After joining the Blues in the 2024/25 season before spending the year on loan at PSV Eindhoven, Buurman has truly stepped into her place in Chelsea first team this season. Not only has she adapted to life at one of the highest standard clubs in womens football, but has exceeded standards by standing out as an exceptional talent.
At a club like Chelsea earning minutes on the pitch is never easy, especially with their squad depth and quality. But in her first season in the WSL, Buurman has continued to prove herself every time she’s stepped onto the pitch, with her excellent contribution throughout the season earning her the 2025/2026 WSL Rising Star Award.
Her arrival to Chelsea came on transfer deadline day back in September 2024, signing a four year deal after a season full of impressive performances and form over in the Vrouwen Eredivisie for PSV, where she had made 14 appearances. Her form quickly caught the attention of many, including Netherlands manager Andries Jonker, who handed her a debut call up to the Netherlands Senior squad for the European Championship Qualifiers. But for Veerle Buurman the international stage did not scare her with the young defender having already produced standout performances at both the U-17s and U-19s European Championships.
Following her signing for the Blues, Buurman returned to the Vrouwen Eredivisie on loan, continuing to perform consistently, helping PSV finish their 2024/25 campaign in second place and as League Cup winners. Her performances, efforts and form earned her the Johan Cruyff Talent of the year award, further proving how quickly she was developing into a rising star.
Last summer, Buurman continued her senior international journey when she travelled to the Euros with the Netherlands, featuring in two matches before returning to England ahead of what has been an incredible campaign for herself at Chelsea.
Back to club duties, it took just three games for her to make her debut for the Blues at home against Leicester City, where she played a key role in the build up to Chelsea’s match winning goal. For the remainder of the 2025 campaign she earned four more appearances for the blues before becoming a much more regular figure within the squad as well as a starter for Chelsea in 2026.
One of her most memorable moments in a Chelsea shirt came when she assisted Sam Kerr’s opening goal against the red devils in a home FA Cup Fixture. And it just kept getting better for Buurman as she went on to score her first competitive international goal in March 2026 in a World Cup Qualifiers match.
After an outstanding 90 minute performance in the Subway Cup Final, Buurman lifted the silverware with ease after being essential in the backline and contributing to a clean sheet in the final against Manchester United.
Another huge moment for the rising star came in a London Derby, where Buurman found the back of the net for the first time in a Chelsea shirt. Her sublime goal helped send her team through to the FA Cup semi finals, adding yet another highlight to what has truly been a breakthrough season.
This season has been nothing short of incredible for the young Dutch defender. Every time she steps onto the pitch she continues to produce both composed and impressive performances for both club and country. After making 24 appearances this campaign for Chelsea, she will sure be looking to become a regular starter for the Blues next season.
Her impact at Chelsea has been impossible to ignore. Her consistency, composure and determination at just 20 years of age has already made her one of the club’s brightest young talents and the future is looking incredibly exciting for a player of this calibre.
With Chelsea aiming to bring more silverware back to the club next season, Buurman is sure to be a key part of that defensive line. It may not have been the most dominant campaign for the Blues overall, but Buurman’s performances throughout the season certainly were.
