Ashleigh Weerden: “I couldn’t even celebrate properly because I was just overwhelmed”
Ashleigh Weerden is more than just one of Ajax’s most exciting players. From the playgrounds of her childhood to the pitch of the Johan Cruijff ArenA, she has carved her own path. In this exclusive Life After Football Interview , she opens up about her fashion style, her football career, and about mentorship.
For Ashleigh Weerden, fashion isn’t about luxury or showing off. It’s about feeling confident and expressing who she is. Her collection of more than a hundred Nike sneakers tells the story of someone who mixes street style with femininity, and who finds inspiration everywhere from R&B to Memphis Depay.
How would you describe your clothing style?
Ashleigh Weerden: “My style is quite bold. A bit street, a bit of old-school R&B. I try to reflect that in how I dress. But it’s also feminine and sometimes even a little sexy. For example, I’ll wear baggy pants with a cropped top to balance things out. I’m not someone who cares about luxury. I can happily buy clothes from Primark, no problem.”
Which footballer inspires you when it comes to fashion?
“Memphis Depay! I really like his style. It’s obviously very masculine, but I’d give it my own twist to make it more feminine. He can also dress very classy, he just has a great sense of fashion and always looks good, whether he’s at training or going to a gala. I also like how he combines everything. His color choices always match perfectly with his shoes.”
Do you have teammates you can talk about fashion with?
“Yes, my best friend Quinty Sabajo (Ajax Women) and I talk about fashion a lot. She’s got great style too, quite similar to mine. We keep each other updated on new trends and sneakers that just dropped. Sometimes we send each other outfit ideas and help match pieces together. It’s fun, we kind of inspire each other.”
How do you keep up with new fashion trends?
“I follow a lot of sneaker shops and fashion pages on Instagram. I’m also on TikTok a lot. I see so many new outfit ideas and trends there that give me inspiration. That’s how I keep learning and developing my own style.”
Ashleigh’s story isn’t just about style, it’s about growth. From FC Twente to Montpellier and now Ajax, she’s experienced life across borders, learned independence, and fulfilled her childhood dream of scoring in ‘De Klassieker’ at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. And yet, her ambition continues to grow. Both for herself and for women’s football.
You moved from FC Twente to Montpellier at a young age. How did you experience that?
“It was a great challenge for me. I was only twenty and had to do everything on my own. I got an apartment and a car. Everything was well arranged, but suddenly I had to do things like washing, cooking, and deciding my own schedule. You have to grow up fast. It was a big adjustment, but I went there for football, and look back on it positively. I grew both as a player and as a person.”
Last summer, you joined your dream club, Ajax. How was it to play against Feyenoord in the Johan Cruijff ArenA and even score?
“That was honestly a dream come true. I grew up with Ajax, my whole family supports the club. It’s always been my dream to play in the ArenA. For a long time, people said it would never happen for women, so when I found out that De Klassieker would be played there, it felt so special. From that moment, I told myself I would give everything and score, and I did. I couldn’t even celebrate properly because I was just overwhelmed.”
Where do you hope women’s football will be in ten years?
“I hope Dutch women’s football keeps growing so that, for example, every game could be played in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. I want to see full stadiums every week. Personally, I want to reach the highest level possible, whatever that may be. I’d also love to play abroad again one day if the right opportunity comes. But we’ll see. Time will tell where my ceiling is.”
Even as her career grows, Ashleigh remains grounded: relying on close friends, creative outlets, and her own sense of purpose. She credits her upbringing and early experiences for keeping her humble, stylish, and ambitious all at once.
You mentioned your best friend Quinty Sabajo helps you stay in tune with fashion. How important is it to have someone like that around?
“It means a lot. We can really talk about everything. Football, fashion, life. We keep each other sharp and motivated, both on and off the pitch. I think it’s important to have someone who understands your world completely and still keeps you grounded.”
How do you balance your love for fashion and football without one taking over the other?
“For me, they actually go hand in hand. When I look good, I feel good. And when I feel good, I play better. It’s all connected. Football is my career, but fashion is how I express myself. They both give me energy in different ways.”
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Ashleigh Weerden sharing his story in our interview? Read the full interview in our magazine issue 79.
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