Biography:
Vivianne Miedema, full name Anna Margaretha Marina Astrid Miedema, was born on July 15, 1996, in Hoogeveen, Netherlands. She is a Dutch professional footballer renowned for her incredible skills as a forward. Miedema currently plays for Arsenal in the FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) and represents the Netherlands national team. Throughout her career, she has also played for Bayern Munich and SC Heerenveen.
From a young age, Miedema was immersed in the world of football, as she watched her father play the sport. At the age of five, she began playing for HZVV, a local football club in her hometown. Even in her early days, Miedema’s goal-scoring prowess was evident. One of her earliest memories involves having her two front teeth kicked out by a young goalkeeper when she was just six years old. Undeterred, she continued to play and became a regular scorer, even playing on boys’ teams. In fact, the jeers and laughter from opponents when they saw a girl on the pitch further motivated her to score goals.
After several years with HZVV, Miedema joined VV De Weide in 2009, where she continued to showcase her talent. Despite the distance, she would often travel 190 kilometers to Rotterdam with her father and younger brother to watch Feyenoord play. At the age of 14, Miedema faced a crucial decision: to switch to playing in the top women’s league or to continue playing with boys’ clubs. This decision marked a pivotal moment in her career.
In 2011, Miedema received an offer from SC Heerenveen and signed her first professional contract at the age of 14. She found herself playing in the Eredivisie, the top women’s league in the Netherlands, against players much older than herself. On September 2, 2011, Miedema made her senior debut at the age of 15 during a match against FC Utrecht, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in the league.
Miedema’s rise in the world of women’s football continued to gather momentum. Her talent and goal-scoring ability earned her a move to Bayern Munich, one of the most successful clubs in Germany, in 2014. During her time with Bayern Munich, Miedema played a crucial role in helping the team secure consecutive Frauen-Bundesliga titles in 2015 and 2016.
In 2017, Miedema achieved a significant milestone in her career as she won the UEFA Women’s Euro with the Dutch national team. Her exemplary performances throughout the tournament showcased her ability to thrive on the big stage. Miedema’s success on the international stage continued as she led the Netherlands to a second-place finish at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in France. Her contributions played a vital role in the team’s historic achievement.
Miedema’s club career took another significant turn in 2017 when she joined Arsenal in the FA WSL. Since then, she has consistently been a prolific scorer and a key figure for both club and country. Miedema’s impact on the domestic scene was evident when she helped Arsenal secure the 2018-19 FA WSL title.
Recognized for her exceptional talent, Miedema has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2020, she was named Women’s Player of the Year at the London Football Awards and received the same honor from England’s Football Writers’ Association. Miedema’s remarkable performances also earned her the prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in November 2021. Additionally, she was named the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2019 and has been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2019, 2021, and 2022. The Guardian has consistently included her in their list of The 100 Best Female Footballers In The World since 2017.
Vivianne Miedema’s impact extends beyond her undeniable talent on the pitch. As one of the greatest strikers in modern women’s football, she has inspired countless young players around the world with her skill, determination, and relentless pursuit of success. Miedema’s achievements have not only set new records and raised the bar in women’s football but have also played a significant role in shaping the sport’s history. Her contributions to the game and her success as a female footballer make her a true icon and a role model for aspiring athletes.
Awards:
– UEFA Women’s Euro winner (2017)
– Frauen-Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich (2015, 2016)
– FA WSL title with Arsenal (2018-19)
– BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (2021)