Nineteen-year-old New Zealand age group international, Emma Pijnenburg, has reached a significant milestone in her career by securing her maiden professional contract. The talented midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the esteemed Dutch top-tier club, Feyenoord, extending her commitment to the club until mid-2026.
Expressing her delight, Pijnenburg conveyed her pride at joining Feyenoord, stating, “I am proud of the fact that I signed my first contract with Feyenoord.” She added, “It has all happened very quickly in the past period. The next goal for me now is to remain a regular starter for Feyenoord Women 1.”
Manon Melis, Women’s Football Coordinator at Feyenoord, lauded Pijnenburg’s progress, remarking, “It is wonderful to see all the steps Emma has managed to take this season in a short time. She is experiencing excellent growth and has more than earned this first contract. We are watching with great interest how her development will proceed in the coming years.”
Pijnenburg’s journey to professional football has been marked by notable achievements. Following her move overseas in late 2022, she played a pivotal role in guiding her Western Springs club to a runners-up finish in the Women’s National League. Subsequently, she earned a call-up to the Football Ferns squad for their two-match series against Thailand in April 2024, although she did not feature in either game.
Her standout performances for New Zealand were showcased at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in July 2023, where she netted four goals, aiding her team in securing qualification for the 2024 U-20 World Cup.
Joining the Feyenoord academy marked a significant step in Pijnenburg’s career, culminating in her first-team call-up for the Rotterdam derby played on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
Emma Pijnenburg’s progression underscores the growing influence of New Zealand talent on the global football stage, promising an exciting future for both the player and her club.