{{short description|Australian soccer player}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Calem Nieuwenhof | image = Calem Nieuwenhof 2023.png | caption = Nieuwenhof playing for [[Western Sydney Wanderers]] in 2023 | fullname = Calem Nieuwenhof | birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|2|17|df=yes}} | birth_place = [[North Curl Curl, New South Wales]], Australia | height = 1.81 m | position = [[Defensive midfielder]] | currentclub = [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] | clubnumber = 8 | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Curl Curl FC | youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}–2013 | youthclubs2 = [[FNSW NTC]] | youthyears3 = 2014–2018 | youthclubs3 = [[Manly United FC|Manly United]] | years1 = 2019–2022 | clubs1 = [[Sydney FC Youth|Sydney FC NPL]] | caps1 = 19 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2020–2022 | clubs2 = [[Sydney FC]] | caps2 = 11 | goals2 = 1 | years3 = 2022 | clubs3 = [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC Youth|Western Sydney Wanderers NPL]] | caps3 = 2 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2022–2023 | clubs4 = [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]] | caps4 = 27 | goals4 = 4 | years5 = 2023– | clubs5 = [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] | caps5 = 36 | goals5 = 2 | nationalyears1 = 2023– | nationalteam1 = [[Australia men's national under-23 soccer team|Australia U23]] | nationalcaps1 = 7 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | club-update = 19 May 2025 | nationalteam-update = 23 November 2023 }} '''Calem Nieuwenhof''' (born 17 February 2001) is an Australian professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[defensive midfielder]] for {{Scottish football updater|HeartofM}} club [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]].
Raised in the northern suburbs of [[Sydney]], Nieuwenhof started his professional career with [[Sydney FC]], for whom he made his debut in the [[AFC Champions League]] in November 2020 and later signed his first contract with. He soon departed after experiencing frequent injuries and signed with Sydney rivals [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]] in June 2022. After a consistent season, in which received plaudits, Nieuwenhof signed for [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] in July 2023.
An Australian international, Nieuwenhof received his first call-up to represent the [[Australia men's national under-23 soccer team|Australia U23]] in March 2023. He played his first tournament in the [[Maurice Revello Tournament]] held in France.
==Early life== Nieuwenhof was born in [[North Curl Curl, New South Wales|North Curl Curl]], the northern suburbs of [[Sydney]], Australia. He was interested in [[Association football|football]] from a young age due to his father and grew up supporting [[Sydney FC]].<ref name="sbssport">{{cite web |last1=Davidson |first1=John |title=Meet the 'sleepy' surfer out to star for Sydney FC |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/meet-the-sleepy-surfer-out-to-star-for-sydney-fc/kkdgnleb7 |website=SBS Sport |language=en |date=9 January 2021}}</ref> At the age of four, he joined Curl Curl FC before moving into the [[National Premier Leagues|NPL]] youth level, by the time he was 12, with [[Manly United FC|Manly United]].<ref name="manlyutd">{{cite web |last1=Canning |first1=Tobias |title=Nieuwenhof's long road to the top - Manly United Football Club |url=https://www.manlyunitedfc.com.au/2021/02/18/nieuwenhofs-long-road-to-the-top/ |website=[[Manly United FC]] |access-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230521063045/https://www.manlyunitedfc.com.au/2021/02/18/nieuwenhofs-long-road-to-the-top/ |archive-date=21 May 2023 |language=en-AU |date=18 February 2021}}</ref>
==Club career== ===Sydney FC=== Nieuwenhof initially started with the [[Sydney FC Youth]] squad in the [[A-League Youth]] and [[National Premier Leagues NSW|NPL NSW]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Confirm Foxtel Y-League Squad |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/sydney-fc-confirm-foxtel-y-league-squad |website=Sydney FC |date=5 November 2019}}</ref> On 19 November 2020, Nieuwenhof made his professional [[First team (association football)|first-team]] debut, as an injury replacement player,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lulham |first1=Amanda |title=Sydney FC's Calem Nieuwenhof took on Hulk, Aaron Mooy ahead of A-League debut |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/sport/sydney-fcs-calem-nieuwenhof-took-on-hulk-aaron-mooy-ahead-of-aleague-debut/news-story/904e5a5c43f12d2a42e704ef32122177?amp&nk=2f9447cfc5dbca22e4d8dc1fe7b4dd6a-1684649677 |website=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230521061428/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/sport/sydney-fcs-calem-nieuwenhof-took-on-hulk-aaron-mooy-ahead-of-aleague-debut/news-story/904e5a5c43f12d2a42e704ef32122177?amp&nk=2f9447cfc5dbca22e4d8dc1fe7b4dd6a-1684649677#selection-641.0-641.13 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |date=19 January 2021}}</ref> in a 2–1 home loss against [[Shanghai Port F.C.