Former Olympiacos goalkeeper Britt van den Dobbelsteen has reflected on her remarkable Champions League triumph, revealing that despite her penalty shootout heroics, she believes penalties are not the best way to decide matches.
The Dutch goalkeeper became an Olympiacos hero in the 2026 Women’s Champions League final in Malta, saving three penalties against Ferencvaros to help the Greek side secure the European title.
Speaking in an interview with Greek outlet SPORT24, conducted by Christos Gotzias, Van den Dobbelsteen discussed the dramatic final, her departure from Olympiacos and her ambitions ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“Penalties are a lottery”
Despite her extraordinary performance, Van den Dobbelsteen questioned whether shootouts are an appropriate way to determine major matches.
She explained that remaining calm is essential, but luck and instinct also play significant roles.
The goalkeeper admitted that she would prefer matches to be decided by a golden goal rather than penalties, arguing that shootouts do not necessarily reflect the quality of the competing teams.
She also revealed that she briefly believed Eleftheria Plevritou’s penalty had gone in, before realising her fingertips had done enough to keep the ball out.
From limited minutes to Champions League hero
Van den Dobbelsteen revealed that she had struggled with limited playing time during her season in Greece, spending much of the final two months appearing primarily for penalty situations.
When Stefania Santa scored with approximately 12 seconds remaining in the final, forcing the shootout, she suspected her opportunity had arrived.
Her three saves ultimately helped Olympiacos claim the title, producing what she described as the greatest moment of her career.
She admitted that even winning Olympic gold with the Netherlands might not recreate the emotions she experienced that evening.
Departure decided before the final
The Dutch international also confirmed that she had already decided to leave Olympiacos before the Champions League final.
Her decision was driven by the need for regular playing time as she targets selection for the Netherlands at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Now representing De Zaan, Van den Dobbelsteen hopes to help the Dutch club reach the Champions League’s final eight.
Nevertheless, she has not ruled out returning to Olympiacos in the future.
Her connection with the Greek club remains particularly strong. Following their European triumph, she even had the Greek word τέλεια (‘perfect’) tattooed on her body, choosing the handwriting of one of her former teammates.
After a season of personal challenges, limited opportunities and ultimately European glory, the goalkeeper’s time in Piraeus remains an unforgettable chapter of her career.
Interview originally published by SPORT24, conducted by Christos Gotzias on 17 October 2026.
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