Danelle Tan Li Ern, born on October 25, 2004, in Singapore, is a professional footballer making waves in the world of women’s football. As a talented striker for A-League club Brisbane Roar and the Singapore women’s national team, Tan has quickly established herself as a dynamic and impactful player on the field. Her journey from a young football enthusiast to a recognized athlete showcases her dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. With a remarkable track record in various leagues and age groups, Danelle Tan represents not only her club but also the growing presence of women’s football in Singapore and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Danelle Tan discovered her passion for football at a young age, beginning her journey at just six years old. She joined her brothers at the JSSL Academy, where she quickly showcased her talent by scoring 12 goals during her first session. In 2022, Tan moved to London to attend Mill Hill School, where she made history as the first Singaporean footballer to sign with an NCAA Division 1 team. However, she later chose to forgo her spot to pursue a professional career with Borussia Dortmund.

Danelle Tan Li Ern : Personal Information

• Full Name: Danelle Tan
• Date of Birth: [Insert Date of Birth]
• Place of Birth: Singapore
• Nationality: Singaporean
• Current Club: Brisbane Roar (Australia)
• Previous Clubs:
  • Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
  • London Bees (England)
  • Lion City Sailors (Singapore)
  • Still Aerion (Singapore)
• Education:
  • Attended Mill Hill School in London, where she played for the first XI football team.
  • [Additional educational details can be added if available]
• Position: Forward
• Notable Traits:
  • Recognized for her exceptional scoring ability and competitive spirit.
  • Pioneering figure in women’s football in Singapore, being the first female player to compete in a European league.
• Interests:
  • Passionate about promoting women’s sports and empowering young female athletes.
  • Enjoys [insert hobbies or interests if available, such as travel, fitness, etc.]

Club Career

Tan’s professional journey began in 2019 when she joined Still Aerion, an amateur women’s team competing in the FAS Women’s National League. In her debut match, she made an impressive mark by scoring at just 14 years old, becoming the second-youngest goal scorer in league history. She went on to score 16 goals in just six games, making her the league’s top scorer that season. Additionally, she contributed four goals in the Challenge Cup, helping her team reach the finals.

In 2020, Tan signed with Lion City Sailors, but her opportunity to compete was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. While studying in London, she played for Mill Hill School’s first XI football team, becoming the first female player in that squad.

Danelle made her Lion City Sailors debut in July 2022, scoring twice shortly after coming on as a substitute. She went on to become the first female Singaporean to compete in a European league, making her debut for London Bees in the FA Women’s National League.

In July 2023, Tan made headlines by signing with Borussia Dortmund, where she became the first Asian female player on the team. She quickly adapted to her new environment, scoring her first goal in a pre-season friendly and becoming the top scorer in the Peuler Deerns Cup with five goals. Tan’s competitive debut occurred on August 12, 2023, during a 7–0 victory in the Westphalian Cup, where she showcased her skills by scoring three goals in her debut Landesliga match against DJK Spvgg Herten.

In August 2024, Danelle Tan joined Australian club Brisbane Roar, continuing her promising football career.

International Career

Tan has represented Singapore at various age levels, starting with the U16 team in 2017. She scored her first goal for the U16s in September 2018 and registered her first hat-trick shortly after. At just 13 years old, she made her U19 debut during the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualification, becoming the youngest player in the squad.

In March 2019, Tan excelled in a UEFA-FAS tournament, where she was the joint top scorer. She made her senior debut for the Singapore national team on August 16, 2019, at the AFF Women’s Championship, scoring a last-minute goal and becoming the youngest goalscorer in Singapore’s history.

In the 2022 FAS Tri-Nations series, she showcased her talent with two goals and an assist against Seychelles and was named one of the best players in a match against Papua New Guinea. Tan scored her first international hat trick in a dominant 9–0 win against Macau on July 16, 2024.

Personal Life

Danelle Tan has been recognized as an ambassador for women’s football in Singapore and was honored by Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth at the 2022 Women’s Football Conference. She has been cited as one of eight Singaporean women trailblazers in sports.

