René Paardekooper, a Dutch footballer who played for Helmond Sport, died on May 1, 2026, at the age of 39.
Born in Gemert, North Brabant, he began playing football with local club VV Gemert before joining Helmond Sport’s youth teams. A centre-back, he made his professional debut in the Eerste Divisie on September 16, 2005, coming on as a substitute in injury time for Appie Yahia in a 0–0 draw against Cambuur.
Paardekooper made 88 total appearances for Helmond Sport between 2010 and 2015, scoring no goals.
René Paardekooper, 39, Dutch footballer (Helmond Sport).