Manchester United defender Dominique Janssen has been named preliminary captain of the Netherlands international team.
Netherlands are looking for a new captain after Sherida Spits announced her retirement from international football.
Who is Dominique Janssen?
Dominique Janssen is one of the most experienced players within the Netherlands ranks.
The defender has racked up 126 caps for her national team since first earning her debut in 2018.
Janssen was a crucial part of the Dutch team that won Euro 2017 before Sarina Wiegman departed to become England manager.
As a result of her vast experience on the international stage, the appointment of Janssen as temporary captain was a fairly obvious decision.
The 30-year-old has captained the Netherlands at various youth levels through her career, but never the senior side.
Arjan Veurink has chosen Manchester United’s Dominique Janssen as the captain of The Netherlands for tomorrow’s game, his first international match as manager.
Janssen “It’s a great honour, I’m incredibly proud.”#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/JZ6OLAiv7x
— All For United WFC (@AllForUnitedWFC) October 23, 2025
After being announced as the preliminary captain for her nation, Janssen said: “It’s an honour, I am very proud. Arjan [Veurink] came up to me and told me. I am mostly looking forward to playing tomorrow. It’s temporary, he wants to see how things go now.”
Netherlands face off against Poland and Canada during the international break.
Janssen has enjoyed a successful start to the season with Manchester United so far with the defender playing in every league game alongside Maya Le Tissier.
The centre-back was sent off in her last game prior to the international break, but United held on for three points against Atletico Madrid despite her dismissal.
Netherlands not set on new captain
Despite naming Dominique Janssen as preliminary captain, Netherlands boss Arjan Veurink admitted she may not have the role permanently.
“We haven’t made a final decision yet on who will be our first captain or what the leadership group will look like.” Veurink said. “We believe it simply takes more time — during training sessions, matches, and within team dynamics — to make the best possible decision.
“It’s an important role for the team, and one that needs to be broadly supported. That’s why we want to take the time to make this choice carefully.”
By the time the World Cup rolls around in 2027 Janssen will be 32-years-old, so there is a possibility the United defender could become captain of her nation for one final major tournament.
