Alje Schut (born 18 February 1981) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a defender for FC Utrecht, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kozakken Boys. Career Born in Utrecht, Schut began his career with hometown club FC Utrecht, making his professional debut on 3 October 1999. In 2004 he spent seven months injured following a bacterial infection in his knee. In March 2005 he suffered another knee injury, ending his season. He was still suffering from that same injury in January 2006; at that time he was expected to return to fitness in April 2006. He suffered further injuries, and only played 51 league between 2005 and March 2010. On 10 May 2011, during a training session with his team, Schut collided with his Romanian teammate Mihai Neșu breaking his cervical vertebrae and leaving Neșu paralyzed from the waist down. In August 2011, after spending thirteen seasons with FC Utrecht, Schut was the longer-serving player of any club in the Eredivisie. By October 2011 Schut was the club captain of FC Utrecht. Personal life In February 2015 Schut stated his desire to become a primary school teacher after retirement. Honours Utrecht KNVB Cup: 2002–03, 2003–04 Johan Cruyff Shield: 2004 References 1981 births Living people Footballers from Utrecht (city) Dutch footballers Association football defenders FC Utrecht players Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. players Kozakken Boys players Eredivisie players South African Premier Division players Derde Divisie players Netherlands youth international footballers Netherlands under-21 international footballers FC Utrecht non-playing staff Dutch expatriate footballers Dutch expatriate sportspeople in South Africa Expatriate soccer players in South Africa