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Sherida Spitse
Sherida Spitse
Sherida Spitse
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Sherida Spitse (Dutch pronunciation: [ɕeːˈridaː ˈspɪtsə]; born 29 May 1990) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ajax.[2] She has made 248 appearances for the Netherlands national team, making her the most-capped Dutch and European player of all time.[3]

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Spitse started her career at VV Sneek before joining SC Heerenveen when the Eredivisie Vrouwen, the Dutch women's professional league, was established in 2007.[4] In five seasons at Heerenveen, she played in 100 matches and scored 13 goals.[5] In 2012, as the Dutch and Belgian leagues merged to form the BeNe League, Spitse moved to FC Twente in May 2012.[6] At Twente, she won the BeNe League titles in 2012–13 and 2013–14. She was also the club top scorer in 2012–13 with 16 goals.[4]

In December 2013, it was announced that Spitse would transfer to Norwegian Toppserien club LSK Kvinner FK from January 2014.[7] This was the first paid transfer for a Dutch women's football player.[8][9][10][11] With LSK Kvinner, Spitse became a Norwegian League and Cup champion at the end of the 2014 season. She was also voted on to Norway's Team of the Year at the annual NISO awards ceremony in Oslo.[12] She remained in the club for the next two seasons, through 2016, winning the league and cup in both seasons.[13]

On 19 December 2016, during the 2015–16 Eredivisie winter break, she moved back to the Netherlands, agreeing to a contract with FC Twente for the second half of the season.[14] On 16 June 2017, she extended her contract with FC Twente for one season.[15]

During the 2017–18 Eredivisie winter break, on 27 December 2017, she signed a two-year contract with Vålerenga, returning to the Norwegian league.[16]

On 20 November 2020, it was announced that Spitse had returned to the Eredivisie, joining Ajax in January 2021.[17] Spitse was voted player of the year in 2023 and 2024 by Ajax supporters and technical staff.[18]

International career

[edit]

Spitse made her debut for the Netherlands under coach Vera Pauw on 31 August 2006, in a 4–0 World Cup qualifying defeat to England.[4][19] At the time, she was 16 years old and still playing with the VV Sneek boys team.[20][21]

At the UEFA Women's Euro 2009, she was a member of the Dutch squad that reached the semifinals.[22]

In June 2013, national team coach Roger Reijners selected Spitse for the UEFA Women's Euro 2013 in Sweden.[23]

On 7 February 2015, she earned her 100th cap for the Dutch in a match against Thailand.[24] Spitse helped the Netherlands qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and was selected for the final squad.[25] She played all four of Netherlands' matches in the tournament.[2]

Footballer Sherida Spitse in an Ajax kit on a football pitch. Taken August 2021
Spitse with Ajax in August 2021

Spitse was part of the Dutch championship team in the UEFA Women's Euro 2017,[26] playing in all matches and being selected for the Team of the Tournament. After the tournament, the team was honoured by prime minister Mark Rutte and minister of sport Edith Schippers and made Knights of the Order of Orange-Nassau.[27]

In the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, she reached the final with the Netherlands, losing 2–0 to the United States.[28] In 2019, she became the all-time leader in caps for the Netherlands, passing Annemieke Kiesel.[29][30]

Spitse suffered a knee injury in July 2021, forcing her to miss the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.[31] In June 2022, Spitse earned her 200th cap with the Netherlands.[29]

On 31 May 2023, she was named to the Netherlands provisional squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[32] Spitse was the captain of the Dutch team and appeared in all five of her team's matches.[33][34]

Spitse announced her retirement from international football in October 2025 and played her final match for the Netherlands on 28 October 2025, in a 1–0 win over Canada.[35]