|Shanghai SIPG]] in the [[2020 AFC Champions League|AFC Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Rue Missed Chances In Enthralling Shanghai Clash |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/sydney-fc-rue-missed-chances-enthralling-shanghai-clash |website=Sydney FC |date=19 November 2020}}</ref>
Nieuwenhof signed his first professional contract with Sydney FC on 8 December.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Sign Four Academy Players To A-League Contracts |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/sydney-fc-sign-four-academy-players-a-league-contracts/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=8 December 2020}}</ref> On 2 January 2021, he started and scored on his league debut, a long-shot outside of the 18 yard, in a 2–1 win against [[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington Phoenix]] at [[Wellington Regional Stadium|Sky Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Begin Title Defence With A Win |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/sydney-fc-begin-title-defence-a-win |website=Sydney FC |date=2 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=A star is born: Sydney FC rookie scores stunner on debut in 2-1 win over Phoenix |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a-star-is-born-sydney-fc-rookie-scores-stunner-on-debut-in-2-1-win-over-phoenix-20210102-p56rcn.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230521061311/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a-star-is-born-sydney-fc-rookie-scores-stunner-on-debut-in-2-1-win-over-phoenix-20210102-p56rcn.html |archive-date=21 May 2023 |language=en |date=2 January 2021}}</ref> He earned a starting place in the squad under [[Steve Corica]], making a further 8 appearances before injuring his back during Easter weekend.<ref>{{cite web |title=Corica Heralds Young Star |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/corica-heralds-young-star |website=Sydney FC |date=3 January 2021}}</ref> A scan revealed that Nieuwenhof had suffered a fractured vertebrae to his back, consigning him to eight-weeks on the sidelines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Injury Setback Will Be Overcome - Nieuwenhof |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/injury-setback-will-be-overcome-nieuwenhof |website=Sydney FC |date=4 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Back injury sidelines Sydney FC youngster |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/soccer/back-injury-sidelines-sydney-fc-youngster-c-2756324 |website=7NEWS |language=en |date=4 May 2021}}</ref> He was awarded the club's A-League Goal of the Season for his goal against Wellington.<ref>{{cite web |title=There's More To Come Says Nieuwenhof |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/theres-more-come-says-nieuwenhof |website=Sydney FC |date=23 August 2021}}</ref>
Nieuwenhof returned to the squad, playing his first match in eight months, against [[Sydney Olympic FC|Sydney Olympic]] in the [[Australia Cup|FFA Cup]] on 24 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Pass Tricky Olympic Test |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/sydney-fc-pass-tricky-olympic-test |website=Sydney FC |date=24 November 2021}}</ref> He struggled to make appearances in the squad due to injuries, and by the end of the [[2021–22 A-League Men|2021–22 season]], he made only 2 league appearances with a combined total of 48 minutes played.<ref>{{cite web |title=Calem Nieuwenhof (Midfielder, Western Sydney): 2021-22 |url=https://www.ultimatealeague.com/player/?player_id=1296&season=2021-22 |website=Ultimate A-League |language=en}}</ref> On 19 May 2022, Nieuwenhof departed Sydney FC but was allowed to stay within the club until he was fully recovered from his injury.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Rebuild Begins As 12 Players Move On |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/sydney-fc-rebuild-begins-as-12-players-move-on |website=Sydney FC |date=19 May 2022}}</ref>
