Arsenal legend Vivianne Miedema confirms departure after record-breaking WSL spell

Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema has confirmed she will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Netherlands international is the Women’s Super League’s (WSL) all-time top scorer, having notched 79 league goals across her seven seasons in north London. She joined Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017 and has provided a total of 125 goals and 50 assists in her 172 appearances for the club.

Miedema signed a new deal in May 2022 but she will now exit the club when that contract expires this summer. Arsenal sporting director Edu said: "On behalf of everyone at the club, we thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us.

"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. We wish Viv and her family the best of health and happiness for the future."

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Twice the winner of the WSL's Golden Boot, she finished as the division's top scorer during the 2018-19 season as Arsenal won the league title for the first time in seven years. She has also helped secure three Continental Cup successes during her time at the club.

Miedema's last two seasons at Arsenal, however, have been plagued by injury after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in December 2022. The 27-year-old has made eight WSL appearances this term after returning to action in October but has not featured since February after undergoing minor knee surgery.

Reflecting on Miedema's legacy, Arsenal’s director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: "Since joining us in 2017, Viv has taken on a special place in the hearts of our supporters, who I’m sure will have many fond memories of her time at Arsenal. Viv leaves with our best wishes for the future after seven memorable years here."