Career statistics

[edit]
Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Spitse goal.
List of international goals scored by Sherida Spitse[19]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 22 November 2006 Yanmar Stadion, Almere, Netherlands  Russia 4–0 5–0 Friendly
2 29 October 2009 Oosterenkstadion, Zwolle, Netherlands  Macedonia 8–0 13–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
3 19 December 2010 Pacaembu Stadium, São Paulo, Brazil  Mexico 2–1 2–1 2010 Torneio Internacional
4 2 March 2011 GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus  New Zealand 1–0 4–1 2011 Cyprus Women's Cup
5 3 April 2011 Kras Stadion, Volendam, Netherlands  Scotland 4–1 6–2 Friendly
6 6–2
7 24 November 2011 Kyocera Stadion, The Hague, Netherlands  Croatia 2–0 2–0 2013 UEFA Women's Euro qualifying
8 15 February 2012 Stade des Costières, Nîmes, France  France 1–0 1–2 Friendly
9 1 March 2012 GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus  Scotland 1–0 1–2 2012 Cyprus Women's Cup
10 24 October 2012 Jan Louwers Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands  France 1–0 1–1 Friendly
11 25 November 2012 Telstar Stadion, Velsen-Zuid, Netherlands  Wales 2–0 2–0 Friendly
12 29 June 2013 Telstar Stadion, Velsen-Zuid, Netherlands  Australia 3–1 3–1 Friendly
13 5 April 2014 Pankritio Stadium, Heraklion, Greece  Greece 5–0 6–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
14 7 February 2015 Polman Stadion, Almelo, Netherlands  Thailand 1–0 7–0 Friendly
15 4 April 2015 Korinn Stadium, Kópavogur, Iceland  Iceland 1–0 1–2 Friendly
16 17 September 2015 De Vijverberg, Doetinchem, Netherlands  Belarus 5–0 8–0 Friendly
17 7–0
18 4 June 2016 Mandemakers Stadion, Waalwijk, Netherlands  South Africa 1–0 1–0 Friendly
19 25 October 2016 Scholz Arena, Aalen, Germany  Germany 1–2 2–4 Friendly
20 3 March 2017 VRS António Sports Complex, Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal  Australia 2–3 2–3 2017 Algarve Cup
21 20 July 2017 Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Denmark 1–0 1–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2017
22 24 July 2017 Koning Willem II Stadion, Tilburg, Netherlands  Belgium 1–0 2–1 UEFA Women's Euro 2017
23 6 August 2017 De Grolsch Veste, Enschede, Netherlands  Denmark 3–2 4–2 UEFA Women's Euro 2017
24 24 November 2017 NTC Senec, Senec, Slovakia  Slovakia 2–0 5–0 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
25 6 April 2018 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands  Northern Ireland 4–0 7–0 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
26 6–0
27 10 April 2018 Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Republic of Ireland 2–0 2–0  2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
28 8 June 2018 Shamrock Park, Portadown, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 4–0 5–0  2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
29 9 November 2018 Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht, Netherlands  Switzerland 1–0 3–0  2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
30 19 January 2019 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South-Africa  South Africa 1–0 2–1 Friendly
31 30 August 2019 A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia  Estonia 3–0 7–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying
32 4–0
33 3 September 2019 Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen, Netherlands  Turkey 3–0 3–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying
34 4 October 2019 Fazanerija City Stadium, Murska Sobota, Slovenia  Slovenia 3–2 4–2 UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying
35 4–2
36 8 November 2019 Bornova Stadium, İzmir, Turkey  Turkey 2–0 8–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying
37 8–0
38 12 November 2019 GelreDome, Arnhem, Netherlands  Slovenia 1–1 4–1 UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying
39 2–1
40 10 March 2020 Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes, France  France 2–0 3–3 2020 Tournoi de France
41 23 October 2020 Euroborg, Groningen, Netherlands  Estonia 4–0 7–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying
42 15 June 2021 De Grolsch Veste, Enschede, Netherlands  Norway 2–0 7–0 Friendly
43 8 April 2022 Euroborg, Groningen, Netherlands  Cyprus 9–0 12–0 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
44 2 July 2023 Parkstad Limburg Stadion, Kerkrade, Netherlands  Belgium 2–0 5–0 Friendly
45 25 October 2024 De Vijverberg, Doetinchem, Netherlands  Indonesia 3–0 15–0 Friendly
46 4 April 2025 Erve Asito, Almelo, Netherlands  Austria 3–0 3–1 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League

