Few public figures are as quietly present as Ramona Streekstra. While she is best known for her marriage to the famed Dutch footballer Wesley Sneijder, Ramona has largely kept a private life. Yet, the impact of her early years, her family journey, and her connection to the Sneijder legacy make her story one worth telling. In this article, we explore everything known about her — from early life and marriage to her life after the public spotlight.
Table of Contents
- Early Life & Background
- Meeting Wesley Sneijder
- Marriage, Family & Motherhood
- Struggles, Divorce & Aftermath
- Present Day: Life in Privacy
- Legacy & Influence
- Common Myths & Misconceptions
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Early Life & Background
Because Ramona Streekstra has largely remained out of traditional media, verified details about her early life are scarce. What is known or frequently reported includes:
- Her nationality is Dutch.
- Some sources suggest she was born around 1983–1984 (though not officially confirmed)
- She is sometimes linked to Utrecht or the surrounding region in the Netherlands.
- Before her marriage, she reportedly worked in or was associated with salon or beauty work (such as a hair or beauty salon) in the Netherlands.
Because of her low public profile, much of the early biography is based on secondary or local sources; those should be treated with cautious verification.
Meeting Wesley Sneijder
Ramona’s public notoriety begins largely because of her relationship with Wesley Sneijder. Here’s how their story unfolded:
- The relationship began when Sneijder was rising through the ranks in Dutch football.
- In June 2005, Wesley Sneijder and Ramona Streekstra wed, cementing what many media described as a youthful romantic union.
- At that time, Sneijder was gaining international attention after his performances for Ajax and the Dutch national team.
- Their union drew media attention not only because of Sneijder’s fame, but also due to the juxtaposition of a “normal life” spouse and a burgeoning football star.
From early on, Ramona was present alongside Wesley: attending public events, walking the red carpets, and joining him in glamorous settings in the Netherlands, Spain, and elsewhere.
Marriage, Family & Motherhood
The marriage produced one child and had many high points before stressors began to mount.
Their Child
- Ramona and Wesley had a son together, named Jessey Sneijder (born 24 June 2006)
- Jessey’s birth came about one year into their marriage, and he has since become part of public discussions about the Sneijder family legacy.
Life as a Footballer’s Spouse
As Wesley’s career soared — with transfers to Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and beyond — Ramona often accompanied him on the journey:
- In 2007, Sneijder moved to Real Madrid, prompting media coverage of Ramona’s presence in Spain and the adjustment to life abroad.
- The lifestyle of a top-tier athlete meant exposure to glitz, glamour, and the pressures of the spotlight — in contrast to the more private existence Ramona would later favor.
Challenges and Tensions
Despite early harmony, cracks began to show. Some reported stressors included:
- The demands of Sneijder’s career (travel, fame, distractions).
- Differences in expectations about public life, family, and privacy.
- The influence of nightlife, partying, and temptations associated with elite-level sport.
In Sneijder’s own accounts, he admitted that excessive partying and alcohol became detrimental to his personal relationships. Ramona’s patience appears to have been tested by that lifestyle.
Struggles, Divorce & Aftermath
The romantic narrative underwent upheaval when the couple separated and legally divorced.
Decline & Separation
- Over time, their relationship constraints intensified. Sneijder later said that partying and alcohol became overwhelming in his life, which put pressure on the marriage.
- Ramona reportedly chose stability and family cohesion over the volatility of constant public life.
- In January 2009, the divorce was finalized in Amsterdam.
Post-Divorce Life
After the divorce:
- Wesley Sneijder remarried (to Yolanthe Cabau) shortly afterwards.
- Ramona withdrew more from public visibility, choosing to build a more private life in the Netherlands.
- She sold the family villa in Vleuterweide in 2010, which briefly brought her into media attention again.
Legally and socially, the divorce meant new arrangements for custody, child support, and the division of assets — but the public record focuses more on the narrative of withdrawal rather than legal minutiae.
Present Day: Life in Privacy
Today, Ramona Streekstra largely lives out of the limelight. Based on the available data:
Residence & Privacy
- She appears to reside near Utrecht, perhaps in Vleuten–De Meern (a municipality close to Utrecht)
- Her social media presence is minimal or private; she does not seem to cultivate a public brand or influencer identity.
