Vivianne Miedema, the prolific Dutch forward for Manchester City, achieved a historic milestone by scoring her 100th goal for the Netherlands in their Euro 2025 Group D opener against Wales. The match, which took place in Lucerne, Switzerland, saw the Netherlands secure a 3-0 victory, with Miedema's goal opening the scoring. This achievement marks her as the first Dutch footballer, male or female, to reach this incredible century of goals for her nation.
Miedema's goal was a stunning strike, a curling shot from outside the box that nestled perfectly into the far corner. It was a moment of pure class, showcasing her exceptional skill and technique. This goal was particularly significant, as none of her 100 goals for the Netherlands have come from penalty kicks. All have been achieved through open play, highlighting her consistent ability to find the net in dynamic game situations.
What made this milestone even more poignant was Miedema's emotional reaction. Known for her stoic demeanor on the pitch, she couldn't contain her joy and was seen shedding tears of happiness. After the game Miedema told Dutch broadcaster NOS that the mark was "Special, very special". This display of emotion was a departure from her usual composure, reflecting the magnitude of the achievement and the journey she had undertaken to reach it.
Miedema's path to 100 goals has been marked by both triumph and adversity. She suffered a devastating ACL injury in December 2022, which sidelined her for a significant period and forced her to miss the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The gap between her 95th and 96th goals spanned 22 months, a testament to the grueling rehabilitation process she endured. Adding to the challenges, she recently recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in April 2025. Her return to form and her subsequent achievement of this milestone is a powerful comeback story, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Her journey with the national team began in 2013, and she quickly established herself as a key player. In only her second match for the Oranjeleeuwinnen, Miedema came on as a substitute against Portugal and scored a hat-trick. In 2019, she became the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands women's national team, surpassing Manon Melis. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she broke the record for most goals scored in a single Olympic tournament with 10 goals.
Miedema's achievement places her among the elite goalscorers in women's international football. She joins a select group of players who have reached the 100-goal mark for their countries. The top six highest international goalscorers in Europe are: 1. Birgit Prinz (Germany) - 128 goals 2. Julie Fleeting (Scotland) - 116 goals 3. Patrizia Panico (Italy) - 110 goals 4. Elisabetta Vignotto (Italy) - 107 goals 5. Carolina Morace (Italy) - 105 goals 6. Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands) - 100 goals
Vivianne Miedema's 100th goal is not just a personal accomplishment but also a moment of pride for Dutch football. It is a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and the impact she has had on the sport. As she continues her career with Manchester City and the Netherlands national team, she will undoubtedly add to her impressive goal tally and inspire future generations of footballers.