Personal life

[edit]

Spitse married Jolien van der Tuin in 2018.[36][37] The two met in Emmen when Van der Tuin played for SC Angelslo [nl].[38] Van der Tuin gave birth to the couple's two children, Jens, born in 2017, and Mila, born in 2020.[39][40] Spitse and Van der Tuin divorced in 2024.[41][42]

Honours

[edit]

FC Twente

*During the BeNe League period (2012 to 2015), the highest placed Dutch team is considered as national champion by the Royal Dutch Football Association.[43]

Ajax

LSK Kvinner

Vålerenga

  • Toppserien: 2020
  • Norwegian Women's Cup: 2020

Netherlands

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sherida Spitse

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sherida Spitse (born 29 May 1990) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for in the Vrouwen. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women's football history, she retired from international duty in October 2025 as the most-capped player in European football with 248 appearances for the women's national team, a record surpassing both men's and women's tallies. Spitse captained the to their historic first major title at the 2017 Women's EURO, where she scored a crucial free-kick in the 4–2 final win over and was named , and led the team as runners-up at the . Spitse began her club career in the Netherlands with , where she made over 100 appearances and scored 13 goals across five seasons from 2007 to 2012. She then joined for two stints (2012–2014 and 2017–2018), winning the Vrouwen title in 2013 while establishing herself as a versatile defensive known for her passing accuracy and . Between these periods, Spitse pursued opportunities abroad in Norway's , signing as the first Dutchwoman to command a transfer fee when moving to LSK Kvinner in 2014, where she helped secure two league titles (2015, 2016) and a Norwegian Women's Cup in 2014 over three seasons (71 matches, 16 goals). She later joined Vålerenga from 2018 to 2020, adding another 61 matches and 15 goals to her resume before returning to the . Since transferring to Ajax in January 2021, Spitse has been a cornerstone of the team, captaining them to the Vrouwen title in 2022–23 and reaching the group stage in 2023–24. She was named Ajax Women's Player of the Season in both 2023 and 2024, and in June 2025, extended her contract until June 2027, continuing to contribute significantly with 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 league matches during the 2025–26 season. On the international stage, Spitse debuted for the at age 16 on 31 August 2006 against and amassed 46 goals across her 19-year tenure, participating in nine major tournaments including the 2025 UEFA Women's EURO, quarter-finals at the 2022 EURO and 2023 World Cup, and captaining during the 2024 Women's Nations League finals. Her retirement match on 28 October 2025 against in marked the end of an era, celebrated for her tactical intelligence, set-piece expertise, and role in elevating Dutch women's football.

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Sherida Spitse was born on 29 May 1990 in , a town in the province of , . She hails from a local family with no documented history of prominent athletic involvement. Spitse grew up in a close-knit environment in , alongside her parents, an older sister, and a younger brother. Her parents provided consistent emotional and practical support during her childhood, including making significant sacrifices to nurture her interests in sports amid the regional culture of , where community athletics like football are prominent. This familial backing was instrumental in fostering her early in a modest, community-oriented setting. Standing at 1.67 meters tall, Spitse's physical attributes emerged during her youth in a manner that aligned well with the demands of midfield play in football.

Introduction to football

Sherida Spitse began playing football at the age of six with local boys' teams in , , as girls' teams were not available in the region at the time. Her early involvement in the sport was supported by her , who encouraged her passion during her upbringing in the small Dutch town. Spitse joined VV Sneek at age six, where she was seen kicking a around the neighborhood as a young girl and progressed through their youth teams, playing with boys. She became captain of the boys' team at age 12 due to her standout skills and respect from peers. She made her first competitive appearances in regional Dutch youth leagues, demonstrating her talent and continuing to play for VV Sneek's boys' team even at age 16 when she debuted for the senior national team in 2006. By 2007, her performances had attracted scout attention from professional clubs, leading to her move to and highlighting her potential as a versatile .

