Claudia Scheunemann, a young striker from Indonesia, has signed a professional contract with FC Utrecht Women that will keep her at the club until the summer of 2028.
At just 16 years old, Claudia became the first Indonesian player to break into a top European league for women’s football, a remarkable achievement for Indonesian women’s football.
This success paves the way for more Indonesian female players to pursue their dreams on the international stage.
Her move to FC Utrecht Women is not only significant for her but also for Indonesian football. Coming from a background full of challenges, Claudia’s success is a reflection of the immense potential that Indonesian female football players possess, which is now gaining global attention.
Claudia Scheunemann's Career Journey
Born on April 24, 2009, in Tangerang, Claudia began her football journey in 2018 with Young Warrior FA, a football academy in Serpong Utara, Tangerang Selatan. At this academy, she began honing her football skills at a very young age, despite the fact that the team was predominantly made up of male players.
After five years of training at SSB Young Warriors, Claudia ventured into more competitive arenas, participating in various tournaments across Jabodetabek. Her successes led to her being called up for the Indonesia U-17 National Team, marking the start of her international career.
Claudia showed exceptional talent from an early age. At just 13 years old, she debuted for the Indonesia U-20 National Team, scoring a goal against Singapore. A year later, she made her debut for the Indonesia Women’s National Team during the World Cup Qualifiers against Lebanon, becoming the youngest player ever to play for Indonesia.
On May 28, 2024, Claudia made history again by scoring her first goal for the senior national team at just 15 years old against Singapore.
Embracing Her Professional Career in Europe
Claudia's move to FC Utrecht Women marks a new chapter in her football career. Joining a club with a long-standing history in the Dutch League, Claudia will now compete in one of the most competitive women’s leagues in the world.
According to the official FC Utrecht website, Marlou Peeters, the Technical Manager of Women’s Football at FC Utrecht, stated that Claudia has tremendous potential. Her technical skills and football insights make her a valuable asset to the team, and the club is eager to see her develop and shine with FC Utrecht.
With her already impressive international achievements at such a young age, Claudia is expected to become one of Indonesia’s rising stars in women’s football, bringing the name of Indonesia to the international stage. This move also marks a significant step in her career, where she will face even bigger challenges at the European level.
An Inspiration for Young Indonesian Players
Claudia is not only an inspiration for young Indonesian players, but she also opens doors for more Indonesian female talent to achieve success in global football. With her breakthrough into European football, Claudia is proving to the world that Indonesian female players can compete at the highest levels.
At FC Utrecht, Claudia aims to continue growing and target a regular spot in the first team. “My main goal is to work hard and learn so I can earn a regular place in the first team and achieve great success with FC Utrecht,” Claudia said with enthusiasm, as quoted from the official FC Utrecht website.
Her presence in Europe offers valuable opportunities to further sharpen her skills. Claudia is committed to continuing her learning and adaptation, hoping to make a significant contribution to the Indonesia Women’s National Team in the future.
With the extraordinary journey she has taken, Claudia is ready to be a role model for other young Indonesian players who aspire to succeed in international football.
Let’s support Claudia’s journey and other Indonesian female football players towards international success!
