Record WSL goalscorer Miedema to leave Arsenal at end of season

Vivianne Miedema, the all-time leading Women's Super League (WSL) goalscorer, will leave Arsenal in the offseason after seven years, the club announced on Monday.

The Dutch international, who has 79 WSL goals, joined Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017 and helped the club win the league in 2018-19, setting a WSL record for the most goals scored in a single season (22).

"Early on at Arsenal I knew it was a place for me to grow and challenge myself, as a player and a person," Miedema said in a video posted by Arsenal on social media.

Miedema won two WSL Golden Boots while at Arsenal and was the top goalscorer in the Women's Champions League during the 2019-20 season.

"Viv's goals and overall performances as an Arsenal player have been of the highest quality, and she has created so many wonderful memories for us over the years," Arsenal's sporting director Edu Gaspar said in a statement.

The 27-year-old forward was plagued by injuries during her last two seasons at Arsenal, including an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2022 that necessitated surgery.

"The last two seasons have been tough for me with injury and missing two cup finals, but this is a team sport and we've all got our own roles to play," Miedema said.

Miedema, who has 122 goals for Arsenal across all competitions, has made only eight WSL appearances this season.

"Viv leaves with our best wishes for the future after seven memorable years here," Arsenal's director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said.

SportsLigue