Club career

Early professional years in the Netherlands

Spitse signed her first professional contract with in 2007 at the age of 17, marking the inception of the Vrouwen, the ' inaugural women's professional league. This move followed her youth development at VV , where she had impressed in boys' teams, and represented her initial foray into paid senior football. Over five seasons from 2007 to 2012, she established herself as a reliable , making 100 appearances and scoring 13 goals while adapting to the rigors of professional training and competitive matches. In May 2012, Spitse transferred to on a free deal ahead of the launch of the , a merged competition between Dutch and Belgian clubs that replaced the Eredivisie Vrouwen. During her two-year stint from 2012 to 2014, she played a pivotal role in the midfield, contributing to Twente's dominance with 38 appearances and 26 goals across league play. Her performances helped secure back-to-back titles in 2012–13 and 2013–14, including a standout contribution in the 2013 final where she scored a long-range equalizer against . Spitse's time at highlighted her offensive versatility from midfield, as she led the club in scoring during the 2012–13 season with 16 goals and finished as one of the league's top scorers overall. This period solidified her reputation in Dutch women's football, blending defensive solidity with creative playmaking in a environment.

Norwegian league stints

In December 2013, Sherida Spitse made her first international paid transfer, joining Norwegian club from ahead of the 2014 season. This move was historic, as it represented the first time a transfer fee had been paid for a Dutch women's footballer. Over three seasons with from 2014 to 2016, Spitse appeared in 65 matches and scored 16 goals while contributing to the team's success in securing the league title and the NM Cupen three years in a row. Her prior experience in the ' facilitated a swift adaptation to the competitive demands of Norwegian football. Spitse encountered challenges in adjusting to the Norwegian league's style, characterized by harsher winter weather conditions and a greater emphasis on physicality and tactical directness compared to the more possession-oriented Dutch approach. These differences tested her versatility as a , but she thrived in LSK's dominant setup, often anchoring the midfield and providing key assists in title-winning campaigns. Following her departure from LSK Kvinner at the end of 2016, Spitse returned to for the 2017 season, where she made 23 appearances and scored 8 goals, captaining the side at times and helping secure the Vrouwen title in 2017–18. In late 2017, during the winter break, she signed a two-year contract with Vålerenga, returning to the . Across three seasons with Vålerenga from 2018 to 2020, she recorded 61 appearances and 15 goals, playing a pivotal role in the club's breakthrough double in 2020 by clinching both the and the NM Cupen for the first time in its history. Her leadership and goal-scoring contributions, including crucial strikes in cup matches, helped solidify Vålerenga's rise as a top contender before her departure back to the in 2020.

Return to Ajax

In November 2020, Sherida Spitse signed a contract with Ajax, effective from January 2021, marking her return to Dutch club football after stints in Norway; she was assigned jersey number 8 and brought valuable experience as a veteran midfielder to the team. Since joining, Spitse has been a key figure in Ajax's midfield, accumulating over 110 appearances and 17 goals across all competitions as of November 2025, while providing leadership and stability to the squad. Her contributions helped Ajax secure the Eredivisie Vrouwen title in the 2022–23 season and the KNVB Beker in 2023–24, with Spitse starting every league match during the championship-winning campaign. She was recognized as Ajax Player of the Season in both 2023 and 2024 for her pivotal role in these successes. In the ongoing 2025–26 Vrouwen season, Spitse has scored 4 goals in 7 appearances, emphasizing her continued influence through precise passing and organizational skills in midfield as Ajax aims to reclaim the title. Her contract was extended in June 2025 until June 30, 2027, underscoring her importance to the club's future development.

International career

Youth and senior debut

Spitse began her international journey with the Netherlands youth teams, earning call-ups that showcased her early talent and paved the way for her senior integration. As a promising from , she impressed in youth setups, catching the attention of national selectors by 2006. She made her senior debut for the women's national team on 31 August 2006, at the age of 16 years and 94 days, in a 4–0 qualifying loss to in . This appearance marked her as one of the youngest players to represent the Oranje, under coach , during an unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the 2007 World Cup. Her entry into the senior squad coincided with her transition to professional club football, signing with shortly thereafter. In her initial senior years, Spitse accumulated eight caps by the end of 2007, appearing in four matches in 2006 and four in 2007, primarily in friendlies and qualifiers. These early outings allowed her to adapt to the demands of international play, focusing on building chemistry within the team and refining her role in midfield under Pauw's guidance.

