Nando Pijnaker

Early life Pijnaker was born in the Netherlands and migrated to New Zealand with his family at the age of three, settling in Rotorua. He attended and played football for Western Heights High School and also began playing for local club Ngongotaha, making his first-team debut at the age of 15.

Club career Western Suburbs In 2015 Pijnaker moved to Wellington to join the Olé Football Academy, Pijnaker was part of the team to win the Central League in 2017 and reach the final of the 2018 Chatham Cup.

Torslanda IK Following the conclusion of New Zealand's 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, Pijnaker joined his former coach Declan Edge at Swedish Division 2 Norra Götaland side Torslanda IK, He made his debut on 15 June 2019, starting in a 3–2 loss to Stenungsunds IF.

Grasshopper After a 10 day trial, Pijnaker signed in January 2020 with Swiss Challenge League club Grasshopper, joining international teammate Max Mata. He made two appearances for the club.

Sligo Rovers On 8 February 2022, Pijnaker joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers on a season-long loan deal. On 21 December 2022, his transfer was made permanent. On 1 April 2024, Pijnaker suffered broken ribs in a collision with his own goalkeeper Ed McGinty in a 3–0 loss away to St Patrick's Athletic. On 1 September 2024, it was announced that Pijnaker had left the club to return closer to home.

Auckland FC On 3 September 2024, Pijnaker joined the newly formed A-League Men side, Auckland FC, becoming their 22nd signing ahead of their inaugural season in the A-League Men. Pijnaker scored his first goal for the club against Sydney FC, netting the match-winner in the 97th minute. The match-worn shirt from the game was later donated to the Auckland Museum, where it became part of the museum’s collection representing Auckland FC’s inaugural A-League Men season.

International career

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.

On 25 June 2021, Pijnaker was called up to the New Zealand squad for the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics.

On 14 May 2026, Pijnaker was named in the 26-man New Zealand squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Career statistics

Honours Western Suburbs Central League winners: 2017, 2019 Chatham Cup runner-up: 2018

Eastern Suburbs New Zealand Football Championship champions: 2018–19

Auckland FC A-League Premiership: 2024–25 A-League Men Championship: 2026