Esmee Brugts is one of the most exciting young talents in European football, celebrated for her versatility, technical skill, and intelligence on the pitch. As a midfielder and forward for FC Barcelona and the Netherlands national team, she has already delivered on the biggest stages and is seen as a future leader for both club and country.
Early Life and Background
Esmee Virginia Brugts was born on July 28, 2003, in Heinenoord, Netherlands. She started playing football at age five with SV Heinenoord, often competing with boys, which helped develop her competitive edge and technical ability. She later joined FC Binnenmaas, where her talent was further nurtured.
Club Career
PSV Eindhoven
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Signed her first professional contract with PSV at 16 in 2020.
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Made her senior debut in August 2020 and scored her first league goal in November.
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Played 54 league matches and scored 15 goals for PSV, including a hat-trick against Telstar in March 2023.
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Helped PSV win the KNVB Women’s Cup in 2021 and reach another final in 2022.
FC Barcelona
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Joined Barcelona in August 2023 on a four-year contract.
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Quickly showcased her adaptability, playing as a winger, full-back on both sides, and as a striker.
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Scored her first goals for Barcelona with an eight-minute hat-trick against Eibar in December 2023.
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Finished her debut season with 39 appearances and 10 goals, contributing to Barcelona’s Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Women’s Champions League triumphs.
International Career
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Progressed through all Dutch youth teams, starring for the U-17s with 13 goals in 19 matches.
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Made her senior Netherlands debut in February 2022 at age 18.
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Scored her first senior international goal in April 2022 and netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Iceland to secure World Cup qualification.
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Played every match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring twice against Vietnam.
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As of late 2024, has 39 caps and 10 goals for the Netherlands senior team.
Achievements and Honors
Club Honors
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FC Barcelona
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UEFA Women’s Champions League: 1 title
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Liga F: 1 title
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Copa de la Reina: 1 title
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Spanish Super Cup: 2 titles
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PSV Eindhoven
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KNVB Women’s Cup: 2021
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Playing Style and Strengths
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Exceptionally versatile: can play as a winger, full-back, midfielder, or forward.
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Praised for her technical skill, vision, work rate, and football intelligence.
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Strong dribbler, creative passer, and capable of scoring spectacular goals.
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Known for her adaptability and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Career Stats (as of December 2024)
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Date of Birth: July 28, 2003
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Height: 1.70 m
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Position: Midfielder / Forward / Winger / Full-back
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Current Club: FC Barcelona
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Club Number: 24
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Barcelona Appearances: 39
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Barcelona Goals: 10
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PSV Appearances: 54
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PSV Goals: 15
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Netherlands Caps: 39
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Netherlands Goals: 10
Frequently Asked Questions About Esmee Brugts
How old is Esmee Brugts?
She is 21 years old, born on July 28, 2003.
What position does Esmee Brugts play?
She plays as a midfielder, winger, forward, and full-back for FC Barcelona and the Netherlands.
What are Esmee Brugts’s major achievements?
Her honors include the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, and a KNVB Women’s Cup with PSV.
What makes Esmee Brugts stand out?
Her versatility, technical skill, work rate, and ability to deliver in key moments for both club and country.
Conclusion
Esmee Brugts’s journey from Heinenoord to the heights of European football is a testament to her talent, adaptability, and determination. Already a key figure for Barcelona and the Netherlands, she is set to inspire the next generation with her performances and leadership on the world stage.
