Danelle Tan, at just 20, holds the remarkable title of being the fifth-youngest goal scorer in the history of women’s football. Having made her international debut for Singapore at the tender age of 14, the young striker shares with aleagues.com.au the inspiration behind her decision to join Brisbane Roar following a memorable chapter with a European football powerhouse.
Picture yourself at 20 years old, reflecting on the significant moments from more than five years ago when your senior football journey started.
Welcome to the life of Danelle Tan.
From making her international debut at 14 to becoming the first Singaporean woman to play professionally in Europe, all while immersing herself in the “football religion” at the renowned Borussia Dortmund, Singapore’s pioneering striker is embarking on an incredible adventure that has brought her to Brisbane Roar and the Ninja A-League.
Tan’s football journey began at six when she joined her brothers at Singapore’s JSSL Academy. She made an instant impact by scoring 12 goals in her first training session; this rapid introduction hinted at the bright future ahead for a striker whose life was transformed within her early teenage years.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO SYDNEY FC v BRISBANE ROAR!
“In 2018, I had the chance to train with Ajax in the Netherlands,” Tan recounted to aleagues.com.au.
“That was my first experience with professional women’s football. I watched Ajax compete against PSV, which was their first Dutch women’s match streamed live. Being part of that crowd of over 5,000 was a pivotal moment for me — that’s when it all became real.”
“Then came 2019, a truly remarkable year. In March, while still playing for the Singapore Under-15s national team at a home tournament, I finished as the top scorer. At that moment, it felt like I had reached the pinnacle — representing my youth national team and performing well in front of family and friends.”
“As the year progressed, I debuted with the Under-19s, remember celebrating my 14th birthday during that tournament while competing at a higher level. It was an exhilarating year, with everything happening in rapid succession.”
“It was a year of highs and lows, but it made me take my football ambitions seriously and realise that pursuing this path was a real possibility.”
WEEKEND PREVIEW: Everything you need to know for Round 17 of the Ninja A-League
GET YOUR TICKETS TO SYDNEY FC v BRISBANE ROAR!
At 14, Tan made her senior international debut for Singapore, scoring against Timor Leste in August 2019, thus becoming the fifth-youngest goal scorer in women’s international football.
“A lot of people ask me about that goal. What stands out is that we actually lost the match. I was more focused on trying to get another goal to help the team rather than celebrating,” Tan shared. “But reflecting on it now, I’m incredibly proud. I was just 14, stepping up for that last-minute penalty.”
“I still recall how nervous I was waiting for the referee’s whistle. My legs were trembling, and to think I was about to take such an immense shot. It’s special to look back on it now.”
“It’s astonishing to reflect on how far I’ve come since those early days. I try to take things one step at a time as the journey can change in an instant. Football is quite unpredictable, and I want to embrace every moment.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO SYDNEY FC v BRISBANE ROAR!
Fast forward six years, and Tan is now proudly calling Australia home after signing with Brisbane Roar ahead of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
This is her first professional club experience after a significant period in Europe, starting with the London Bees before spending an unforgettable season at Borussia Dortmund — one of the continent’s prestigious clubs.
Having been established less than five years prior, Dortmund’s women’s team welcomed Tan into their ranks in 2023, as she contributed to the club’s rise in the German leagues, helping them achieve promotion from the fifth tier to the fourth.
“Dortmund was a unique opportunity,” Tan reflected. “It’s such a massive club with passionate fans. My dad and I visited Dortmund in February 2023 to explore and connect with everyone there.”
“The football culture captivated me. It’s true that football is almost a religion in Europe, but you must be there to fully comprehend it.”
“Every Sunday, an incredible 80,000 fans fill the stadium. The city oozes black and yellow everywhere you look — from stickers on signs to jerseys adorning restaurant walls. It felt surreal to be in that atmosphere.”
“In Dortmund, I saw their commitment to the women’s team. They had aspirations, which made my decision a lot easier. Even in the lower leagues, their plans for growth each year excited me immensely.”
“When the men’s team reached the Champions League final, the entire youth academy, along with the women’s team, were taken to watch the match. It felt like family; you could feel the unity at the club.”
“The supporters were remarkable too. During one cup match, in frigid -1 degree temperatures, fans still showed up to cheer us on. When we won and progressed in the tournament, they lit flares and celebrated with us. It truly felt like so much was at stake.”
