Manchester City star Vivianne Miedema has opened up about the emotional reason behind her recent absence from the pitch, thanking fans for their overwhelming support during a deeply personal family crisis.
The 29-year-old Netherlands international missed City's crucial Women's Super League title run-in matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. In a heartfelt social media post on Thursday, Miedema revealed that her mother had been battling serious complications following chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
"The last 2.5 weeks have been really difficult for us as a family," Miedema shared on Instagram. "My mum had serious complications after her chemo treatment for cancer and has been in the ICU since. She's been fighting for her life, and by some miracle, she is still here. Now she's fighting hard through the small steps of recovery, although there are still many big hurdles ahead."
The touching post comes as City celebrated their first WSL title in a decade on Wednesday, after Arsenal dropped points against Brighton. In a powerful show of solidarity, Miedema's teammates held up her No. 10 shirt during the championship celebrations—a moment that resonated deeply with fans and players alike.
In an emotional twist, Miedema's partner, Arsenal forward Beth Mead, also faced her own personal challenges. Mead had been absent since April's international break, missing both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Lyon and a WSL win over Leicester City, with head coach Renee Slegers citing "personal reasons." She returned as a second-half substitute in Wednesday's draw at Brighton. Mead lost her own mother, June, to ovarian cancer in January 2023, adding another layer of poignancy to this story.
Miedema, the WSL's all-time top scorer, joined City from Arsenal in the summer of 2024 and has been a key contributor this season with 10 goals and five assists in 19 league appearances. Her first WSL title since winning with Arsenal in 2019 is a testament to her resilience—both on and off the field.
"Thank you all so much for the love, support, and messages," Miedema wrote, acknowledging the outpouring from fans during this challenging time. As she continues to balance professional triumphs with personal trials, the football community stands firmly behind her.