Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir has established herself as one of the best defenders in women’s football. As a key player for FC Bayern Munich and captain of the Icelandic national team, she combines leadership, defensive intelligence, and technical ability. Her journey from Iceland to the top levels of European football highlights her dedication and skill.
Let’s take a closer look at her career, playing style, achievements, and impact on women’s football.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir was born on June 27, 1995, in Kópavogur, Iceland. Like many Icelandic footballers, she grew up playing in a country known for its harsh climate but excellent football development system. She started her youth career with Breiðablik Kópavogur, one of Iceland’s top clubs for developing young talent.
Her talent was evident from a young age. In 2011, she moved to Denmark to play for Horsens SIK, a club in the Danish first division. Despite being a central defender, she displayed a rare ability to contribute offensively, scoring 14 goals in 21 matches.
This impressive performance led her back to Iceland, where she signed for Stjarnan Garðabær in December 2011. At Stjarnan, she helped the club win the Icelandic league title in 2013 and the Icelandic Cup in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Her success in Iceland laid the foundation for her move to bigger European leagues.
Rise in Scandinavian Football
In 2015, Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir took a step forward in her career by moving to Eskilstuna United DFF in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan. Playing in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues helped her grow as a defender.
After two seasons in Sweden, she transferred to FC Rosengård in 2017. At Rosengård, she played alongside some of the best players in women’s football and became a key part of the club’s defense. She helped Rosengård win the Swedish Championship in 2019 and several domestic cup titles.
Her time in Sweden gave her valuable experience at the highest level. She played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, facing top European teams. These performances caught the attention of FC Bayern Munich, one of the biggest clubs in women’s football.
Move to FC Bayern Munich
In July 2021, Glódís signed with FC Bayern Munich, one of the dominant teams in Germany. She quickly became a starter in defense, helping Bayern maintain one of the best defensive records in the Frauen-Bundesliga.
Her leadership qualities stood out immediately. By September 2023, she was named captain of the team. Under her leadership, Bayern won back-to-back Frauen-Bundesliga titles in 2023 and 2024.
Recognizing her impact, the club extended her contract until 2026, showing their confidence in her as a key player for the future.
International Career with Iceland
Glódís made her debut for the Icelandic national team on August 4, 2012, in a match against Scotland. Since then, she has earned over 100 caps, becoming one of Iceland’s most important players.
She has represented Iceland in multiple editions of the UEFA Women’s European Championship (Euros) and World Cup qualification campaigns. As captain, she has led Iceland to some of their biggest victories, including a 3-0 win over Germany in 2024.
Her ability to organize the defense and her calmness under pressure make her an essential part of Iceland’s national team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Glódís is a modern central defender who combines physicality with intelligence. Here are some of her key strengths:
1. Defensive Awareness
She reads the game exceptionally well, anticipating opponents’ movements and making key interceptions.
2. Aerial Ability
At 1.73 meters tall, she is dominant in the air. She wins headers in both defensive and attacking situations.
3. Leadership
As captain of both Bayern and Iceland, she is vocal on the pitch. She organizes the backline and motivates her teammates.
4. Ball Distribution
Unlike traditional center-backs, she is comfortable playing out from the back. She can switch play with long passes or build from deep.
Her versatility and composure make her one of the best defenders in the women’s game today.
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Accolades and Recognition
Glódís has received multiple awards for her performances:
- Iceland’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- Frauen-Bundesliga Champion in 2023 and 2024 with Bayern Munich.
- Swedish Champion in 2019 with Rosengård.
- First Icelandic player nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin (2024).
Her Ballon d’Or nomination was a historic moment, as she became the highest-ranked center-back in the voting that year.
Impact on Women's Football
Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir has become an inspiration for young female footballers, especially in Iceland. She proves that players from small nations can succeed at the highest level.
Her leadership at Bayern has also helped the club grow into one of the dominant forces in European women’s football. With the rise of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, her experience and defensive skills will be crucial for Bayern’s future success.
Off the Field
Outside of football, Glódís is passionate about:
- Fitness and conditioning – She believes strength training is key for young players.
- Youth development – She wants to help young Icelandic footballers reach their potential.
- Promoting women’s football – As a leader, she is vocal about improving opportunities for female athletes.
She has also expressed interest in opening a sports facility in Iceland to help future generations of footballers prepare for professional careers.
What’s Next for Glódís?
She is in her prime. With Bayern Munich, she will aim to:
- Defend the Frauen-Bundesliga title in 2025.
- Win the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
- Continue leading the Icelandic national team in international competitions.
As one of the best defenders in the world, she still has many years at the top.
Conclusion
Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir’s journey from Iceland to captaining Bayern Munich is a story of dedication, talent, and leadership. She has won titles, broken records, and inspired young footballers worldwide.
With her combination of defensive brilliance and leadership, she is set to remain a key figure in women’s football for years to come.
Whether she’s leading Bayern to trophies or guiding Iceland in international tournaments, Glódís is a name every football fan should know.
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