YOUNG MATILDAS: Young Matildas claim the four-nations trophy as a Ninja A-League talent takes the Golden Boot
Tan’s choice to join Dortmund carried significant weight, as it meant putting her studies on hold. Before joining the German club, she had committed to the College of William & Mary in the United States, where she intended to balance her academic and athletic careers.
Yet, her acceptance to the US college came with a precondition.
“I received several offers, and I initially committed to William & Mary. The coaches there were wonderful, and I connected well with some players, creating a supportive environment,” Tan explained.
“However, the timelines didn’t align. The US offer came first, whereas options from Europe came later.”
“So, I told them I would remain committed unless a more attractive club opportunity presented itself, and they were extremely supportive. They understood where I was coming from.”
“I believe education can always be pursued later in life, but the window for a professional football career is quite limited. This factor ultimately influenced my decision. Although I was uncertain about what to expect at Dortmund, I embraced the challenge.”
By doing so, she made history as the first female Singaporean footballer to join a European club.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO SYDNEY FC v BRISBANE ROAR!
As a pioneering player breaking boundaries for her nation, Tan has also embraced her role as an ambassador for women’s football in Singapore, a responsibility she is still getting accustomed to.
“As a child, there weren’t role models to inspire me. There was nobody for me to look to and think: ‘She’s proving it’s possible for me too’,” Tan admitted.
“While my passion for the sport drives me, I have become increasingly aware of my growing influence.”
“Seeing young girls aspire to follow in my footsteps is incredibly meaningful. If my story can inspire them to chase their dreams, I would consider that an amazing achievement.”
Tan will have the exciting chance to inspire young talent when Brisbane Roar travels to Singapore in April for an exhibition match against a Women’s Premier League (WPL) All-Stars team.
This will mark the Ninja A-League club’s inaugural overseas tour, coinciding with the FIFA international window, providing a surreal opportunity for Tan to return home and play in a game she’d have loved to attend as a child.
“I have to share a funny story,” Tan began.
“When they announced the Singapore tour, they mentioned we would fly on April 1st. I genuinely thought it was an April Fool’s joke! The timing just didn’t seem real.”
“But once the details started pouring in, I realised: ‘Wow, this is really happening!’
READ MORE: Brisbane Roar makes history with landmark exhibition match
“This opportunity is truly thrilling,” Tan shared. “As a kid, watching a football team visit Singapore to face a local side would have been such a treat.”
“For all the young girls in Singapore dreaming of a football career or those unaware of its possibilities, I hope this game ignites their passion for the sport and introduces them to Brisbane Roar and the A-Leagues.”
In Brisbane, Tan has already felt the support of Singaporean fans, whether through social media interactions or cheering from the stands during Ninja A-League matches, noting an uptick in interest from her home nation towards both Brisbane Roar and the league.
“One of the great things about Australia is the significant Singaporean community,” Tan remarked.
“I regularly get messages from fellow Singaporeans saying they are excited to attend Brisbane Roar games. I’ve even met supporters at matches showing their support, which is heartwarming. Additionally, my performance is encouraging many back home to follow the A-Leagues, which is fantastic to see.”
“The support has been amazing. People back in Singapore can easily access A-League matches, which has enhanced interest.”
Tan made her on-field debut for Brisbane in January after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined her during the initial matches of the Ninja A-League season. Currently, the Roar are positioned fifth on the table, well within the finals race, with seven regular season fixtures remaining, giving Tan the opportunity to settle in and make her inaugural season in Australia one to remember.
“The A-League represented a truly unique opportunity for me,” she explained. “It was a hard offer to refuse as it is a professional league recognised for nurturing young talent.”
“Numerous young players, including former Young Matildas, have broken into the A-League before progressing to larger clubs, which I was eager to experience. Looking at the calibre of players at Brisbane Roar, we currently have three Matildas in our squad.”
“Tameka Yallop is a club legend, and the chance to train and play alongside her was incredibly appealing when I made my decision.”
“The A-League boasts a high level of quality, and that has pushed me to adapt quickly — especially coming back from injury. Competing against some of the world’s finest players has been beneficial for my development.”
Tan and Brisbane Roar’s next match is away against Sydney FC on Sunday, March 2, followed by a home clash with league leaders Melbourne City on Sunday, March 9.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO SYDNEY FC v BRISBANE ROAR!
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
