Born: 1992 (Bergen, Limburg, Netherlands)
Biography:
Lieke Elisabeth Petronella Martens (Dutch pronunciation: [lik elisabt petronla mrtns]; born 16 December 1992) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a winger or midfielder for Division 1 Féminine club Paris Saint-Germain and the Netherlands national team.
Martens was born on December 16, 1992, in Bergen, in the north of the Dutch province of Limburg. She grew up playing football in her garden with her two brothers, Jelle and Sjoerd. At the age of five, Martens started playing football at local club RKVV Montagnards. Recognizing her talent and potential, Martens joined Boxmeer club Olympia ’18 at the age of thirteen, at the insistence of then-national team coach Vera Pauw. At Olympia ’18, Martens played with boys’ teams, which helped her develop her skills and toughen up against physically stronger opponents. She later attended the Hogeschool van Amsterdam in 2008-2009 before leaving to join SC Heerenveen.
Martens made her debut in the Vrouwen Eredivisie at the age of sixteen, representing SC Heerenveen. She scored two goals in eighteen appearances for the club. Continuing her journey in Dutch football, Martens joined the newly-formed VVV-Venlo women’s team based in her hometown province of Limburg.
In 2015, Martens announced her arrival on the international stage when she scored the Netherlands’ first-ever goal in a Women’s World Cup against New Zealand. Her performances at Swedish club FC Rosengård the following year caught the attention of FC Barcelona, who signed her in 2017. Shortly after joining Barcelona, Martens took part in the Netherlands’ 2017 UEFA Women’s Euro campaign. She emerged as the standout player in the tournament, which saw the Dutch win their first-ever major international title. Martens’ outstanding performances earned her the Player of the Tournament award.
Martens’ success continued in 2017, as she was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Player and also won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award. Her remarkable achievements and impact on the field led Forbes to rank her number 22 on their Most Powerful Women in International Sports list in 2018.
Martens went on to help FC Barcelona reach their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League final in the 2018-19 season, where she provided an assist in a 4-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais. Despite suffering from a toe injury for most of the tournament, Martens represented the Netherlands in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Dutch reached the final but were defeated by the United States.
In 2021, Martens played a crucial role in FC Barcelona Femení completing their first continental treble, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Primera Division, and the Copa de la Reina, all in the same season.
Throughout her career, Martens has overcome challenges and setbacks, demonstrating determination and resilience. She has become an inspiration for aspiring female footballers, breaking barriers and paving the way for women in sports. Martens’ impact on society extends beyond the field, as she continues to be a role model and an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
Awards:
– Player of the Tournament at the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euro
– The Best FIFA Women’s Player (2017)
– UEFA Women’s Player of the Year (2017)