As Beth Mead sits on the sideline, it’s a good time for us to sit back and reflect on everything she has given to the Women’s game over the last year.
During last Saturday’s loss to Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, Mead suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Arsenal have said that the 27 year old will be out for “an extended period”.
This devastating event has put a pause on her successful momentum, one which she has already experienced before this year. After missing out on the Olympics last summer, whilst facing her mother’s cancer diagnosis, she openly addressed her to be her motivation for this year.
The abundance of determination that has come about following this tragic scenario, created the best year of her career.
Therefore, at such a gutting time for the Arsenal player, it is an opportunity to acknowledge the highs from this year- and there have been loads!
Who could forget the impressive European campaign that the Lionesses won in the summer, with Beth Mead as a key player.
Her six goals in six games (averaging to one goal a game) earned her the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Mead also collected the Player of the Tournament award, with her 5 assists and victorious team contributing to her stand out performance.
Her international celebrations didn’t end there, as she recently became England's Player of the Year 2022, following her historic run with the Lionesses. A spectacular season scoring 20 goals in 19 matches, broke Jimmy Greaves’ record for the most goals in one season for England!
Award, after award, after award.
Following a fantastic year for both club and country, Beth was deemed the top candidate- above Sam Kerr, Alexia Putellas and Alexandra Popp- for the BBC Women’s footballer of the year 2022 award. She joined the likes of fellow Gunners Vivianne Miedema and skipper Kim Little to pick up this fan-voted prize.
Although she didn’t win the Ballon d’Or Feminin 2022, she did become runner-up with only 26 points away from two-time winner Alexia Putellas. Her first Ballon d’Or nomination was thoroughly deserved, as Mead registered 11 goals, 8 assists and 72 chances for the Gunners across the 2021/22 WSL season.
With the absence of the ‘Meado’ chant at matches, Beth Mead’s injury creates a huge gap in the Red Army.
We wish her a speedy recovery, and look forward to the many more memorable moments she will create following her return to the pitch.