I'M
Merel
vaN
Dongen.
I am an ex professional football player, with the ambition to continue to work in women's football until we have reached its full potential. During my active career I played 3 World Cups, 1 Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 and 3 European Championships with the Dutch national team. I played for Ajax, Real Betis, Atletico Madrid, and CF Monterrey (Mexico). I won a lot. But above all I learned what this sport means to so many young boys and girls, and the impact it has on our entire society. I believe women's football is the diamond in the rough and here I am, polishing cloth in my hand, trying to help it shine more than ever.
THe goal is this feeling
everything TO achieve my goal
MEREL THE PLAYER
IN THE HEART
Orange Lioness
January 2024 - July 2025
Club de Futbol Monterrey
(Mexico)
In january 2024 I started an adventure, which went on to be the biggest football adventure of my life. I fell in love with Monterrey, Mexico and its supporters. 50,000+ supporters saw how we won the title twice after a thrilling penalty shoot-out, coming behind twice and making historic comebacks. Monterrey and Mexico are forever in my heart. Here is where I felt I wanted and needed to retire. My last game as a professional football player I played in the blue and white stripes Monterrey
July 2020 - December 2024
Atlético Madrid
My favorite club in Madrid!
Champions League quarterfinalist
Contract until December 2024
July 2018 - July 2020
Amazing two years off football and also the place where I learned my first palabras en español...
Thanks to my then girlfriend and now wife Ana and my time in Sevilla I am now pretty fluent in Spanish but with a strong Andalusian accent
Real Betis
January 2015 - July 2018
AFC Ajax
As a 5 year old girl from Amsterdam I wrote a letter to Ajax. I wanted to play there. They wrote me back: They didn't have women's football. Times changed, Ajax started with women's football and I made my debut for the club of my life where we became National Champions twice and won the cup, twice.
July 2012 - December 2014
University of Alabama
Living the American dream as a 19 year old. Far away from home I studied psychology, learned English and played football on the highest college level for the University of Alabama.
July 2011 - July 2012
ADO Den Haag
My first year in the Dutch Eredivisie. We won the league and the cup. I was still a midfielder, playing as an 8 or 10. Those were the days;)
December 2015 - July 2018
Trainer sc Buitenveldert
Responsible for practicing, coaching the U-17 team at my old club. At the same time I tried to inspire my younger generation. Who works hard and is determined can reach great goals.
2000 - 2009
Basketball-player
Until my 16th I combined football with basketball. I loved both but the level of training didn't allow me to play both. I decided to say goodbye to basketball. I don't regret it but I miss it still.
MEREL THE PERSON
This is me, as a person, what I stand for and where I make myself heard
Football Analist
Speaker
Moderator
VOETBAL INTERNATIONAL
BOOK MEREL
"Some speakers inform. Merel inspires. There's something about the way she holds a room that makes everyone in it feel like they're part of something bigger."
Moderator
Merel van Dongen is available as moderator for panels, conferences, award ceremonies, and corporate events. She brings structure without stiffness, warmth without losing pace, and the kind of credibility that comes from a career spent performing under pressure, in front of thousands.
Speaker
Merel brings a story that stops people in their tracks: three World Cups, a career across five countries, and hard-won lessons about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to perform under pressure. And yes, she's genuinely funny.
Clinics and other activities
Having played at the highest level across five countries, including Ajax, Atlético Madrid, and the Dutch national team, Merel knows what it takes to develop as a footballer and as a person. Her clinics and football activities go beyond technique. She talks about mentality, identity, and what it means to build a career in women's football — from someone who lived it.
CONTACT
Contact me for anything, I'd love to hear from you! Use the form here, or email directly to:
