WILLEMSTAD – Although Curaçao's historic FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end on Thursday, one of the team's biggest stars made sure the final message to the island was not one of disappointment, but of gratitude, pride, and hope.
Shortly after the Blue Wave's elimination following a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, Curaçao international Tahith Chong shared an emotional message on social media thanking supporters for standing behind the team throughout its remarkable journey.
Tahith Chong
"I wasn't planning to post anything because of the disappointment that was felt after the final whistle," Chong wrote. "But that would do an injustice to the fans that came out to support us and all the people back home that supported us and never stopped."
The forward reflected on what the tournament meant not only to the current squad but also to the young boy he once was.
"I also think about the six-year-old me that would be looking up with so much pride," he wrote.
Addressing the people of Curaçao in Papiamentu, Chong thanked the nation for uniting behind the team.
"Kòrsou di kurason mi ke bisa un danki. Danki ku nos a bini huntu asina komo pais. Danki pa e support," he said, which translates to: "From the bottom of my heart, Curaçao, I want to say thank you. Thank you for coming together as one country. Thank you for your support."
He assured supporters that the players deeply appreciated the encouragement they received during the tournament and promised they would return to compete on football's biggest stage.
"We as a team love you all, and we will come back to this same stage again. This is not the last time."
Chong ended his message with a simple but powerful statement that resonated with fans across the island:
"The end for now."
Curaçao's first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance captured the hearts of the nation. The Blue Wave earned its first World Cup point with a memorable draw against Ecuador and competed with determination against some of the world's strongest footballing nations.
While the dream of advancing to the knockout stage came to an end, the team's performances united the island in an unprecedented display of national pride. Streets, schools, businesses, and homes across Curaçao were draped in blue, while thousands of supporters gathered to cheer on the national team throughout the tournament.
For many, Chong's heartfelt message reflected what this World Cup meant to an entire generation of Curaçaoans: not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new era for football on the island.