A dynamic force both on and off the field, Fatima Moreira de Melo has led a life marked by ambition, talent, and reinvention. Born on July 4, 1978, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, De Melo rose to fame as one of the Netherlands’ most accomplished field hockey players, earning international accolades and an Olympic gold medal. But her journey didn’t end with sports glory—after retiring from professional hockey, she transitioned seamlessly into the world of professional poker, becoming a formidable player on the international circuit.
In this report, you will learn about the journey of Fatima Moreira de Melo.
Fatima Moreira de Melo’s Early Life
Fatima Moreira de Melo, born on 4th July 1978, is a former Dutch field hockey player turned professional poker player. She is of Portuguese descent but was born and raised in Rotterdam, Netherlands. From a young age, De Melo showed great talent in hockey, starting to play at the age of six.
At 12, she began competing in hockey tournaments, showcasing her abilities at both domestic and national levels. She participated in the national youth elimination tournament and, three years later, played for H.O.C. Gazellen-Combinatie (HGC)’s Ladies 1 team, winning two trophies with the club. De Melo was introduced to poker during her hockey career, as many of her friends played it as a pastime.
Hockey Career
Fatima Moreira de Melo enjoyed an illustrious international hockey career, earning 191 caps and scoring 30 goals for the Netherlands. She made her debut with the senior national team on 21 October 1997 in a match against Germany, which the Netherlands won 2–1. Playing as a striker, De Melo was known for her speed, skill, and sharp attacking instincts.
She was part of the Dutch squad that won the 2006 Women’s Hockey World Cup, followed by victory in the 2007 Champions Trophy. Her career reached its peak at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she helped the Netherlands secure a gold medal with a 2–0 win over China in the final.
Over her hockey career, De Melo won six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals, establishing herself as one of the best female hockey players in the world. Her achievements were recognized locally when she was named Rotterdam Sportswoman of the Year in December 2006.
Poker Career
After retiring from hockey, De Melo developed a passion for poker. Her first recorded live cash came in 2009, when she finished 12th in the Dutch Poker Open €1,000 NLH, earning $4,799. She later final-tabled the Master Classics of Poker (MCOP) €6,200, finishing 9th for $48,772.
In 2010, she placed third in the EPT Snowfest €1,000 event, earning $31,864, and cashed three times at the World Series of Poker. The following year, she collected over $40,000 through three additional cash finishes in the EPT Snowfest Main Event, EPT Berlin Main Event, and the EPT Madrid Grand Final.
In 2013, De Melo came close to a six-figure win, finishing runner-up in the UKIPT Isle of Man £1,000 Main Event, taking home $95,750. Her first live tournament win came in 2017, when she won the PokerStars Championship Bahamas $660 Women’s Event, earning $5,568. That same year, she also cashed $35,353 in the PokerStars Championship Prague Main Event.
Her last recorded cash came in 2019, finishing 13th in the EPT Sochi Open for $1,527. To date, De Melo has accumulated $577,274 in tournament earnings. While her last official cash was in 2019, she continued participating in poker tournaments. In 2023, she competed in the PokerStars Players Championship in the Bahamas, though she did not make it into the money.
De Melo was part of the PokerStars SportStars team for a decade before leaving the role in early 2020.
Personal Life
While playing hockey internationally, De Melo pursued her academic interests as well. She earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Law from Erasmus University Rotterdam, graduating in 2006. She is in a relationship with former professional tennis player Raemon Sluiter.
Net Worth 2025
Although there are no official figures available, Fatima Moreira de Melo’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions, considering her achievements in both professional sports and poker. She also successfully transitioned into television following her athletic career, becoming a familiar face on Dutch screens. She has worked as a presenter for both local and national TV stations, showcasing her charisma and versatility beyond the hockey field.
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