Dutch midfielder passes Caroline Seger with 241st cap, marking a historic moment in women’s soccer
Twenty years, 241 games, and one unforgettable legacy. Sherida Spitse has officially become the most-capped European player in international football history—and she’s still not done writing her story.
On a chilly night in Altach, Austria, the Netherlands midfielder stepped onto the pitch and quietly made history. With that appearance, she overtook Sweden’s Caroline Seger, a legend in her own right, and carved her name into football’s all-time list with the kind of quiet determination that’s defined her entire career.
From a teenage debut to a towering record
It’s been a long ride. Spitse made her debut back in 2006—just 16 years old, playing against England at The Valley in London. The Dutch team lost 4–0 that day. Few remember the scoreline. But the skinny kid in orange with a fierce look in her eye? She was impossible to forget.
She didn’t score that day. She rarely makes headlines with flashy goals or viral moments. Instead, she became the heartbeat of a national team that rose from obscurity to global contenders.
“She’s always been there,” one Dutch fan said outside the stadium. “Quiet leader. Doesn’t ask for attention. Just gives everything.”
Now, at 34, she’s still wearing the captain’s armband. Still leading. Still setting the standard.
The numbers don’t lie—but they don’t tell the whole story either
241 international appearances is mind-blowing on its own. But those matches came over nearly two decades, across three generations of teammates, through coaching changes, tactical shifts, and injuries.
Spitse isn’t just durable—she’s essential.
Here’s a quick look at what that journey has looked like:
| Year of Debut | Age at Debut | Total Caps | Major Tournaments Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 16 | 241 | 4 UEFA Euros, 3 World Cups, 2 Olympics |
And she’s done more than show up. She’s scored vital penalties, played in two Euro finals (winning one in 2017), and helped take the Netherlands to their first-ever World Cup final in 2019.
Spitse joins rarefied company—above the men too
This record isn’t just a women’s milestone—it’s a European milestone.
Spitse now has more international caps than any European player, male or female. That includes Cristiano Ronaldo, whose tally of 219 was once considered unreachable.
Let that sink in.
She’s played more times for her country than the most famous footballer on the planet.
But you won’t hear her talk about numbers. When asked post-match about the record, she brushed it off.
“It’s not about me,” she said. “It’s about the team. Always.”
One sentence. No fanfare. That’s Spitse in a nutshell.
The road wasn’t always smooth—but she never wavered
There were injuries. There were losses. And early on, there were years when women’s matches barely got TV time, let alone packed stadiums. But Spitse kept showing up. Kept leading. Kept raising the bar.
There was a time when the Netherlands weren’t even considered a top-10 nation. Now they’re a force. And no one can tell that story without mentioning Spitse.
• First Dutch woman to reach 200 caps
• Played every minute of Euro 2017, which they won
• Captained the side through the Tokyo Olympics and beyond
Fans call her “Queen Sherida” on social media—not because she demands it, but because she’s earned it.
What’s next? She’s not done just yet
Spitse might be 34, but she’s still playing like someone with unfinished business. Her passes are crisp. Her leadership is obvious. And with the UEFA Women’s Nations League still underway, she’s already eyeing the next match, not the past ones.
“I still love it. Every time I pull on the shirt, it feels special,” she said.
And why shouldn’t it? She’s still contributing at the highest level, and younger players continue to lean on her experience. The locker room listens when she talks—not because she shouts, but because she means every word.
No one knows how many more caps she’ll add. But does it matter? She’s already done something that may never be matched.