Major tournaments and captaincy

Spitse assumed the captaincy of the Netherlands women's national team in 2017, succeeding in a role that emphasized her midfield control and set-piece expertise, where she contributed 46 international goals, many from dead-ball situations. Under her guidance, the team achieved significant success, starting with the hosted on home soil, where Spitse started all six matches, scored a crucial free-kick in the 4-2 final victory over , and was named in the decisive game. This triumph marked the Netherlands' first major title in women's football and highlighted Spitse's pivotal role in orchestrating the team's defensive solidity and attacking transitions. As captain, Spitse led the Netherlands to the final of the , starting all seven matches and helping the team secure runner-up honors after a 2-0 defeat to the , while also participating in subsequent tournaments including the 2022 UEFA Women's Euro, , and UEFA Women's Nations League finals in 2024. Her tenure extended to a ninth major tournament at the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro, where she continued to anchor the midfield with tactical acumen. During this period, Spitse reached her 200th cap on 31 2022 against and became Europe's most-capped player with her 241st appearance on 8 April 2025 against , milestones that underscored her enduring influence and reliability in high-stakes international competitions.

Retirement from international duty

In October 2025, following the ' participation in , Sherida Spitse announced her retirement from international duty after nearly two decades with the Oranje. Spitse cited her desire to prioritize family life with her children, Jens and Mila, alongside focusing on her club commitments with Ajax to extend her professional playing career. She earned her 248th and final cap on 28 October 2025 in a 1–0 friendly win against at the Goffertstadion in , where she was substituted off in the 48th minute to a and guard of honor from both teams. A post-match farewell ceremony featured an emotional address from Spitse to the crowd, flanked by her family, celebrating her contributions as a set-piece specialist often dubbed the "Queen of the set piece." Retiring with 248 caps and 46 goals, Spitse departed as the ' most-capped player and Europe's record holder in women's international appearances, drawing heartfelt tributes from teammates and fans for her leadership during her long tenure as Oranje captain.

Career statistics and records

SC Heerenveen (2007–2012)

During her time at in the Vrouwen, Spitse made 100 appearances and scored 13 goals.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2007–2008Eredivisie Vrouwen---
2008–2009Eredivisie Vrouwen---
2009–2010Eredivisie Vrouwen---
2010–2011Eredivisie Vrouwen---
2011–2012Eredivisie Vrouwen---
TotalEredivisie Vrouwen10013-

FC Twente (2012–2014 and 2017–2018)

Spitse played for in the (2012–2014) and Eredivisie Vrouwen (2017–2018), totaling 61 appearances and 34 goals across both stints.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2012–2013BeNe League-16-
2013–2014BeNe League---
2017–2018Eredivisie Vrouwen---
TotalBeNe League & Eredivisie Vrouwen6134-

LSK Kvinner (2014–2016)

In the , Spitse recorded 71 appearances and 16 goals for LSK Kvinner.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2014---
2015---
2016---
Total7116-

Vålerenga (2018–2020)

Spitse's statistics for Vålerenga in the are as follows.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
20182290
20192130
20201830
Total61150

Ajax (2021–present)

Since joining Ajax in the Eredivisie Vrouwen, Spitse has appeared in over 70 matches and scored over 11 goals as of the 2025/26 season. Detailed seasonal breakdown is provided below.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2020–2021Eredivisie Vrouwen1101
2021–2022Eredivisie Vrouwen2426
2022–2023Eredivisie Vrouwen2054
2023–2024Eredivisie Vrouwen2241
2024–2025Eredivisie Vrouwen2223
2025–2026Eredivisie Vrouwen742
TotalEredivisie Vrouwen1061717

