Maren Mjelde’s Journey to Euro 2025
In Zurich, Maren Mjelde stood on the pitch before Norway’s Euro 2025 opener against Switzerland, her heart swelling with pride. After having sung her national anthem, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (Yes, We Love This Country), countless times, this performance was especially meaningful. The occasion not only celebrated her ninth major tournament but also marked a personal triumph over significant adversity.
Overcoming Adversity
Just three months before this moment, the 35-year-old defender faced a daunting diagnosis: a partial tear of her Achilles tendon, which seemed to put her participation in doubt. However, true to her resilient nature demonstrated previously after a knee injury in 2022, the desire to represent her country once again pushed her through the pain threshold and exceeded expectations laid out by medical professionals.
A Legacy in Football
Mjelde had already etched her legacy as one of Norway’s finest players even before Euro 2025 commenced. Her football journey began at Arna-Bjørnar and evolved through stints in Germany, Sweden, and Norway before reaching Chelsea in 2017. During her time at Chelsea, she made 140 appearances, clinched six Women’s Super League titles, and lifted four FA Cups, earning praise from renowned coach Emma Hayes, who referred to her as “a Rolls Royce of a footballer”.
After returning to Arna-Bjørnar and a brief period at Everton, Mjelde’s status within the team remained unsurpassed as she debuted for the national squad 18 years ago. With Norway primed for a quarterfinal contest against Italy, she is now a mere seven appearances away from surpassing Hege Riise as the most-capped player in Norwegian history.
Early Life and Career
Born into a sports-centric family, Mjelde’s early forays into football began alongside her brother and his friends. She initially joined a boys’ team and showcased such talent that, at 14, she earned a place on Norway’s under-17 women’s squad. Although she also excelled in handball, committing to football would eventually become her focus. Her international debut occurred in 2007, at the age of 17, leading to her swift ascent to the senior national team amid a tumultuous backdrop when veteran players boycotted Euro 2009’s squad due to conflicts with management.
Norway advanced to the semifinals of that tournament, ultimately falling to a formidable German team renowned for their dominance in international women’s football. Mjelde reflects fondly on that experience, crediting her fellow players and coach Even Pellerud for fostering an environment conducive to success despite the uncertainty surrounding the group’s capabilities. Her adaptability was tested when she had to play right back, a position she approached with determination.
Injuries and Comebacks
In an otherwise healthy playing career, Mjelde’s first major injury struck unexpectedly during the Conti Cup final in March 2021, leading to a devastating knee injury that sidelined her for an extended period. The lengthy rehabilitation process took a toll mentally and physically, leaving her in doubt about returning to competitive football. Motivated by a supportive team environment and a camaraderie with teammates, including Guro Reiten, she persevered through her recovery.
Despite initial speculation about her future after leaving Chelsea when her contract was set to expire, Mjelde’s move back to Arna-Bjørnar was initially perceived as a prelude to retirement. However, she clarifies her intent to use that time to rebuild and prepare for the Euro 2025 challenge. During the Norwegian football season’s conclusion in November, she sought opportunities for ongoing play and training to maintain her fitness and was eventually signed by Everton due to an injury crisis in their squad.
Yet, another setback came when she suffered a minor Achilles rupture, casting doubt on her ability to participate in the Euros. Determined to maximize her rehabilitation period, Mjelde pushed herself through two sessions of Platelet-rich plasma therapy and continued her recovery against the odds. Her resilience paid off as she earned a place in the preliminary squad for the Euros and started in the opening match against Switzerland after proving her fitness in training.
Looking Ahead
Norway, buoyed by a strong squad, secured victories in their group games, setting sights high for a semifinal appearance. Despite challenges in past tournaments and an ever-evolving competitive landscape for women’s football, Mjelde expresses cautious optimism about Norway’s journey this tournament. Looking ahead, Mjelde humorously contemplates the prospect of a potential 10th major tournament, reflecting on a rich career filled with unforgettable experiences and advances in women’s sport. Throughout her tenure, she remains proud of her long-standing captaincy and the contributions she’s made, highlighting the significant progression women’s football has achieved.
