On 17 May, the Netherlands U-17 women’s national team became European champions in the Faroe Islands after a 2-1 final victory over Norway.
This means that the young Oranjeleeuwinnen will travel to Morocco as the best European team when the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025™ kicks off there on 17 October.
Ahead of the tournament, FIFA spoke to 17-year-old captain Rosalie Renfurm of Utrecht, who has set her team a clear goal for the global finals. The midfielder, who contributed two goals and an assist during her team’s triumphant European campaign, also talks about her pride in pulling on that famous orange shirt – and why Lionel Messi is her football idol.
Rosalie Renfurm: I think it will be a tournament with many good teams, all with their own individual strengths and qualities. But we’re travelling to Morocco to become world champions.
It’s something we can be really proud of as a country. It’s great that we’re able to take part in the biggest event in this age group. I think the Netherlands should always be involved in the major tournaments and give everything to achieve the maximum.
It was a very special journey that we will remember forever. To be part of your first European Championship and then to win it is a dream that we fulfilled as a team.
We grew closer and closer together throughout the tournament. We are a strong team that knows what we are capable of, and we never let each other down.
Every time I get to put the jersey on again, I get a tingling sensation and realise how special it is to represent my country. It’s a moment of pride.
It’s great to see that players who took part in this tournament are now big names in women’s football. That motivates me enormously, because that’s my dream too.
I’ve been a big fan of Lionel Messi since I was a child. For me, he’s the best footballer there is. His style of play is simply a joy to watch.
