West Ham Star Viviane Asseyi: Inspired by Zidane Since Age Four

After West Ham’s recent match, Viviane Asseyi had a familiar post-game ritual: a phone call to her mother. It’s a tradition that brings her comfort, especially after tough games. As she recounts, her mother was on the other end, laughing and teasing, saying, "Oh, you were so bad!" It’s the kind of light-hearted banter that helps Asseyi process her feelings. "She knows she can tell me anything, good or bad, and I appreciate that honesty. I just keep pushing to improve." Frustration lingered after West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton. Asseyi felt the scoreline didn’t reflect the game; despite the loss, they matched up well in shots and touches. "I’m someone who truly lives for the game," she admits. Laughter is a cornerstone of her family life. Growing up in France to Gabonese parents, Asseyi was steeped in her culture. Family meals on Sundays were sacred, filled with food, music, and Gabonese traditions, ensuring she stayed connected to her roots. At just four years old, her journey began when she asked her mother for a football. "It all started with the 1998 World Cup," she recalls. Watching France triumph over Brazil sparked a dream. "I told my mum: ‘Buy me a football. I want to be like Zidane.’" Her family was supportive, even if they found humor in her initial scrawny frame. "They laughed, saying, ‘How will you play? Everyone else is so much stronger!’" But behind the laughter, they were her biggest cheerleaders. Asseyi’s determination was evident even then. "My mum initially bought me a cheap plastic ball, thinking I wouldn’t notice. But I insisted on having the same ball as Zidane!" In school, however, her dreams were met with skepticism. "When asked what I wanted to be, I always said a professional footballer like Zidane. Teachers thought I was crazy because women’s football wasn’t mainstream. But my friends understood; we all played together." Her mother enrolled her in local clubs in Normandy, which eventually led her to Clairefontaine, the heart of French football. When she received her acceptance letter, it felt like a dream come true. "I wanted to emulate Zidane, and Clairefontaine was the pinnacle for me—so many legends came from there," she shares. The selection process was tough, with only about 15 kids chosen from across France. "When I read the letter, my family was in tears, but I was too focused on my dream to cry." At Clairefontaine, she experienced equality in training, forming friendships with players like Alphonse Areola, her classmate who now plays for West Ham. "We spent a lot of time together, chilling outside of class." Living away from home nurtured her independence as she played for various clubs, including Rouen and Bayern Munich, before landing in London in 2022. Now, in her fifth season with West Ham, she feels a strong sense of belonging. "When everyone respects and values you, it creates a great environment where you want to give your all," Asseyi explains. As one of the team’s leaders, she aims to foster a positive culture. Despite the team’s mixed start this season, with two wins in seven matches, she believes consistency will come. "Sometimes it’s a mental game, and other times it’s about the little details," she notes. Asseyi takes pride in being a visible role model as a Black female footballer. Growing up, she idolized Serena Williams, and now she realizes the impact she can have. "I didn’t fully grasp how much we can inspire others until I started receiving messages on social media. It’s heartwarming to know I can motivate young girls to pursue their dreams." "We play for the joy of the game, and it’s incredible to think about the influence we have on the next generation of players," she concludes.