Manchester City star Vivianne Miedema has disclosed that her mother is receiving treatment in an intensive care unit while battling cancer, just days after the club secured its first Women's Super League (WSL) title in ten years.
Miedema's Absence from Upcoming Match
The Netherlands international, who has been a key figure in City's campaign under manager Andree Jeglertz with ten goals in 19 appearances this season, will miss the team's match against Brighton this weekend due to family matters. Her head coach confirmed her absence on Thursday, noting that Miedema was also absent from a team-wide viewing party for the Arsenal match, where Jeglertz gave a triumphant speech.
Social Media Update
The 29-year-old shared further details on social media, including poignant photographs with her mother and her brother Lars, who plays for Dutch side Hoogeveen. In an Instagram post, Miedema wrote: 'Little update from us. The last 2.5 weeks have been really difficult for us as a family.' She added: '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.'
She continued: 'Thank you all so much for the love, support, and messages. PS. Can’t wait to tell mum we won the league.'
Support from Football Community
Miedema's long-term partner and former Arsenal teammate Beth Mead was among those to offer supportive messages, commenting: 'Proud of you always. Turbolien is going to be buzzing.' Former footballer and Football Focus presenter Alex Scott shared: 'Sending love x x,' while ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford added: 'Sending you all so much love and strength x.'
Title Victory
Arsenal's draw with Brighton on Wednesday evening confirmed that Manchester City cannot be overtaken at the top of the WSL, securing their first league title since 2016 and ending a period of dominance by second-placed Chelsea. Sonia Bompastor's side sit six points behind City but have played the same number of games, while third-placed Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton ended their title hopes.
Miedema previously won the league with Arsenal in 2018-19, but this is her first trophy with Manchester City since joining in the summer of 2024.
