Sherida Spitse (born 29 May 1990) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ajax in the Eredivisie Vrouwen and represents the Netherlands national team. She is a prominent figure in international football, holding the record for the most caps earned by any Dutch player, male or female.
Early Life and Club Career
Spitse began her senior career in 2007 with SC Heerenveen in the newly established Eredivisie Vrouwen. In 2012, she moved to FC Twente, where she won consecutive league titles. In 2014, she became the first Dutch female player to be transferred for a fee when she joined the Norwegian club LSK Kvinner FK. During her time in Norway, she won multiple Toppserien titles and Norwegian Women's Cups.
After a second stint with FC Twente (2017–2018) and a period with Vålerenga in Norway (2018–2020), where she captained the team to a league and cup double, Spitse joined Ajax in late 2020. At Ajax, she has continued to serve as a key defensive midfielder and leader on the pitch.
International Career
Spitse made her debut for the Netherlands national team in 2006 at the age of 16. Since then, she has become the most capped player in the history of Dutch international football, surpassing the previous record held by Annemieke Kiesel in 2019.
She was a central figure in the Netherlands' victory at the UEFA Women's Euro 2017, where she was named to the Team of the Tournament for her playmaking and set-piece abilities. She also played a vital role in the team’s path to the final of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the Netherlands finished as runners-up. Known for her vision, passing range, and proficiency in taking free kicks and penalties, she has remained a mainstay in the national squad through multiple coaching transitions.
Playing Style
Primarily deployed as a central or defensive midfielder, Spitse is recognized for her tactical intelligence, physical presence, and leadership. She is often credited with controlling the tempo of the game and is highly regarded for her delivery during dead-ball situations.
Personal Life
Spitse is open about her personal life and is married to Jolien van der Tuin. They have two children. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for the professionalization and growth of women's football in the Netherlands.