International caps and milestones

Sherida Spitse accumulated 248 caps for the women's national team over her career spanning from 2006 to 2025, during which she scored 46 goals, placing her fourth on the all-time scoring list for Oranje. Her debut came on 31 2006 in a 1–1 draw against , marking the start of a record-setting tenure that saw her become a of the midfield. Spitse's and consistency were evident in her participation across 19 years, including nine major tournaments. Key milestones defined her international journey, beginning with her 100th cap on 7 February 2015 against during a 7–0 victory in the . She reached her 200th appearance in June 2022 during a match against . In April 2025, Spitse earned her 241st cap in a 2–2 draw versus , surpassing Sweden's to become the most-capped player in European football history across genders. Her tally climbed to 244 caps by July 2025 during , before she concluded her career with her 248th and final outing on 28 October 2025, a 1–0 friendly win over . Spitse's goals were predominantly scored from set pieces, earning her the nickname "Queen of the Set Piece" for her expertise in free kicks and penalties, which accounted for a significant portion of her 46 tallies. Representative statistics from major tournaments highlight her contributions:
TournamentAppearancesGoals
UEFA Women's Euro 201761 (final vs. Denmark)
FIFA Women's World Cup 201970 (4 assists)
UEFA Women's Euro 202260
FIFA Women's World Cup 202341
UEFA Women's Euro 202550

Honours and achievements

Club titles

Sherida Spitse began her professional title-winning career at , where she played a key role in securing the inaugural championship in the 2012–13 season. clinched the title with a 65-point haul, including a decisive 2–1 victory over in the final match, where Spitse contributed as a top scorer with 11 goals. Spitse's move to LSK Kvinner in 2014 marked the start of a dominant era, as the team achieved a treble of Toppserien titles and Norwegian Women's Cup wins over three consecutive seasons. LSK won the 2014 Toppserien by eight points, with Spitse providing midfield stability in 22 matches during her debut year. They defended the title in 2015, finishing 13 points clear, where Spitse's leadership helped secure 22 wins. The 2016 season brought another Toppserien crown, confirmed with a 4–0 win over , as Spitse featured prominently in the unbeaten run. Complementing these league successes, LSK claimed the 2014 Norwegian Women's Cup with a 3–1 final victory over Trondheims-Ørn, Spitse assisting in the buildup to key goals; the 2015 cup via a 3–2 extra-time win against , where her passing created scoring chances; and the 2016 edition beating Røa 2–1 in the final, with Spitse's defensive work limiting opponents. After joining Vålerenga in 2018, Spitse helped the club to its first major honors in 2020 amid a shortened season due to the . Vålerenga secured the title on goal difference with 36 points from 18 matches, including a 4–0 win over Arna-Bjørnar to seal the championship, where Spitse's experience guided the squad. They also lifted the Norwegian Women's Cup that year, defeating LSK 2–0 after extra time in the final, with Spitse's midfield control pivotal in maintaining possession. Returning to the , Spitse had a brief second stint with from January 2017 to December 2017, but the team did not win any major titles during this period. She then transferred to Ajax in January 2021, where she contributed to the Vrouwen title in the 2022–23 campaign, claiming the title with an impressive 55 points from 20 games and remaining unbeaten at home; Spitse started every league match, providing leadership and key interceptions in midfield. Although Ajax finished second in 2023–24 behind , Spitse's consistent performances underscored her role in the club's competitive resurgence.

International successes

Sherida Spitse played a pivotal role in the ' triumph at the , the nation's first major international title, which was hosted on home soil across multiple venues from July 16 to August 6. As captain, she started all six matches, contributing to a campaign that saw the Oranje defeat 4-2 in the final at Stadion de Galgenwaard in , where Spitse scored the third goal from a to secure the victory. The reached the final of the 2019 in , finishing as runners-up after a 2-0 defeat to the in the decider at Stade de Lyon on July 7, marking the country's best performance in the tournament to date. Spitse, serving as , featured in all seven matches, anchoring the midfield as the team advanced through the group stage undefeated and overcame , , and in the knockouts before the final loss. Spitse represented the in additional major tournaments, including participations in in , where the team reached the semi-finals; Euro 2013 in , advancing to the quarter-finals; and Euro 2022 in , exiting in the quarter-finals against . At the in and , she helped the side progress to the quarter-finals, suffering a 2-1 extra-time loss to . Her final international appearance came at in , where the Netherlands participated but did not advance beyond the group stage.

