Nando Pijnaker

Nando Pijnaker (born 25 February 1999) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a defender for Swiss Challenge League club Grasshopper Club Zürich and the New Zealand national team.

Pijnaker was born in the Netherlands and migrated to New Zealand with his family at the age of three, settling in Rotorua. There, Pijnaker began playing with local club Ngongotaha, making his first-team debut at the age of 15.

Western Suburbs

Pijnaker joined the Olé Academy, run by Declan Edge playing for Western Suburbs in the Central League that features teams from the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand. Pijnaker was part of the team to win the Central League twice in 2017 and 2019, as well as runner-up in the 2018 Chatham Cup.

Eastern Suburbs

Through the Olé Academy partnership, Pijnaker signed for Olé affiliate Eastern Suburbs, winning the ISPS Handa Premiership and qualifying for the OFC Champions League.

Torslanda IK

Following the conclusion of New Zealand's 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, Pijnaker joined his former coach Declan Edge at Division 2 Norra Götaland side Torslanda IK, a club run in partnership with the Olé Academy. He made his debut on 15 June 2019, starting in a 5–0 loss to Stenungsunds IF.

Grasshopper

On 29 January 2020, Pijnaker joined international teammate Max Mata at Swiss Challenge League club Grasshopper Club Zürich.

U-20

Pijnaker was named in the New Zealand U-20 side for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Pijnaker played in all four games, playing full 90 minutes in all but one of them.

National team

Pijnaker made his senior debut for New Zealand on 18 November 2019, coming on as a substitute in their 0–1 loss to Lithuania.

Club

Western Suburbs

• Central League winners: 2017, 2019
• 2018 Chatham Cup runner-up: 2018

Eastern Suburbs

• New Zealand Football Championship champions: 2018-19