Dutch football international Vivianne Miedema has been named female footballer of the year in a BBC poll.

Miedema, who plays for English club Arsenal, was runner up in 2020. She is both the Netherlands’ and Women’s Super League all-time leading goal scorer and has scored more than 100 goals for her club across all competitions.

‘It’s a bit unexpected to be honest,’ Miedema, who is 25, told BBC Sport. ‘It’s pretty cool to win something like this, and with the fans voting it’s extra special.’

Next summer, the Netherlands will be defending their European title and Miedema is set to be part of the squad.

‘That’s the big one – it’s our trophy to defend,’ she told the BBC. ‘As a player, that’s the tournament you play for, that’s what you want to show yourself at and be a part of as a team.’

Miedema is also one of 20 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or Féminin, organised by France Football, which will be presented on Monday evening.