Individual recognitions

Sherida Spitse has been recognized for her exceptional midfield dominance and goal-scoring contributions at Ajax, earning the club's Player of the Season award in both 2023 and 2024. These honors highlight her pivotal role in driving the team's success through precise passing, leadership, and timely goals that showcased her technical prowess. On the international stage, Spitse holds the record as the ' most-capped player with 248 appearances, a achieved before her retirement from national duty in October 2025. This also positions her as Europe's most-capped female footballer as of 2025, surpassing previous benchmarks set by players like . Her enduring presence in the Oranje lineup underscores her reliability and influence over nearly two decades. Spitse earned the affectionate nickname "Queen of the Set Piece" for her mastery in delivering and scoring from free-kicks and corners, which contributed significantly to her tally of 46 international goals—the fourth-highest in Dutch women's football history. Notable examples include her low-driven free-kick goal in the 2017 Women's final against , exemplifying her ability to exploit dead-ball situations with precision and power. No additional individual trophies beyond these recognitions have been awarded to her.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Sherida Spitse met Jolien van der Tuin, a fellow footballer, during their time in youth and club circuits in the , including stints at clubs like and SC Angelslo in Emmen. The couple married in 2018 after several years together, with van der Tuin transitioning to a career in marketing while supporting Spitse's professional commitments. Spitse and van der Tuin welcomed their first child, son Jens, in 2017, with van der Tuin giving birth; Spitse balanced her burgeoning international career with early motherhood during this period. Their daughter, Mila, was born in 2020, again to van der Tuin, allowing Spitse to continue competing at a high level while integrating family responsibilities into her routine. The couple divorced in 2024 following a decision initiated by Spitse, who described the process as challenging but necessary, noting that "a only costs negative energy." They share custody of Jens and Mila, with Spitse emphasizing the importance of structured arrangements for the children's stability and well-being, stating, "We have two children together, so we must ensure everything is properly arranged." No further details about their post- relationship have been made public.

Life after international retirement

Following her international retirement on October 28, 2025, Sherida Spitse continued her professional career with Ajax, where she had signed a two-year extension in June 2025, allowing her to prioritize work-life balance while remaining a key leader on the team. This arrangement enabled her to focus more on club duties without the demands of national team commitments, emphasizing a sustainable routine that integrated her role as a and with personal recovery after nearly two decades of elite-level play. Spitse has maintained a low public profile since her 2024 divorce from her , Jolien van der Tuin, with whom she shares two children, limiting media appearances to occasional discussions on her expertise in set-piece execution and coaching. In late 2025 interviews, she expressed a desire to spend more quality time with her children, noting that her retirement decision was influenced by family consultations and a wish to step back from the intensity of international travel. As of November 2025, Spitse has voiced interest in mentoring roles within women's football, particularly through developing young talents at Ajax and pursuing a future as a club trainer, where she can apply her experience in leadership and tactical skills like set-piece strategies. She highlighted this new chapter during her farewell match reflections, tying the emotional closure to her family's support.

