Vivianne Miedema is shining again: 'Everything is a bonus now' at Manchester City
If you haven't been watching women's football over the past few months, you've been missing out. Not just on some goals or assists, but on the resurgence of one of the greatest talents the Netherlands has ever produced. Vivianne Miedema is back. And not just a little bit. The Manchester City forward and all-time top scorer for the Dutch national team is playing again with the freedom and joy that once made her so unstoppable. It's as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
Finally at peace mentally
Anyone who has followed her in recent years saw a player who was struggling. With injuries, with expectations, with her own headspace. But the Vivianne we see now is one who smiles, who directs play on the field, and most importantly, who is enjoying herself again. In conversations with those around her, the same message keeps coming through: everything feels like a bonus now. She looks forward to celebrating, to cheering with her teammates, and to giving the fans something to come out for. That joy radiates from her, and it translates directly into her game.
Staying in Manchester: 'This is where I want to be'
It came as no surprise, then, that she extended her contract with Manchester City. In a football world where players often chase the next move, Miedema consciously chose stability and trust. 'There's no place I'd rather be right now than at City,' she stated. It's a declaration that speaks volumes. At The Citizens, she has found an environment where she feels valued, not just as a goal scorer, but as a person. That connection has been essential to her return to top form.
More than just a football name
Interestingly, the Miedema surname is everywhere in the Netherlands, but in the most diverse ways. On the pitch, of course, it's Vivianne in charge. But away from it, you encounter the name all over. Need to move? You call Miedema Moving Services. Need new glasses? You stop by Miedema Opticians. And who knows, maybe a young brother is on the horizon: whispers on the amateur pitches suggest a certain Lars Miedema is making a name for himself in the youth ranks. The name lives on, but for now, Vivianne remains its standard-bearer on the biggest stage.
The numbers don't lie
What hasn't she achieved? For anyone needing a quick refresher:
- All-time top scorer for the Netherlands – by far the most prolific goal-scorer ever, for either the men's or women's team.
- Record holder in the English league – during her best years, she scored for fun and set records that will stand for years.
- Two-time FA Cup winner and Women's Super League champion.
- In 2026, she's firmly back in the starting eleven for Manchester City, making a difference week in and week out.
Looking ahead: with the national team
With her contract extension and rediscovered love for the game, the path is clear for a bright future. National team coach Andries Jonker will undoubtedly be beaming watching her play like this. With tournaments on the horizon, the Dutch team can't do without a fit and happy Miedema. She's the anchor, the player who lifts younger talents and gives defenders nightmares. When she says she's looking forward to celebrating again, then we as fans also look forward to the moments she can do that with us. The big bonus is that we get to enjoy it for a long time to come.