Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema sustains ruptured ACL, won't take part in 2023 World Cup

The all-time leading scorer of the Netherlands women's national team is unlikely to take part in the 2023 World Cup. Vivianne Miedema announced Monday that she ruptured her ACL and will not take part in the World Cup as a result of the injury.

In a lengthy post, Miedema — who also plays for Arsenal — said she ruptured her ACL in a game against Lyon on Dec. 15. Arsenal went on to lose the contest 1-0.

Miedema said she knew her ACL was injured immediately and said she would need to rehab "for a long long time."

Miedema said she would lean on her teammates, friends and family while rehabbing from the injury. She thanked the fans who reached out and sent kind messages, adding, "They are helping out a lot."

Netherlands unlikely to have Miedema during 2023 World Cup

The injury is a devastating blow to the Netherlands. At the 2019 World Cup, Miedema became the all-time leading goal scorer for the Netherlands women's national team. She scored both goals in the team's win over Italy, which sent the Netherlands to the World Cup semifinal for the first time. The team then defeated Sweden 1-0 to advance to the final, in which they lost to Team USA.

Miedema's greatness isn't limited to her country, as she is considered one of the best soccer players in the world. After emerging with Bayern Munich, she joined Arsenal in 2017. In September 2021, she registered her 100th goal with the club, a feat she managed in just 110 games.

Miedema had an opportunity to leave Arsenal in May but decided to re-sign with the club. In doing so, she became the highest paid women's soccer player in England.