===Western Sydney Wanderers=== On 6 June 2022, Nieuwenhof signed a two-year scholarship deal with cross-town rival [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nieuwenhof inks two-year scholarship deal |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/nieuwenhof%EF%BF%BC-inks-two-year-scholarship-deal |website=[[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]] |date=6 June 2022 |author1=Jcsaszar }}</ref> On 9 October, he made his league debut in a 1–0 win against [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Perth Glory FC {{!}} Western Sydney Wanderers |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/fixtures/western-sydney-wanderers-fc-v-perth-glory-fc-a-league-men-09-10-2022/2ar45e4dsegntp1ttkd6am8es |website=KEEPUP |date=9 October 2022}}</ref> By November, Nieuwenhof led the league in tackles (28) and sat third in ball recoveries (58) behind [[Neil Kilkenny]] and former teammate [[Luke Brattan]] over the first six games of the [[2022–23 A-League Men|season]], which led him to earn the October/November nomination for Young Footballer of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Calem Nieuwenhof named October/November Nominee for Young Footballer of the Year |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/calem-nieuwenhof-named-october-november-nominee-for-young-footballer-of-the-year |website=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=28 November 2022}}</ref>
During the league campaign, Nieuwenhof remained a starter for the club despite a stacked experienced midfield that featured [[Oliver Bozanic]], [[Romain Amalfitano]] and former teammate [[Miloš Ninković]].<ref name="keepup">{{cite web |title='Pinch yourself' moment that validated Olyroo's 'easy decision' to cross Sydney divide |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/olyroos-maurice-revello-tournament-calem-nieuwenhof-wanderers/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=9 June 2023}}</ref> He later formed a partnership with former [[Premier League]] player [[Morgan Schneiderlin]], who arrived in January on loan, and mentored Nieuwenhof from his experiences in the top divisions of Europe. Schneiderlin praised his professionalism in training and his performances in matches.<ref>{{cite web |title=The former Man Utd midfielder tipping a bright future for Western Sydney's midfield sensation |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/wanderers-schneiderlin-has-instant-alm-impact/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=9 March 2023}}</ref> Likewise, Nieuwenhof expressed his admiration for Schneiderlin and reciprocated the praise following the pair's first match against [[Western United FC|Western United]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nieuwenhof relishing Schneiderlin arrival: 'He's top class' |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/nieuwenhof-relishing-schneiderlin-arrival-hes-top-class |website=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=5 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=George |title=Why Sydney celebration was fair game for Nieuwenhof |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/why-sydney-celebration-was-fair-game-for-nieuwenhof-594036 |website=FTBL |date=5 May 2023}}</ref>
On 19 February 2023, Nieuwenhof scored his first goal for the club and added an assist in a 4–4 away draw against [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Adelaide United 4 vs Western Sydney Wanderers 4 |url=https://keepup.com.au/a-league-men/fixtures/adelaide-united-vs-western-sydney-wanderers-19-02-2023/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=19 February 2023}}</ref> On 18 March, he brought his tally to 3 goals of the season, after scoring past [[Andrew Redmayne]] from 25-yards, in a 4–0 [[Sydney Derby (A-League Men)|Sydney Derby]] win against his former side [[Sydney FC]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Fair Game for Nieuwenhof |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/fair-game-for-nieuwenhof |website=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=5 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney 0 vs Western Sydney Wanderers 4 |url=https://keepup.com.au/a-league-men/fixtures/sydney-vs-western-sydney-wanderers-18-03-2023/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=18 March 2023}}</ref> His goal was awarded Goal of the Week.<ref>{{cite web |title=Isuzu UTE Goal of the Week: Calem Nieuwenhof |url=https://keepup.com.au/videos/id/isuzu-ute-goal-of-the-week-calem-nieuwenhof/6323040314112/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU}}</ref> Nieuwenhof would lead his side to a fourth-place finish at the conclusion of the [[2022–23 A-League Men|league season]], helping the Wanderers qualify to the [[A-League Men Finals|A-League Finals series]] for the first time since the club qualified in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Back where we belong |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/back-where-we-belong |website=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=3 May 2023}}</ref> He finished the season with 4 goals in 27 appearances with the Wanderers, before shortly departing in July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wanderers agree to transfer to Nieuwenhof to Hearts |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-agree-to-transfer-to-nieuwenhof-to-hearts |website=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=22 July 2023}}</ref>
