1. Overview
Kika van Es is a distinguished former Dutch professional footballer who played as a defender. Born on October 11, 1991, in Boxmeer, Netherlands, van Es rose to prominence through her pivotal role in the Netherlands national team, notably contributing to their triumph at the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 and their runner-up finish at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her career, marked by dedication and significant achievements, has left a lasting positive impact on the visibility and progress of women's football in the Netherlands.
2. Early Life
Kika van Es's journey into professional football began in her hometown, where she developed an early passion for the sport.
2.1. Birth and Background
Kika van Es was born on October 11, 1991, in Boxmeer, Netherlands. Her foundational years saw her engage with football from a young age, starting her career at the local club Olympia '18. This early involvement laid the groundwork for her extensive professional career, as she quickly demonstrated the talent and commitment that would define her path as a defender.
3. Professional Career
Kika van Es's professional career spans over a decade, marked by her contributions to numerous clubs and her significant presence on the international stage with the Netherlands national team.
3.1. Club Career
Kika van Es began her professional club career in 2008, joining Willem II in the Eredivisie. She remained with the club for two seasons, making 36 appearances and scoring 1 goal before moving to VVV-Venlo in 2010. During her two years at VVV-Venlo, she played in 37 matches and netted 4 goals. When VVV-Venlo dissolved in 2012, its players, including van Es, transitioned to the newly formed PSV/FC Eindhoven to compete in the BeNe League. With PSV/FC Eindhoven, she accumulated 56 appearances and scored 3 goals over four seasons until 2016.
In 2016, van Es signed with Achilles '29, where she played for one season, making 24 appearances and scoring 3 goals. Following this, on June 16, 2017, she transferred to FC Twente, adding 21 appearances and 1 goal to her record. After her stint at Twente, she moved to Ajax, playing for a year and appearing in 23 matches with 1 goal. Her career then took her to England, where she joined Everton, making 10 appearances from 2019 until September 2020. She subsequently rejoined FC Twente for a second spell, playing from 2020 to 2022 and making 35 appearances with 1 goal. Her final club was PSV, where she played for the 2022-2023 season, making 15 appearances.
3.2. International Career
Kika van Es was a consistent presence in the Netherlands national team across various age groups, showcasing her defensive prowess from a young age. She earned 1 cap for the Netherlands U15 team in 2006, followed by 16 appearances and 1 goal for the Netherlands U17 team between 2007 and 2008. From 2008 to 2010, she represented the Netherlands U19 team, making 20 appearances and scoring 1 goal.
Her debut for the senior Netherlands women's national football team came on November 21, 2009, in a match against Belarus. Although she was among the last three players cut from the squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2013, she made a triumphant return to the national stage. In 2017, van Es was a crucial member of the team that participated in and ultimately won the UEFA Women's Euro 2017, playing every minute of all six games. This victory was a landmark achievement for Dutch women's football, significantly raising its profile and inspiring a new generation. Following their historic win, the entire team, including van Es, was collectively honored by the Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Minister of Sport Edith Schippers, being made Knights of the Order of Orange-Nassau. This recognition underscored not only their sporting success but also their contribution to national pride and the advancement of women in sports.
Van Es was also selected for the squad that reached the final of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France. In 2023, she was named as part of the Netherlands provisional squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, further cementing her long-standing international career. Over her 2009-2022 senior international career, she amassed 77 caps.
4. Honours and Achievements
Kika van Es's career is marked by several significant team and individual accolades, reflecting her impact on Dutch football.
4.1. Team Honours
Van Es achieved notable success with the Netherlands national team:
- UEFA Women's Euro: Gold medal in 2017.
- Algarve Cup: Winner in 2018.
- FIFA Women's World Cup: Runners-up in 2019.
4.2. Individual Honours
In recognition of her contributions to the historic Euro 2017 victory, Kika van Es was individually honored:
- Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau: 2017
5. Retirement
Having concluded her playing career with PSV in the 2022-2023 season, Kika van Es is now a former professional footballer. While no specific public retirement announcement date is detailed, her status as a former player indicates the conclusion of her distinguished career.
6. Legacy
Kika van Es's legacy in Dutch women's football is profound, primarily through her instrumental role in the national team's golden era. As a key defender in the squad that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 and reached the final of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, she was central to a period that saw an unprecedented surge in the popularity and recognition of women's football in the Netherlands. The team's success, capped by the collective knighthood of the Order of Orange-Nassau, represented a significant moment for social progress and inclusivity in sports, showcasing the potential and achievement of female athletes on a national and international stage. Van Es's steadfast presence and contributions on the field helped to solidify the Netherlands' position as a powerhouse in women's football, inspiring many young girls and demonstrating the value of investing in female sports. Her career exemplifies the dedication required to achieve sporting excellence and its broader impact on societal perceptions of women's capabilities and achievements.