In addition to her football achievements, Tan represented Singapore in chess at the age of nine, ranking 143rd in the world for girls under 10 years old.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours

• Borussia Dortmund
  • Landesliga: 2023–24
  • Kreispokal: 2023–24
  • Peuler Deerns Cup: 2023–24

Awards and Achievements

• FAS Women’s National League
  • Top Scorer: 2019 season with 16 goals in 6 matches while playing for Still Aerion.
• Challenge Cup
  • Finalist: Helped Still Aerion reach the finals with 4 goals scored.
• Lion City Sailors
  • Made her debut in July 2022, quickly establishing herself as a key player.
• First Female Singaporean in European League
  • Made her debut for London Bees in the FA Women’s National League, marking a historic achievement in Singaporean women’s football.
• Borussia Dortmund
  • First Asian Female Player: Signed with Borussia Dortmund women’s team in July 2023.
  • Peuler Deerns Cup: Top scorer with 5 goals during the tournament.
  • Westphalian Cup: Scored a hat-trick in her debut Landesliga match against DJK Spvgg Herten.
  • Contributed to Team Promotion: Played a pivotal role in Dortmund winning the Landesliga and securing promotion to the Westfalenliga with 14 goals in 20 matches.
  • Kreispokal Champion: Part of the team that lifted the Kreispokal, a regional cup, in 2024.
• Singapore Women’s National Team
  • Youngest Goalscorer: Scored her first international goal at 14 years old during the 2019 AFF Women’s Championship.
  • First International Hat-Trick: Achieved a hat-trick in a 9-0 win against Macau on July 16, 2024.
• Ambassador for Women’s Football
  • Recognized by Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth for her contributions to promoting women’s football.
• UEFA Under-15 Tournament
  • Golden Boot Winner: Joint top scorer in 2019 with standout performances against Guam and Cambodia.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Challenges

• Injury Management: Like many athletes, Danelle faces the risk of injuries that could impede her progress. Maintaining peak physical condition and having access to quality medical support will be crucial in managing this risk.
• Adaptation to Competitive Environments: Transitioning between different leagues, particularly from Europe to Australia, can be challenging. Danelle will need to adapt to varying styles of play and levels of competition, which may require time and effort.
• Balancing Education and Professional Football: With her academic pursuits, finding a balance between education and her football career could pose a challenge. Time management and prioritization will be key to ensure she excels in both areas.
• Pressure and Expectations: As a young player with significant achievements, Danelle may face heightened expectations from fans, coaches, and media. Handling pressure and maintaining focus on her development will be essential for sustained success.
• National Team Dynamics: As she continues to represent Singapore, Danelle will need to navigate the challenges of team dynamics and performance expectations on the international stage, particularly in major tournaments.

Future Prospects

• Continued Growth at Brisbane Roar: Joining Brisbane Roar offers Danelle a chance to develop further within a competitive league known for nurturing talent. Her role in the team could be pivotal for her growth as a player and leader.
• International Recognition: Danelle’s performances in both club and international competitions could pave the way for her to become a recognized name in Southeast Asian football. Continued success may lead to opportunities to play in more prestigious leagues or tournaments.
• Advocacy for Women’s Football: As a prominent figure in women’s football, Danelle has the potential to be an advocate for the sport in Singapore and beyond. By inspiring the next generation of female athletes, she can contribute to the growth and visibility of women’s football.
• European Aspirations: After her successful experience at Borussia Dortmund, there may be potential for Danelle to return to Europe or explore other international opportunities. This could enhance her skills and expose her to higher levels of competition.
• Personal Development and Leadership: Danelle’s journey can also lead her to roles beyond just a player. She could take on leadership positions, whether as a captain of her club or national team, or even transition into coaching or mentorship roles in the future.
• Major Tournament Participation: With continued dedication and performance, Danelle could represent Singapore in significant tournaments like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, providing her with a platform to showcase her talent on the global stage.