Suriname’s World Cup hopes have been bolstered by the addition of Leeds United forward Joël Piroe.

The Netherlands-born striker, who qualifies through his father, has pledged his international allegiance to the Caribbean nation after previously representing the Netherlands at youth level.

He announced the decision in a post on the club’s website.

The 25-year-old joins the side as it is preparing for a crucial World Cup qualification play-off against Bolivia, with a potential follow-up match against Iraq in Mexico.

Piroe joined Leeds United from Swansea City in 2023 and has since made 108 appearances for the club, scoring 33 goals and providing 10 assists. 

He was the Sky Bet Championship Golden Boot winner last season, netting 19 goals during the 2024/25 campaign to help Leeds secure the league title.

Explaining his decision, Piroe said the choice carried personal significance.

“I thought long and hard about it, about if I would choose Suriname or not, and when I spoke to my dad about it, I saw this twinkle in his eye that would make him very proud,” Piroe told leedsunited.com. “At the end I had a good feeling about it and I really want to write history with Suriname.”

He said his connection to the country has been shaped by family ties and frequent visits.

“I have been to Suriname many times. It was always a special place, especially knowing that my dad and my family grew up there. I like to see how they have lived there, and as well to feel the culture, how joyful and outgoing the people are there. It is something that I carry with me as well on the pitch.”

Piroe said the upcoming World Cup qualification matches are a major motivation.

“There are huge games to qualify for the World Cup. It is very exciting. We really look forward to playing those games, starting with Bolivia. We all know what is on the line and we all believe a lot in it as well.”

He also highlighted the opportunity to work with the coaching staff as a factor in his decision.

“Also why I chose to play for them is because I get to work not only with Henk ten Cate, who has been an amazing coach for many years already, I also get to work with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. I think that he is someone I could learn quite a bit from as well.”

Ten Cate, who has been in charge since 2023, is a former assistant manager at Barcelona and Chelsea.

Despite the international switch, Piroe said his immediate focus remains with his club.

“First, of course, still the focus to make sure that we get the next points, make the next steps towards our goal at Leeds United, and then afterwards also for my country.”

Editor’s Note: Photo courtesy of Leeds United