry professional, NLThijs Mantel has over 25 years of experience in the music industry, primarily at Universal Music, where he specialized in marketing and communications. His career includes four years working in Berlin during the 2000s. Most recently, he held the position of Vice President of Marketing. Following a reorganization at UMG, he is now embarking on a new chapter in his professional journey.
Jeroen Stomphorst
Sports presenter, NOS, NLJeroen Stomphorst has been a presenter for NOS Studio Sport (tv) and Langs de Lijn (radio) for over 20 years. He presents virtually all major events, including the Olympic Games, European and World Football Championships, and all major speed skating and shorttrack championships, often on location. In addition, he is a huge music lover and enjoys contributing ideas regarding the use of music in sports programs.
Diederik van Zessen
Audio specialist, Sport Sounds, NLDiederik van Zessen has a background in written journalism (including Nieuwe Revu and Vice) and radio (including NPO 3FM and Kink FM). He is the founder of Sport Sounds. This company explores the question of how sport sounds and provides both audio strategies and productions for sports clubs and media brands. Since 2008, Sport Sounds has also specialized in making culture and sport accessible to fans with a visual impairment.