Smits (February 7, 2000, 's-Hertogenbosch) made her debut in the Azerion Women’s Eredivisie at the age of 17, playing for FC Twente. After two seasons at FC Twente, Smits signed with PSV in 2019. The eight-time Dutch international became the league’s top scorer three seasons in a row, earning herself a move to VfL Wolfsburg. In the summer of 2022, she returned to Eindhoven after a year in the Bundesliga, where she once again wore the PSV shirt for the past three seasons.
Technical director Alex Kroes: "We’re pleased to present Joëlle as our latest signing today. She brings valuable experience at the highest level, and her arrival gives our squad a positive boost. Joëlle is technically very skilled and a prolific goalscorer. We have every confidence in a bright future for Joëlle as an Ajax player."
