West Ham forward Viviane Asseyi says she has long drawn inspiration from football icons, beginning with her childhood admiration for Zinedine Zidane. Born in France to Gabonese parents, Asseyi grew up immersed in Gabonese culture, with family gatherings that included traditional food and music. Her passion for football ignited at age four, after watching France’s 1998 World Cup victory, when she asked her mother for a football, expressing a desire to emulate Zidane.

Despite early skepticism from teachers—reflective of the limited visibility of women’s football at the time—Asseyi remained committed to her dream. “Women’s football wasn’t visible then, so all the teachers thought that I was crazy,” she recalled. However, she found support among friends who also played football. Her family’s approach combined humor with unwavering encouragement, often laughing but always backing her ambitions.

Asseyi has since embraced her role as a visible Black female athlete, recognizing the influence she holds for younger generations. She cites tennis star Serena Williams as an early role model and notes the increasing reach of female athletes as inspirations to others. “I’m happy if I can inspire anyone and will do my best to do it more,” she said, highlighting the responsibility her mother instilled in her to be a positive role model.

Her professional career has spanned several clubs, including Rouen, Montpellier, Marseille, and Bordeaux in France, followed by a two-year spell at Bayern Munich in Germany. In 2022, she joined West Ham, where she has become a central figure in the team. With 117 appearances for the Londonside club, Asseyi is poised to surpass Kate Longhurst’s Women’s Super League era appearance record at West Ham. She describes the club as a “second family,” emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and camaraderie within the squad.

Now 32 and serving as vice-captain, Asseyi plays a leadership role in shaping team culture and standards. She credits the group’s positive attitude despite setbacks, noting the team’s ongoing pursuit of consistency after securing two wins in their first seven games this season. “It’s sometimes mental and it’s sometimes about the small details,” she said when discussing the team’s search for improved results.

Asseyi’s journey from a determined child in France to an established professional in the Women’s Super League underscores the evolving landscape of women’s football and the growing impact of its athletes both on and off the pitch.