In a week of political upheaval, one of the Netherlands’ brightest stars, Rob Jetten, has managed to outshine even the most dramatic of election night moments. As his centrist party, D66, celebrated a resounding victory, the 38-year-old politician wasn’t just reveling in the thrill of winning — he was also sharing tender moments with his fiancé, Olympic athlete Nico Keenan. It’s the perfect blend of politics, sports, and a love story that could make even the most jaded heart melt.
RELATED: Could Rob Jetten Be the Netherlands’ First Openly Gay Prime Minister?
“We’re In This Together”
It was on election night that photographers caught an image that encapsulated the essence of Jetten’s personal and professional life. As the results of the Dutch general election rolled in, the leader of the winning party was seen cradling his fiancé’s head in a quiet moment of celebration. Keenan, exhausted yet ecstatic, had been the steadfast rock for Jetten throughout a brutal election campaign, and now, as the results came in, it was clear: Jetten was about to become the next Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
From Supermarket to Politics: A Love Story
The political victory was historic, but the relationship behind it is just as extraordinary. Jetten, who recently got engaged to Keenan — an Olympic field hockey player representing Argentina at two Olympic Games — has found a powerful balance between his demanding political career and his devotion to the man who has stood by him through it all. They met in the most romantic of ways, bumping into each other at a supermarket in The Hague (doesn’t get more Dutch than that, right?), and now they’re planning their wedding for 2026. We can already imagine the beautiful Dutch-German-Argentinian hybrid wedding guest list.
Jetten’s Support: A Prime Minister in the Making, and Still in the Stands
And yet, even in the face of his enormous political victory, Jetten’s priorities are clear. “I’m here to be by his side and support him,” Jetten said, referring to the pro-hockey game he attended to cheer on Keenan’s team, Klein Zwitserland, just days after his election triumph. Never mind the fact that Keenan wasn’t even playing due to injury; Jetten’s presence on the sidelines in the pouring rain was an act of pure support. “Nicolas joined us for the televised debates last week, so I think it’s important to be there for him now,” Jetten added.
A Partnership Built on Motivation
Their relationship is a delightful reminder that love and support in the face of public scrutiny — whether on the hockey field or the political stage — is what truly matters. In this case, it seems both men have found their perfect teammate.
@nicokeenan97 Rob also wanted to be part of my outfit check🙈
The couple’s bond is built on more than just shared goals in the public eye. “We both live under a lot of pressure,” Keenan told NOS in an interview, adding, “We help each other with that. We keep each other motivated and see a lot of similarities.” This shared sense of support and mutual motivation is something they’ve both leaned on during their respective careers — and it’s clearly what helps them thrive, both individually and together.
Facing Criticism with Grace and Support
Of course, no political win comes without its critics, and Jetten, who came out as gay earlier in his career, has faced his fair share of homophobic reactions. Even in a country as progressive as the Netherlands — where same-sex marriage was legalized in 2001 — homophobia still finds its way into the discourse. Some, like the editorial staff at the national newspaper RD, have gone so far as to publish questionable op-eds questioning the fitness of a man in a same-sex relationship to lead the country. One editorial even pondered, “Will our country soon be governed by a prime minister who wants to marry a man?”
Politics, Hockey, and Simple Pleasures
The discomfort of such regressive views stands in stark contrast to the warm, supportive atmosphere of Klein Zwitserland’s hockey field, where Jetten has become a regular fixture, rain or shine. And while the critics seem focused on the couple’s relationship as a point of contention, the true value of their partnership is evident. “The friendly atmosphere on the sidelines, followed by a beer in the canteen… many Dutch people enjoy that every weekend. So do I,” Jetten said, emphasizing that life should be about simple pleasures — even if you’re about to take on one of the most powerful political positions in the world.
@nicokeenan97 lip sync has left the room
The Future Looks Bright (and Fun)
Let’s face it: In a world that’s often obsessed with politics and image, it’s refreshing to see a couple who keeps it real. They’re not just a “power couple” in the traditional sense. Jetten and Keenan are people, with their own quiet joys, like spending weekend afternoons together, watching hockey, sharing a drink, and supporting each other through thick and thin. It’s about finding balance, not just in your career, but in your personal life, too.
As Jetten prepares to take on the role of Prime Minister, his future as the Netherlands’ first openly gay head of state — and Keenan’s future as the “First Gentleman” (yes, we’re calling it now) — is full of promise. But even with the weight of history on his shoulders, Jetten still knows where his heart lies. “I’m here to be by his side,” he says, and that’s a sentiment that transcends politics.
A New Chapter with Love, Support, and Hockey
Let’s hope Jetten’s time in office brings more progress, equality, and joy to the Netherlands — all while keeping his weekends free for a few beers and a hockey game with the one he loves. What more could a modern, politically savvy, sports-loving couple ask for?
Source: Dutch News and NOS
It’s quite wonderful for lgbtqia+ folks here in the Netherlands to have THIS kind of representation in the highest position in the Dutch government. AND he and Keenan are just simply another couple – two ppl – in love and outside of their professional lives, loving each other and sharing their lives together.
When people marry it is called “marriage” in the Netherlands. No same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. The Dutch act of 1st of April 2001 does NOT mention different kinds of civil marriage.