Former Sunderland goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter has shared his affection for the Black Cats, describing them as “truly a people’s club” and saying his time on Wearside remains one of the most memorable periods of his career.
The Dutch shot-stopper joined Sunderland on a free transfer from FC Utrecht in 2017 after five years with his hometown club.
He went on to make 28 appearances across two seasons — a turbulent period that included the club’s relegation to League One — but he insists the experience remains one he’ll never forget.
“Wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything”
Speaking on the Dutch show Café Galgenwaard, Ruiter reflected fondly on his move to England.
“I had a truly fantastic time at FC Utrecht, and that was also my best period in terms of sport, but the international adventure always appealed. I was very close to a move to Norwich City, and then I finally went to Sunderland. What a club. The experience in England is much greater than in the Netherlands anyway, but it’s also a truly people’s club.”
He added that what struck him most was the passion of the fans — something he says is unlike anything back home.
“If you go to the supermarket during the week, you’ll see hundreds of people wearing Sunderland shirts. People only go to work for the football. That’s much less the case in the Netherlands.”
The Sunderland Till I Die effect
Ruiter’s time at the club coincided with the filming of Netflix’s Sunderland Till I Die, the now-iconic documentary that captured the drama of the club’s fall and its enduring spirit.
While the show made him recognisable around the world, it also came with one amusing downside.
“The only downside is that they included my biggest blunder from six angles,” he said, laughing. “If you were in Spain or Italy, they recognised me from the series. That’s incredible. Such a huge success. It’s shown in 52 countries, and people still talk about it.”
The former goalkeeper says that, even years later, fans from across Europe still approach him to talk about the documentary — proof of how deeply Sunderland’s story resonated beyond English football.
Key Insights
- Ruiter: “What a club… a truly people’s club.”
- Joined Sunderland in 2017 from FC Utrecht.
- Made 28 appearances and experienced the club’s relegation to League One.
- Featured in Sunderland Till I Die, which boosted his global profile.
- Says the fans’ passion makes the club unique: “People only go to work for football.”
What’s Next for Sunderland and Ruiter
Now 38, Ruiter remains involved in football back in the Netherlands, mentoring young goalkeepers and occasionally appearing on Dutch TV as a pundit.
Sunderland, meanwhile, continue their climb back toward the Premier League under new management, built on the same spirit that left such a mark on the Dutchman.
For Ruiter, that connection never faded.
“It’s still one of the most special chapters of my career,” he said. “The people make Sunderland what it is.”
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