How a Singaporean footballer chose Borussia Dortmund over university to chase her dreams
SINGAPORE: For Danelle Tan, football isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion turned career. At only 19, she has already achieved what many young athletes dream of: playing professionally for Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs.
But this milestone came with sacrifices, including setting aside a university education and moving thousands of kilometers away from home.
From a Childhood Love to a Professional Path
Danelle’s journey into football began early. Growing up in Singapore, she dabbled in various sports alongside her three siblings, from chess to badminton. But football stood out.
“Football always felt special,” Danelle shared. “It wasn’t just a hobby—it became a part of who I am.”
At just 14, Danelle made her debut with Singapore’s senior national team, becoming the youngest international goalscorer in the country’s history after netting a penalty during the 2019 AFF Women’s Championship.
Despite these achievements, Danelle knew that Singapore’s limited football infrastructure couldn’t support her professional aspirations.
The Big Leap Abroad
In 2022, at 17, Danelle moved to the UK to study at Mill Hill School and play for London Bees FC. The experience was transformative, introducing her to a more physically demanding style of football.
“I had to improve my physicality,” she recounted. “Competing against stronger players pushed me to grow as an athlete.”
In late 2022, Danelle faced a pivotal decision. She had been offered a scholarship to the prestigious College of William and Mary in the United States, which would allow her to compete in an NCAA Division I football program while earning a degree.
Yet, she chose Borussia Dortmund instead, recognizing the fleeting nature of a football career.
“You can study at any age,” she explained. “But you can only play football professionally for so long.”
Life in Dortmund
Now in Germany, Danelle juggles intensive training, matches, and daily German language classes. The transition hasn’t been without challenges, particularly the language barrier.
“Initially, I didn’t understand anything during training sessions,” she admitted. “But my teammates have been incredibly supportive, helping me adjust.”
As part of Borussia Dortmund’s women’s team, currently in the fifth tier of Germany’s football league system, Danelle has scored 12 goals in 14 matches, contributing significantly to the team’s promotion ambitions.
“The dream is to grow with this club and one day play in the Bundesliga,” she said.
Representing Singapore
Despite her international success, Danelle remains deeply connected to her roots. Representing Singapore on the global stage remains one of her proudest achievements.
“There’s no greater honor than wearing your country’s jersey and singing the national anthem before a match,” she said.
As an ambassador for women’s football in Singapore, Danelle hopes to inspire young girls to pursue their passions. “I want to show them that no dream is too unconventional if you’re determined to achieve it.”
