The Barclays WSL Rising Star is...
BWSL Rising Star – Veerle Buurman (Chelsea)
Buurman joined Chelsea back in September 2024 and spent her first year on loan at PSV, strengthening her tricks of the trade.
The Dutch International returned to the west-London club in pre-season before the 2025-26 season, and the defender was called into action either as a left back or a centre half as a replacement for injured duo Mille Bright and Naomi Girma.
It’s safe to say she’s really made her mark.
Wherever she’s asked to play, the teenager has been a player that can be relied on even in the big moments. Composed on the ball; she is aggressive without being reckless (she’s yet to be booked), strong in the air, and rarely looks hurried, regardless of the occasion or the opponent. There is a calmness about her that is reassuring and which belies her age..
Buurman came into a side full of serial winners and used to winning silverware each season – but she has not been overawed.
The 20 year old made her Barclays Women’s Super League Debut in September 2025 against Leicester City as she was given the nod by Sonia Bompastor to start alongside a star-studded back line alongside Millie Bright, Nathalie Bjorn and Ellie Carpenter.
Overall, the youngster made 12 appearances, including ten starts and two substitutions in her first season.
Throughout the season, Buurman played 907 minutes. Of those, Veerle only lost three times, and she helped her side keep five clean sheets. She added one assist at the other end.
Her stats have been impressive. She features in the 90th percentile for interceptions – remarkable evidence of her defensive intelligence and positional awareness – and in the 93rd percentile for progressive runs from defence. Meanwhile, sliding tackles are at the 80th percentile, while aerial duels and win percentage are both at the 79th percentile.
Buurman won her first piece of silverware with the Blues back in March, defeating Manchester United 2-0 in the Subway League Cup.
In doing this, she played her part in helping Chelsea secure Champions League football next season.
Word Credit: Rochelle Barnham