===Heart of Midlothian=== On 22 July 2023, Nieuwenhof signed a four-year contract with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] for an undisclosed fee,<ref>{{cite web |title=Calem Nieuwenhof to join Jambos |url=https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/calem-nieuwenhof-to-join-jambos |website=[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart Of Midlothian Football Club]] }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> rumoured to be a fee of six-figures.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Fraser |title=Calem Nieuwenhof to Hearts transfer latest after SFA blessing |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/calem-nieuwenhof-hearts-transfer-latest-30516355 |website=Daily Record |language=en |date=20 July 2023}}</ref> As the first summer signing for the club, he joins alongside compatriots, [[Kye Rowles]], [[Nathaniel Atkinson]] and [[Cameron Devlin]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pisani |first1=Sacha |title=Calem Nieuwenhof joins Aussie trio at Hearts: The details |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/calem-nieuwenhof-hearts-a-league-western-sydney-wanderers-transfer-news/ |website=KEEPUP |access-date=22 July 2023 |language=en-AU |date=22 July 2023}}</ref> In an interview with ''Heart TV'', he spoke of his decision to join the Hearts, stating, "It was a pretty easy decision. I played with Oli Bozanic last year and he spoke so highly of his time here [...] I actually came to a Hearts game back in 2018 and I remember vividly how much passion there was. So I’m really excited to come and play and represent everyone here."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fowler |first1=Craig |title=Calem Nieuwenhof reveals past Tynecastle experience which helped sell him on move to Hearts |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/calem-nieuwenhof-reveals-past-tynecastle-experience-which-helped-sell-him-on-move-to-hearts-4234359 |website=Edinburgh News |access-date=28 July 2023 |date=27 July 2023}}</ref> He received the number 8 ahead of the [[2023–24 Scottish Premiership]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pilcher |first1=Ross |title=Calem Nieuwenhof Hearts transfer seed sown five years ago |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/calem-nieuwenhof-reveals-hearts-transfer-30561315 |website=Daily Record |language=en |date=26 July 2023}}</ref>
Nieuwenhof made his debut on 5 August, as Hearts completed a 2–0 win over [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]] at [[McDiarmid Park]].<ref>{{cite web |title=St Johnstone 0-2 Heart of Midlothian: Visitors start campaign with win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66194502|website=[[BBC Sport]] |language=en |date=5 August 2023}}</ref>
==International career== ===Youth=== In March 2023, following his immense form at club level, Nieuwenhof received his first call-up to the [[Australia men's national under-23 soccer team|Australia U23]] training camp, in preparations, for the [[2024 Summer Olympics|Paris 2024 Olympics qualification]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian U-23 Men commence Paris 2024 Olympics™ qualification preparations with March camp {{!}} Football Australia |url=https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/australian-u-23-men-commence-paris-2024-olympicstm-qualification-preparations-march-camp |website=Football Australia |language=en |date=7 March 2023}}</ref> On 24 March, he made his debut for the Olyroos, starting the match against the [[Switzerland national under-20 football team|Switzerland U20]] side, before being substituted for [[Ryan Teague]], in a narrow 1–0 defeat at [[Stadio Comunale Bellinzona]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Olyroos suffer narrow 1-0 defeat to Switzerland U-20 {{!}} Socceroos |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/olyroos-suffer-narrow-1-0-defeat-switzerland-u-20 |website=Socceroos |language=en |date=25 March 2023}}</ref>
