Van der Most: A Career Journey from Ajax to Utrecht
The trajectory of a professional athlete is often defined by loyalty, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. For Van der Most, this journey began in the youth ranks of Dutch football, eventually leading to a historic tenure at one of the world's most renowned clubs, Ajax, and a new chapter with Utrecht.
Early Development and Rise to Professionalism
Van der Most began her footballing education at VV Papendrecht before moving to the girls' academy of SteDoCo at the age of 11. Her potential was quickly recognized by national scouts, leading to her selection for the KNVB Talent team (the Royal Dutch Football Association's elite development program) in September 2008.
In July 2012, she made the pivotal move to Ajax, marking the start of a defining era in her career. She made her professional debut on August 24, 2012, in a match against SC Heerenveen.
The Ajax Era: Records and Resilience
During her time with Ajax, Van der Most became a cornerstone of the squad. While her debut occurred in 2012, she recorded her first league goal against SC Heerenveen on February 3, 2017, finding the net in the 67th minute of the match.
Her longevity and consistency were highlighted in March 2019 when she surpassed Desiree van Lunteren's record of 166 games, making her 167th appearance for the club.
However, her career faced a significant challenge in February 2020 when a knee injury sidelined her for an entire year. Demonstrating her commitment to the club, she extended her contract on July 9, 2021, committing to stay with Ajax until 2023.
By the time she departed in May 2023, Van der Most had achieved a remarkable milestone: she played in Ajax's first-ever official match and accumulated a total of 216 appearances.
Transition to Utrecht
Following her departure from Ajax, Van der Most sought a new challenge. On May 23, 2023, it was officially announced that she had joined Utrecht. She successfully transitioned to her new team, making her league debut against Feyenoord on September 10, 2023.
Key Facts
- Total Ajax Appearances: 216 matches.
- Record Broken: Surpassed Desiree van Lunteren's 166-game record in March 2019.
- Professional Debut: August 24, 2012, against SC Heerenveen.
- Youth Background: Played for VV Papendrecht and SteDoCo.
- Current Club: Utrecht (joined May 2023).
| Period/Date | Milestone/Club | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| September 2008 | KNVB Talent Team | Earned a spot in the national talent program |
| July 2012 | Ajax | Transferred to the club |
| February 3, 2017 | First League Goal | Scored against SC Heerenveen (67th minute) |
| March 2019 | Appearance Record | Reached 167 games, overtaking Desiree van Lunteren |
| February 2020 | Injury | Knee injury resulting in one year of absence |
| May 23, 2023 | Utrecht | Official transfer to Utrecht |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Van der Most make her professional debut?
She made her professional debut on August 24, 2012, playing for Ajax against SC Heerenveen.
How many appearances did she make for Ajax?
Van der Most made a total of 216 appearances for Ajax before leaving the club in May 2023.
Which record did she break while playing for Ajax?
In March 2019, she broke Desiree van Lunteren's record of 166 games by making her 167th appearance.
What injury affected her career in 2020?
In February 2020, she suffered a knee injury that kept her out of professional play for one year.
When did she join Utrecht and make her debut?
She was announced as a Utrecht player on May 23, 2023, and made her league debut against Feyenoord on September 10, 2023.