- Former media claims that she “lives in Rome” have surfaced, but are likely inaccurate or automatic location tags.
Work & Focus
- She reportedly works part-time in a beauty or salon business in the Utrecht area.
- She is said to prioritize family time, especially in raising Jessey, and avoids publicity or red carpet events.
- Locally, neighbors and media describe her as quiet, friendly, and dedicated to her child’s well-being and local engagement (e.g. school, community).
Relationship Status
- Public records suggest she is possibly single at present.
- There is no verified information about a new long-term relationship.
Legacy & Influence
Even though Ramona Streekstra is not a celebrity in her own right, her role in the larger narrative of the Sneijder story gives her a subtle but meaningful legacy.
Mother of Jessey
Her most enduring legacy is as mother to Jessey Sneijder, who is now entering his own path in football. The values she instilled — privacy, balance, stability — are often cited in commentary about Jessey’s upbringing.
Symbol of Balance & Discretion
- Ramona’s decision to step away from the glare of fame stands in contrast to many ex-partners of athletes who continue a public life.
- In narratives about Wesley’s growth and personal struggles, Ramona often appears as a stabilizing influence — a quiet counterpoint to extravagance.
Media References
Whenever Sneijder’s career is profiled (documentaries, biographies, retrospectives), Ramona is mentioned as his first wife and mother of his child. She shows up in:
- Biographies and interviews focusing on his personal evolution.
- Nostalgia or retrospective coverage of his early years.
- Stories about their son, Jessey, making inroads into his own sporting life.
Thus, though not a public figure in her own right, Ramona remains part of the broader football cultural tapestry.
Common Myths & Misconceptions
Because Ramona is seldom in the news, rumors and inaccuracies proliferate. Let’s address some common myths:
| Myth / Claim | Reality / Clarification |
|---|---|
| She lives in Rome or moved to Italy | Likely false or automatic social media tags. Sources claim she remains near Utrecht. |
| She is an influencer or public figure | No verified public partnerships or influencer activities. Her accounts appear private. |
| She and Badr Hari had a relationship | This is a rumor with no strong evidence or credible confirmation. |
| Her identity is defined solely by Wesley Sneijder | While her public identity is often tied to Sneijder, she maintains her own life, choices, and privacy. |
| She sought the public spotlight | On the contrary, she withdrew from public life after the divorce and avoided media exposure. |
When writing about Ramona, it’s important to exercise caution, rely on credible sources, and acknowledge uncertainty when facts are unconfirmed.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about Ramona Streekstra, along with well-researched answers.
Who is Ramona Streekstra?
A: Ramona Streekstra is a Dutch woman who came into public view as the first wife of footballer Wesley Sneijder. She is the mother of their son, Jessey. Over time, she has chosen a low-profile, private life away from media attention.
When were Ramona Streekstra and Wesley Sneijder married?
A: They married in June 2005.
Do they have children?
A: Yes. Their son, Jessey Sneijder, was born on 24 June 2006.
When did they divorce?
A: Their divorce was finalized in January 2009.
What does Ramona Streekstra do now?
A: She reportedly works part-time in the beauty or salon business in the Utrecht region, and leads a quiet, private life focused on family and community.
Where does she live now?
A: She is believed to reside near Utrecht (for example, Vleuten–De Meern). Rumors about her living in Rome are likely inaccuracies.
Is she active on social media?
A: She appears to maintain private or limited social media presence. She does not publicly promote brands or engage in influencer-style activity.
Why is she discussed in media when she is so private?
A: Her connection to Wesley Sneijder, her role as mother of Jessey, and her presence in retrospectives about Sneijder’s life ensure that she remains part of public interest. Media often reference her when discussing Sneijder’s early life, personal growth, or the family’s story arc.
Conclusion
Ramona Streekstra is a figure shaped by contrast: a woman once immersed in an elite athlete’s world, who later chose privacy over spotlight. Though her public persona remains modest, her role as mother of Jessey and foundational presence in Wesley Sneijder’s early life ensures her place in football lore.
Her story reminds us that not all influence is loud or visible. Sometimes, the quiet figures behind the scenes hold steady the threads that shape legacies.