Bayern plane brings Sophie Proost unexpected Dutch news

Sophie Proost (19) received an unexpected call from national coach Arjan Veurink during a flight on Bayern Munich’s private jet, who immediately invited her to the Netherlands Lionesses play‑offs to fight for a World Cup ticket. The conversation came just as the plane taxied to the runway in southern Germany, shortly before the Champions League duel against Benfica.

Arjan Veurink, national coach of the Netherlands Lionesses, called Proost directly when he heard she was sitting in the back row. “I have good news for you,” he said, then invited her to the upcoming international match period. The staff had been monitoring Proost for some time because of her explosive dribbles and goal‑oriented play.

Bayern offers Proost playing minutes

Since her transfer from FC Twente to Bayern Munich, the 19‑year‑old has already recorded several goals and assists. In the German league she receives plenty of playing time, something the Netherlands coach considers crucial. “It’s simply time for the Netherlands,” Veurink said.

The UEFA Champions League duel against Benfica is Bayern’s first European match of the season. The Champions League match is seen as one of the year’s most important moments, and Proost benefits from the high intensity.

Play‑offs and World Cup ambitions

The Netherlands Lionesses must first defeat Hungary in a two‑leg tie: the first match tonight at 20:00 in Felcsút, the return leg on Tuesday at 20:45 in Tilburg. A win leads to the final against the winner of Turkey‑Slovenia. Proost emphasizes that she “always wants to be at the 2027 World Cup.”

Although the upcoming international period does not yet guarantee a World Cup squad, Proost sees it as a stepping stone. “I’m not talking about the World Cup next summer in Brazil yet,” she says, “but first this period must deliver success.”

From kindergarten to dribble queen

Proost grew up in Blaricum, where as a kindergartener she already stood as a ‘pawn’ on the stairwell field for her older brother Tijn. At eight years old she moved to BFC in Bussum, a partner club of Ajax, and was already playing against older boys. At sixteen she made the switch to Jong Ajax, after which FC Twente scouted her within a season.

At Twente she was given the freedom to take risks. Coach Corina Dekker praised her: “She is so uninhibited, so free on the ball, explosive, and moves forward at 180 kilometres per hour.” Proost herself explains: “Sometimes you play a 9, sometimes a 5. I love dribbling and creating chances.”

Her development was however tempered by a broken ankle and a broken collarbone, which kept her out of action temporarily. Nevertheless she broke through last season at Twente and earned the transfer to Bayern. “For me there is no plan B,” she states.

After the call Proost immediately called her father and mother, after which she stared silently at Lisbon for three hours from the aircraft window. Her thoughts drifted to the dreams she had long cherished, but also to everything she had to sacrifice to get here.

Last update: 07:54. Article written by Maarten Teunisse.