Mauro Zijlstra Gears Up for Eredivisie Debut with FC Volendam’s First Team
Mauro Zijlstra is set to enter a new chapter in his football career as part of FC Volendam’s senior squad for the 2025-26 Eredivisie season. The 20-year-old forward, who has Indonesian heritage, began his development at the AZ Alkmaar academy before gaining further experience with AFC and NEC. In June 2024, he officially joined FC Volendam and made his professional debut shortly after. Since then, he has made seven appearances, including two as a starter, although he has yet to register a goal or assist.
FC Volendam’s return to Eredivisie comes on the heels of a successful campaign in the Eerste Divisie during the 2024/2025 season. After being relegated in the 2023/2024 season, the club bounced back by winning 26 matches and collecting 82 points in total, securing the championship title and automatic promotion. This strong team performance marks a turning point for the club, which had previously struggled and finished 17th in the Eredivisie, narrowly avoiding the bottom spot.
As the new season approaches, Volendam has announced a 21-player roster that includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and seven forwards. Mauro Zijlstra is among the attacking options and has been assigned the number 19 jersey. Despite this opportunity, he faces stiff competition for playing time from more experienced forwards like Robert Muhren and Henk Veerman, meaning he must prove himself through consistent performances.
In parallel with his club ambitions, Zijlstra may also be part of Indonesia’s long-term national team plans. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) continues to expand its naturalization program, and Zijlstra is reportedly among the candidates being considered. With Indonesian lineage from his paternal grandmother who hails from Bandung, he meets the criteria for naturalization and could soon contribute to the national team setup if the process moves forward.
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