Nina Nijstad

About

Nina Iyobosa Nekpen Nijstad (Dutch: [ˈni.naː ˈnɛi̯.stɑt], Edo: [ijɔ̀bɔ̀sà nɛ̀kpẽ̀]; born 5 March 2003) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Netherlands national team.

Nijstad started her youth career with LAC Frisia 1883, before joining Heerenveen in 2018. She made her professional debut for Heerenveen on 12 March 2021 in a 2–6 defeat to Twente.
On 21 March 2023, PSV announced that Nijstad will join the club on 1 July 2023. In April 2024, she extended her contract with the club until June 2028.
On 7 July 2026, Nijstad joined National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Portland Thorns, signing a four-year contract through 2029.

Formerly a Netherlands youth international, Nijstad represented the nation from under-19 level. She was part of the Dutch squad which finished fourth at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
In March 2024, Nijstad received her first call-up to the Netherlands national team. She made her international debut on 25 October 2024 by scoring two goals in a record breaking 15–0 win against Indonesia.

Nijstad was…