Vivianne Miedema is shining again: 'Everything is a bonus now' at Manchester City
If you haven't watched any women's football in the last few months, you've missed something. Not just any goals or assists, but 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 striker and all-time top scorer for the Dutch national team is playing again with the freedom and joy that once made her so irresistible. It's as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
Finally free in the head again
Anyone who followed her in recent years saw a player who struggled. With injuries, with expectations, with her own head. But the Vivianne we see now is one who smiles, who directs play on the pitch, and who is, above all, 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 teammates, and to giving the supporters something to come for. That joy radiates from her, and it translates directly into her game.
Longer in Manchester: 'This is where I want to be'
It was 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 statement that speaks volumes. At The Citizens, she has found an environment where she feels valued, not just as a goalscorer, but as a person. That connection has been essential to her return to top form.
More than just a football name
Funny enough, the surname Miedema is everywhere in the Netherlands, but in the most diverse ways. On the pitch, of course, it's Vivianne who calls the shots. But outside of it, you come across the name all the time. Moving house? You call Miedema Removals. Need new glasses? You pop into Miedema Opticians. And who knows, a younger brother might be emerging soon: whispers on the amateur pitches suggest a certain Lars Miedema is making quite a name for himself in the youth ranks. The name lives on, but Vivianne remains the standard-bearer on the biggest stage for now.
The numbers don't lie
What hasn't she achieved? For those who need a quick refresher:
- All-time top scorer for the Netherlands – by far the most prolific goalscorer ever, for either the men's or women's team.
- Record holder in the English league – in her best years, she scored for fun and set records that will stand for years to come.
- Two-time FA Cup winner and Women's Super League champion.
- In 2026, she's fully back in the starting line-up at Manchester City, making the difference week in, week out.
Looking ahead: together with the Oranje
With her contract extension and rediscovered joy in the game, the path is clear for a bright future. National team coach Andries Jonker will undoubtedly be grinning from ear to ear seeing her play like this. With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, the Dutch team cannot do without a fit and happy Miedema. She is the anchor, the player who lifts younger talents and gives defenders nightmares. If she says she's looking forward to celebrating again, then we as fans also look forward to the moments when she can do that with us. The real bonus is that we get to enjoy it for a long time to come.