On 24 May, Nieuwenhof was announced in the [[Australia men's national under-23 soccer team|Australia U23]] squad list for the [[2023 Maurice Revello Tournament|Maurice Revello Tournament]] in France.<ref>{{cite web |title=Olyroos squad named for Maurice Revello Tournament {{!}} Socceroos |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/olyroos-squad-named-maurice-revello-tournament |website=[[Australia men's national soccer team|Socceroos]] |language=en |date=24 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Calem Nieuwenhof carrying immense form to first overseas tournament {{!}} Socceroos |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/nieuwenhof-feature |website=Socceroos |language=en |date=2 June 2023}}</ref> He would be one of 14 players signed to an [[A-League Men]] club that was representing the ''Olyroos''.<ref name="keepup"/> Nieuwenhof started in the maiden fixture against [[Qatar national under-23 football team|Qatar]] where his side lost 4–3 in a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]], following a 0–0 scoreline by full-time, when Nieuwenhof failed to hit the target in the deciding penalty kick, handing the bonus point to Qatar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Olyroos go down to Qatar in Tournoi Maurice Revello opener |url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/olyroos-go-down-to-qatar-in-tournoi-maurice-revello-opener |website=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=7 June 2023}}</ref> In the final group match, he grabbed an assist, a pass through to [[Noah Botic]] who struck with his left, in a 2–0 win against [[Mexico national under-23 football team|Mexico]] on 12 June that ensured qualification to the semi final.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Michoacán |first1=Morelia |title=México pierde ante Australia y compromete su boleto |url=https://www.quadratin.com.mx/Deportes/mexico-pierde-ante-australia-y-compromete-su-boleto/ |website=Quadratin |publisher=Agencia Quadratín |language=es-MX |date=12 June 2023}}</ref>
In August 2023, Nieuwenhof was recalled for ''the Olyroos'' ahead of the [[2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification|2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers]]. He was included in the 23-man squad set to play against [[Laos national under-23 football team|Laos]] and [[Tajikistan national under-23 football team|Tajikistan]] in September.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Monteverde |first1=Marco |title=Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar names squad for Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/olyroos-coach-tony-vidmar-names-squad-for-under23-asian-cup-qualifiers/news-story/9eb20fb6a46860c56f8f91a5e874a5c2 |website=news.com.au |publisher=NCA NewsWire |date=17 August 2023}}</ref>
==Personal life== Nieuwenhof is a lifelong [[Sydney FC]] fan and revealed his favourite match was a [[Sydney Derby (A-League Men)|Sydney Derby]] clash where Sydney FC won 4–0 in front of a crowd of 61,880.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nieuwenhof - From The Cove To The First Team |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/nieuwenhof-cove-first-team |website=Sydney FC |date=30 November 2020}}</ref> He is a close friend of [[Jake Hollman]] who both played together in [[Manly United FC|Manly United]] and [[Sydney FC Youth|Sydney FC]] youth squads.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lulham |first1=Amanda |title=Sydney FC v Macarthur Bulls: Friends Calem Nieuwenhof, Jake Hollman A-League rivals |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/sydney-fc-v-macarthur-bulls-friends-calem-nieuwenhof-jake-hollman-aleague-rivals/news-story/ab1240578b2fef17544cab2aa010d410?amp&nk=464f8a098fc874c60935e9940cf122ab-1684649606 |website=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230521061318/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/sydney-fc-v-macarthur-bulls-friends-calem-nieuwenhof-jake-hollman-aleague-rivals/news-story/ab1240578b2fef17544cab2aa010d410?amp&nk=464f8a098fc874c60935e9940cf122ab-1684649606#selection-669.0-669.17 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |date=26 February 2021}}</ref> He is also close friends with professional cricketer [[Oliver Davies (cricketer)|Ollie Davies]] who both grew up together in [[Northern Beaches]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lulham |first1=Amanda |title=What you don't know about BBL players. Quirky facts about Sixers, Thunder guns |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/what-you-dont-know-about-bbl-players-quirky-facts-about-sixers-thunder-guns/news-story/648517aab2a2298578c2739b6dc194bb?amp&nk=c255155be2bbcbed19300fceac37571e-1684649611 |website=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230521061323/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/what-you-dont-know-about-bbl-players-quirky-facts-about-sixers-thunder-guns/news-story/648517aab2a2298578c2739b6dc194bb?amp&nk=c255155be2bbcbed19300fceac37571e-1684649611#selection-635.0-635.13 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |date=30 January 2021}}</ref>
