Joël Zwarts

Joël Zwarts (born 26 April 1999) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bulgarian First League club CSKA Sofia.

Club career Born in Capelle aan den IJssel, Zwarts played youth football for VV Hillegersberg, VV Nieuwerkerk, Sparta Rotterdam and SBV Excelsior before joining Feyenoord in the summer of 2017. He made his debut for the club a day later in a 3–3 Eerste Divisie draw with Jong Ajax. On 24 June 2019, he returned to Excelsior on a three-year contract.

On 15 July 2021, Zwarts signed for 2. Bundesliga side Jahn Regensburg. On 14 July 2022, he returned to the Netherlands and joined ADO Den Haag on loan.

On 8 August 2023, Zwarts moved to 1860 Munich in 3. Liga.

On 19 June 2024, Zwarts joined VfL Osnabrück, also in 3. Liga. His contract was terminated after a single season at the club.

After six months without club, Zwarts signed a contract with Bulgarian First League club Lokomotiv Plovdiv on 9 February 2026. Three days later, he made his club debut as a substitute for Efe Ali, in the Bulgarian Cup tie against Botev Plovdiv, helping Lokomotiv to a 1–0 victory. He finished the season as Lokomotiv's top league goalscorer, with eight goals from fifteen appearances.

On 18 June 2026, Zwarts signed for fellow Bulgarian First League club CSKA Sofia after they reportedly met the €500 000 release clause in his Lokomotiv contract. He made his debut on 9 July, in a 3–2 win over Derry City in the first qualifying round of 2026–27 UEFA Europa League. On 27 July, Zwarts scored his first goals for CSKA, netting brace for a 3–2 league win over Botev Plovdiv.

International career Zwarts has played for the Netherlands at under-19 level.

Career statistics