Wieke Kaptein: ”My biggest dream is that the people close to me always stay close.”
The Women’s EURO 2025 is in full swing, and so are the Oranje Lionesses. It’s the perfect time to spotlight rising star Wieke Kaptein, a midfielder who found early success with FC Twente and now represents one of the biggest names in women’s football, Chelsea FC in London.
To trace Wieke Kaptein’s journey, we travel back to Hengelo in Twente, the place where it all began. Born and raised, Wieke kicked off her football story with the local club Achilles ‘12. That wasn’t always the plan, though. “I did gymnastics for exactly a week when I was five,” she says with a grin. “Until I ran onto the field during my brothers’ football matches and people said, ‘That might be more her thing.’” Turns out, they were absolutely right.
Her football journey didn’t take off slowly, it leapt forward with purpose. “I always really looked forward to playing,” Wieke recalls. “I was a very energetic girl, and football was my outlet.” At Achilles ‘12, she played in boys’ teams and thrived in the underdog role. “You’d hear things like: ‘There’s a girl playing midfield, so we’ve got this.” But it didn’t take long before opponents were forced to eat their words, often before the final whistle.
A Star in the Making
Wieke Kaptein’s talent quickly landed her in FC Twente’s development squad, and by the time she was just 15, the club offered her a professional contract. Not long after, she was promoted to the first team and clinched the Eredivisie title and Super Cup in her debut season. How did she handle being younger than most of her teammates? “I never really struggled with it,” she explains. “When I joined, the girls immediately welcomed me.” She laughs, “Of course, sometimes you get called the baby or the youngster, but that comes with the territory. They still do that now.”
In April 2023, Wieke Kaptein made her debut for the Dutch national team. At just 17, she was called up for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, making her the youngest Dutch international ever, across both men’s and women’s teams, to appear at a World Cup. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, she was also awarded the prestigious NXGN9 Award and named Women’s Eredivisie Talent of the Year. Even though the modest midfielder insists being a champion isn’t just about trophies, we still think those achievements deserve applause.
From Twente to London
Wieke Kaptein’s list of accomplishments keeps growing. With FC Twente, she won two league titles, three domestic cups, and two Super Cups before making the leap to Chelsea. It was a major step up, joining one of the world’s top women’s clubs, but she still holds her Twente teammates close. “I want the girls I met there to be my friends forever. Every one of them is a champion to me.” And winning clearly suits her. In her first season with Chelsea, she helped secure another league title and lifted the FA Cup, cementing her status as a winner at every level.
Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Future
When asked if she ever reflects on how far she’s come, her initial response is humble, “Not often.” But then she pauses. “When I have conversations like this and talk about my life, I do think, wow, what have I actually been through?” she says. “I made my debut at 15, I went to a World Cup in Australia at 17, I’ve already played three seasons in the Eredivisie, and I made a dream transfer to England at 18.” If that’s not a champion’s résumé, we don’t know what is.
Wieke’s not just a team player with titles and accolades, she’s someone who stays true to herself. That, she says, is the real key to being a champion. “I definitely think I’m completely myself,” she says with confidence. “Sure, it’s all happened really fast, but my parents always taught me to stay grounded. And if there ever comes a time when I’m not myself anymore, my friends and family better tell me right away.”
Dreaming Bigger
So, what’s next for the Chelsea talent? “Football-wise, I hope to one day win a European Championship or World Cup with the Netherlands, or, of course, the Champions League with my club.” Maybe that dream will come true this summer at the EURO in Switzerland. But Wieke’s ambitions go far beyond trophies. “My biggest dream is that the people close to me always stay close. That is, and always will be, the most important thing.”
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