HERA United has reached an agreement with Emma Pijnenburg on a contract for the 2026–2027 season. The midfielder joins from Wellington Phoenix FC in New Zealand.
Pijnenburg was born on 13 September 2004 in Amsterdam and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. Her football career began at Western Springs AFC before she joined Feyenoord in the winter of 2023. She made 28 appearances for the Rotterdam club in the Eurojackpot Vrouwen Eredivisie. In December 2025, she returned to New Zealand to play for Wellington Phoenix FC, where she scored twice in 17 appearances and helped the club reach the A-League Women final. Internationally, she represents the Football Ferns, the New Zealand national team.
Technical Director Mark Coonen: “In a short space of time, Emma has shown on two continents that she adapts effortlessly to different styles of play. She brings the technical foundations and resilience we were looking for, also with her international experience. With Emma in the squad, we strengthen the heart of our midfield.”
Emma Pijnenburg: “I was born in Amsterdam and it has always held a special place for me. But above all, I’m choosing HERA because I want to help build something that matters here. I can see what this club is trying to create and I want to be part of it. I’m really excited about what we can achieve together!”