His father was a former footballer who played for Manly United and helped Nieuwenhof with his development through the youth system.<ref name="manlyutd"/> He considers both [[Miloš Ninković]] and [[Luke Brattan]] as mentors, with the midfielders helping him settle with the first team during his first years in Sydney FC.<ref>{{cite web |last1=George |first1=Jack |title=Aiming high: Calem Nieuwenhof |url=https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/aiming-high-calem-nieuwenhof/ |website=The Inner Sanctum |date=23 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Sydney FC stars back 'chilled' Nieuwenhof to handle heat of derby |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ninkovic-brattan-back-sydney-fc-young-gun-nieuwenhof-to-handle-derby-20210113-p56tw1.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230520063230/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ninkovic-brattan-back-sydney-fc-young-gun-nieuwenhof-to-handle-derby-20210113-p56tw1.html |archive-date=20 May 2023 |language=en |date=13 January 2021}}</ref> He was given the nickname "Sleepy" by his teammates due to his laconic and relaxed personality that makes him look "half-awake".<ref name="sbssport"/>
He studied commerce at [[UNSW Sydney|UNSW]] which has a partnership with Sydney FC, allowing him to study and play football simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sydney FC Sign 5 Year UNSW Partnership |url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/sydney-fc-sign-5-year-unsw-partnership |website=Sydney FC |date=4 December 2021}}</ref>
== Career statistics == {{updated|24 July 2025}}<ref name="soccerway">{{Soccerway|calem-nieuwenhof/643674}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+Appearances and goals by club, season and competition ! rowspan="2" |Club ! rowspan="2" |Season ! colspan="3" |League ! colspan="2" |Domestic Cup ! colspan="2" |Continental ! colspan="2" |Other ! colspan="2" |Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- | rowspan="4" |[[Sydney FC]] |[[2019–20 Sydney FC season|2019–20]] |[[A-League]] |0||0|| colspan="2" |—|| colspan="2" |—|| colspan="2" |—||0||0 |- |[[2020–21 Sydney FC season|2020–21]] |A-League |9||1|| colspan="2" |—||4{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Champions League]]}}||0|| colspan="2" |—||13||1 |- |[[2021–22 Sydney FC season|2021–22]] |A-League |2||0||2||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||4||0 |- ! colspan="2" |Total !11!!1!!2!!0!!4!!0!!0!!0!!17!!1 |- | rowspan="1" |[[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]] |[[2022–23 Western Sydney Wanderers FC season|2022–23]] |A-League |27||4||0||0||0||0||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Sydney Super Cup]]}}||0||28||4 |- | rowspan="4" |[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] |[[2023–24 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2023–24]] |[[Scottish Premiership]] |24||1||3||1||0||0||0||0||27||2 |- |[[2024–25 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2024–25]] |[[Scottish Premiership]] |12||1||2||1||0||0||0||0||14||2 |- |[[2025–26 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2025–26]] |[[Scottish Premiership]] |0||0||4||0||0||0||0||0||4||0 |- ! colspan="2" |Total !36!!2!!9!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!45!!4 |- ! colspan="3" |Career total !73!!7!!11!!2!!4!!0!!1!!0!!89!!9 |} {{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Individual''' * [[PFA Footballer of the Year Awards|PFA A-League Team of the Season]]: [[2022–23 A-League Men|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.narrominenewsonline.com.au/story/8213793/citys-bos-leads-pfa-a-league-men-team-of-the-season/|first=Steve|last=Larkin|title=City's Bos leads PFA A-League Men team of the season|website=[[Narromine News]]|date=29 May 2023|access-date=29 May 2023}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Soccerway|calem-nieuwenhof/643674}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{2022–23 A-League Men PFA Team of the Season}} {{Heart of Midlothian F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nieuwenhof, Calem}} [[Category:2001 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Australian men's soccer players]] [[Category:Men's association football midfielders]] [[Category:Sydney FC players]] [[Category:National Premier Leagues players]] [[Category:Australian people of Dutch descent]] [[Category:Western Sydney Wanderers FC players]] [[Category:Australian expatriate men's soccer players]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland]] [[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Scotland]] [[Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players]] [[Category:Soccer players from Sydney]] [[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]]