References

  1. https://english.ajax.nl/teams/ajax-women/s-spitse
  2. https://fbref.com/en/players/e36033be/Sherida-Spitse
  3. https://www.uefa.com/womensnationsleague/news/025b-0edff2b5bd76-ec369f3d51ef-1000--the-ten-europeans-with-200-international-caps-spitse-seger-p/
  4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/asifburhan/2025/04/07/sherida-spitse-becomes-most-capped-european-player-in-soccer-history/
  5. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c5y24vmr9j2o
  6. https://www.fotmob.com/players/182017/sherida-spitse
  7. https://english.ajax.nl/articles/ajax-extends-sherida-spitse-s-contract-by-two-years
  8. https://www.thesportsdb.com/player/34199987-sherida-spitse
  9. https://english.ajax.nl/articles/special-sherida-nov-2024
  10. https://mabumbe.com/people/sherida-spitse-biography-age-net-worth-career-achievements/
  11. https://www.aiscore.com/player-sherida-spitse/xvkjoi9elnf6793
  12. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0252-0ce4324185db-4141aa8715d5-1000--twente-beat-standard-to-win-first-bene-league/
  13. https://scoremates.com/en/pages/Sherida-Spitse-73238
  14. https://www.worldfootball.net/winner/ned-frauen-eredivisie/
  15. https://vif-damefotball.no/english
  16. https://www.forbes.com/sites/asifburhan/2024/03/18/sherida-spitse-insists-ajax-will-always-play-with-attitude-in-uwcl/
  17. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/11/hera-dutch-football-womens-landscape-moving-the-goalposts
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6450770/2025/07/05/sherida-spitse-netherlands-most-capped/
  19. https://www.iconicsmanagement.com/football/icons/sherida-spitse
  20. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/sherida-spitse/4/
  21. https://impetusfootball.org/2025/10/29/queen-of-the-set-piece-sherida-spitse-retires-from-international-football/
  22. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/match/2020924--netherlands-vs-denmark/events/
  23. https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/10/most-capped-international-sherida-spitse-to-call-it-a-day-at-248/
  24. https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/articles/interview-sherida-spitse-record-netherlands
  25. https://thehalfwayline.com/2025/10/14/sherida-spitse-announces-retirement-from-international-football/
  26. https://www.flashscore.com/news/sherida-spitse-retires-with-win-over-canada-after-248th-netherlands-game/jROGfbx2/
  27. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/385894-sherida-spitse
  28. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Sherida_Spitse
  29. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/history/video/0298-1d7903434f6c-b96540971da9-1000--sherida-spitse-becomes-most-capped-european-female-footb/
  30. https://fbref.com/en/comps/106/2019/2019-Womens-World-Cup-Stats
  31. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/teams/players/106200--sherida-spitse/
  32. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesb/bene-wom2013.html
  33. http://www.fotball.no/tema/om-nff/statistikk-og-historikk/norgesmestere-kvinner/
  34. https://www.fotball.no/turneringer/toppserien/2016/lsk-er-seriemestere/
  35. https://www.fotball.no/turneringer/nm-kvinner/2016/disse-starter-i-nm-finalen/
  36. https://www.fotball.no/turneringer/toppserien/2020/valerenga-er-seriemester/
  37. https://www.fotball.no/contentassets/c4361f9f0dd44a28b73822bc2382f77d/20_nff_cupfinale_kvinner_digital.pdf
  38. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/ned-womchamp.html
  39. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jul/07/usa-netherlands-womens-world-cup-final-player-ratings
  40. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/07/usa-vs-netherlands-match-report-recap-stats-highlights
  41. https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/australia-new-zealand2023/articles/netherlands-key-moments-highlights-womens-world-cup-australia-new-zealand-2023
  42. https://www.outsports.com/2021/7/16/22578818/netherlands-soccer-olympic-gay-lgbtq-tokyo/
  43. https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/07/07/who-are-the-out-2025-euros-lgbtq-netherlands-players-facing-the-lionesses/
  44. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7B-0deJtle/?hl=en
  45. https://www.voetbalverslaafd.nl/spitse-openhartig-heb-de-keuze-gemakt-om-uit-elkaar-te-gaan/
  46. https://sportnieuws.nl/profielen/nieuws/dit-is-de-afzwaaiende-sherida-spitse-veelbesproken-oranje-leeuwin-vecht-voor-vrouwenrechten-en-kende-zware-priveperiode-2025060417540908004/
  47. https://www.ajax.nl/artikelen/spitse-tekent-bij-ik-kijk-uit-naar-nog-twee-mooie-jaren-bij-ajax
  48. https://www.outsports.com/2025/7/7/24114759/lgbtq-legends-uefa-womens-soccer-euros-pia-sundhage-sherida-spitse-kelly-smith/
  49. https://www.ajax.nl/artikelen/sherida-spitse-traint-jonge-talenten-mijn-doel-is-om-binnen-ajax-trainer-te-worden/
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