Sherida Spitse Biography: Ajax & Netherlands’ Record-Breaking Midfielder

Sherida Spitse is a Dutch professional footballer widely regarded as one of the most influential midfielders in European women’s football. She plays for Ajax and captains the Netherlands national team, holding the record as the most-capped European international in history.

Sherida-Spitse
Sherida-Spitse

Early Life and Background

  • Date of Birth: 29 May 1990

  • Place of Birth: Sneek, Friesland, Netherlands

  • Height: 1.67 m

  • Position: Midfielder

  • Nationality: Dutch

Club Career

  • VV Sneek (Youth)

  • SC Heerenveen (2007–2012): 100 appearances, 13 goals

  • FC Twente (2012–2014, 2017–2018): 61 appearances, 34 goals; won two BeNe League titles and was top scorer in 2012–13

  • LSK Kvinner (2014–2017): First paid transfer for a Dutch women’s player; won three Norwegian league and cup doubles

  • Vålerenga (2018–2020): 61 appearances, 15 goals

  • Ajax (2021–present): Joined in January 2021; voted Ajax Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024; captain and key figure in domestic and European campaigns

International Career

  • Debut: 31 August 2006 (aged 16)

  • Caps: 241 (most-capped Dutch and European player as of April 2025)

  • Goals: 46

  • Major Tournaments:

    • UEFA Women’s Euro 2009 (semifinalist)

    • UEFA Women’s Euro 2013

    • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015

    • UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 (champion, scored in the final, Team of the Tournament, knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau)

    • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 (runner-up)

    • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (captain, played all matches)

Achievements & Honours

  • Club:

    • BeNe League Champion: 2012–13, 2013–14 (Twente)

    • Norwegian League & Cup: 2014, 2015, 2016 (LSK Kvinner)

  • International:

    • UEFA Women’s Euro Champion: 2017

    • FIFA Women’s World Cup Runner-up: 2019

  • Individual:

    • Ajax Player of the Year: 2023, 2024

    • Most-capped player in Dutch and European football history

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Leadership, vision, passing, set-piece ability, and composure under pressure

  • Style:

    • Central midfielder, orchestrator, and team captain known for her influence on and off the pitch

FAQs About Sherida Spitse

What position does Sherida Spitse play?
Midfielder

Which club does she play for?
Ajax

How old is Sherida Spitse?
35 (born May 29, 1990)

What are her main achievements?
UEFA Women’s Euro champion, World Cup finalist, most-capped European international, multiple club titles

What is her playing style?
Leadership, technical skill, and tactical intelligence as a central midfielder

Conclusion

Sherida Spitse is a legendary figure in Dutch and European women’s football, leading Ajax and the Netherlands with distinction, breaking records, and inspiring future generations with her achievements and leadership.