FB Barcelona star Esmee Brugts on emulating Ronaldinho and the story behind her braids

FC Barcelona football star Esmee Brugts is the epitome of versatility.

The situational shapeshifter has bagged an eight-minute hat-trick as a striker before finishing a game as a left-back.

Despite being 22, the Dutch international is rapidly becoming an important cog in this well-oiled machine.

Midweek antics in the UEFA Women’s Champions League only reinforced it, scoring once and assisting twice in a 7-1 demolition of Bayern Munich.

It was a statement of intent from the Catalan side, who are looking to move past their 24/25 final defeat.

"I think it’s a great response to the final last year, which hurt me and the whole club a lot,” Brugts said at full-time.

“We want to win the Champions League every year, it’s a goal of ours – I was really happy and proud to be playing in this team that played so well.”

Being able to perform on such a stage, for a club of Barcelona’s stature, takes a special type of mentality – one Brugts has been instilled with.

“If you feel nervous, it means something great is about to happen,” she told Life After Football.

“I tell myself: you get to experience this, so don’t forget to enjoy it. I’m a thinker, I regularly take a moment to reflect on everything I’m experiencing.

“I’m proud of what I’ve already achieved, but I want to become so much better and achieve so much more.”

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Esmee Brugts: Breaking through at the right time

In an alternate universe, Brugts could have represented the Netherlands in tennis, or even gymnastics.

But once she experienced football for the first time in school, it was a no-brainer that she would pursue it.

“I liked football so much I decided to join the boys club,” she revealed to 90min.

“I did not know it could be something I could make my job out of; I just played because I liked it.

“If you’re good at something, you’d like to see how far you can go. I always wanted to be the best, I think every child has that competitiveness in them.”

A letter from the Dutch Federation to try out for the youth team removed any doubt that this could go somewhere for the midfielder.

Playing with pleasure and love of the game is, by her own account, the secret to her success so far.

“I’m quite lucky to be in this generation because there have been a lot of changes already… I know we’re not there yet, but I can enjoy the improvements that we are already experiencing,” the Heinenoord native confessed.

“There’s still things that need to be discussed, more change needs to happen, and I will help do that – [but] seeing a difference is nice.”

Brugts and braids

Some players have a signature look that defines their notability. Just think of Alex Morgan, who remained instantly recognisable with something as small as her pink headband up until retirement.

Brugts is treading a similar path with her braids, which have become her go-to hairstyle.

“My braids are my trademark – I always wear the same braids, as a little girl I preferred that on the field,” Esmee remarked.

“Everyone knows me for my braids, but I am much more and can do much more.

“On the field, I am Esmee with the braids, but off the field I can also be very different.”

Not only does the signature hairstyle make her feel most herself when playing, it also helps Brugts feel close to her mother, who used to do her hair back in the Netherlands.

Given the importance of having a tight-knit family in Surinamese culture, this feeling cannot be understated.

“I grew up in the Netherlands, raised in the Netherlands and proud that I can play for the Dutch national team – but I am also proud to be half Surinamese.

“My mother moved when she was one. In Surinamese culture, family is very important – we are always there for each other and are proud of each other… we have a close bond.”

Inspired by Lieke Martens, Ronaldinho

Brugts was inspired by the likes of Lieke Martens, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.

The Dutch talent would watch clips of them online and try to emulate certain moves on the pitch (successfully so, too).

Coming into the national team and playing alongside Martens marked the stuff of dreams for the then-teenager.

The forward has since retired, but Brugts made sure to value those years with one of her biggest sporting idols.

“Sometimes when I’m in the dining room with the national team, I look around and think: I’m sitting next to Lieke Martens now… that remains special,” she said, in an interview with Helden last year.

“She has set the standard for us. I talk a lot with Lieke and learn a lot from her, we have a lot in common.”

Brugts is hopeful that she and her agemates can emulate that in the years to come.

“I’m very happy to play with such great players, but there will indeed come a day when we will have to take over from them completely,” she added.

“It is difficult to say who should take the lead; a player is either ready or not.

“We have a good group of players who make up for the loss – in the future, I can certainly be [a leader].”

Given her recent performances, the future in question could be sooner rather than later.

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