Manon Melis
{{Short description|Dutch footballer and manager (born 1986)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Manon Melis
| fullname = Gabriëlla Maria Melis{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/FWWC/2015/pdf/FWWC_2015_SquadLists.pdf |title=FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 – List of Players: Netherlands |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |page=16 |date=6 July 2015 |access-date=27 December 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608175618/http://www.fifadata.com/document/FWWC/2015/pdf/FWWC_2015_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=8 June 2019}}
| image = Manon Melis in 2014 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Manon with Netherlands in 2014
| alt =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|8|31}}
| birth_place = Rotterdam, Netherlands
| height = {{convert|1.64| metre}}
| position = Forward
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2004
| youthclubs1 = RVVH
| years1 = 2004–2006
| clubs1 = RVVH
| caps1 =
| goals1 =
| years2 = 2006–2007
| clubs2 = Be Quick '28
| caps2 =
| goals2 =
| years3 = 2007–2011
| clubs3 = LdB FC Malmö
| caps3 = 103
| goals3 = 84
| years4 = 2011–2012
| clubs4 = Sky Blue FC
| caps4 = 0
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2012
| clubs5 = Linköpings FC
| caps5 = 21
| goals5 = 16
| years6 = 2013
| clubs6 = LdB FC Malmö
| caps6 = 21
| goals6 = 11
| years7 = 2014–2015
| clubs7 = Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC
| caps7 = 42
| goals7 = 25
| years8 = 2016
| clubs8 = Seattle Reign FC
| caps8 = 16
| goals8 = 7
| nationalyears1 = 2001–2002
| nationalteam1 = Netherlands U17
| nationalcaps1 = 9
| nationalgoals1 = 3
| nationalyears2 = 2003–2004
| nationalteam2 = Netherlands U19
| nationalcaps2 = 21
| nationalgoals2 = 13
| nationalyears3 = 2004–2016
| nationalteam3 = Netherlands
| nationalcaps3 = 136
| nationalgoals3 = 59
}}
Gabriëlla Maria "Manon"{{efn-ua|In Dutch culture it is not unusual to have an official name and an unofficial name ({{ill|roepnaam|lt=call name|nl}}), sometimes already announced by the parents at birth. The unofficial name is often a derivative of one of the official names, but does not need to be.{{cite web|url=https://www.meertens.knaw.nl/voornamen/roepvroeg.html|title=Roepnamen en officiële namen vroeger|work=Meertens Instituut|access-date=10 October 2021|language=nl|trans-title=Given names and official names|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101152048/http://www.meertens.knaw.nl/voornamen/roepvroeg.html|url-status=live}}}} Melis ({{IPA|nl|ɣaːbriˈjɛlaː maːˈrijaː maːˈnɔ ˈmeːlɪs}};{{efn-ua|In isolation, Manon is pronounced {{IPA|nl|maːˈnɔn|}}.}} born 31 August 1986) is a Dutch manager of women's football development at Feyenoord and a former professional footballer who played as a forward. She spent most of her professional career playing in the Swedish league Damallsvenskan, which she won three times with her club LdB FC Malmö, in 2010, 2011, and 2013. Melis also won the Swedish Supercup with Malmö in 2011, and was briefly with the Swedish teams Linköping and Göteborg. She was the Damallsvenskan top scorer three times, in 2008, 2010, and 2011. In 2016, she moved to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the US, playing for Seattle Reign for one season, before retiring from professional football.
At age 17, Melis made her debut for the Netherlands national team in 2004. Her scoring helped the Dutch qualify for their first major tournament, the UEFA Women's Euro 2009, where they reached the semi-finals. In the tournament, she scored a crucial goal in the final group game against Denmark to send her team into the knockout stage. At Euro 2013 in Sweden and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, she played all seven combined matches for her country but did not score. When she retired from playing international football in 2016, she had earned 136 caps and scored 59 goals. She was the all-time top goal scorer for the Netherlands national team from 2010 to 2019.
Melis has been the manager of women's football development at Feyenoord since 2017 with the aim to create a first team that competes in the Dutch Eredivisie and is supported by youth and reserve teams. She achieved this goal when Feyenoord Women fielded a team in the Eredivisie for the first time in the 2021–22 season. Her father is former Feyenoord player Harry Melis.
Early life
Gabriëlla Maria Melis was born on 31 August 1986 in Rotterdam.{{cite news|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/manon-melis_prs303007/person.shtml|title=Manon Melis|publisher=Eurosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507151724/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/manon-melis_prs303007/person.shtml|archive-date=7 May 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/damallsvenskan/kopparbergsgoteborg-fc/gabriella-maria-melis/?tab=facts|title=Gabriella Maria Melis|work=Fotbollskanalen|publisher=TV4 AB|archive-date=9 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909103031/https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/damallsvenskan/kopparbergsgoteborg-fc/gabriella-maria-melis/?tab=facts|access-date=9 September 2021|url-status=live|language=sv}} Her father is Harry Melis, a former footballer who played as a winger in the Dutch Eredivisie for Feyenoord, ADO Den Haag, and DS'79.{{cite web|title=Melis leads Dutch charge for glory|url=https://www.fifa.com/womens-football/news/melis-leads-dutch-charge-for-glory-1649659|publisher=FIFA|date=14 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214080037/https://www.fifa.com/womens-football/news/melis-leads-dutch-charge-for-glory-1649659|archive-date=14 February 2021|url-status=dead}} At a young age, she expressed her desire to follow in his example. She started playing organised football in 1993 for RVVH in Ridderkerk, where she initially played in the girls' team.{{cite web|url=https://www.defeijenoorder.nl/2017/05/19/oranje-topscorer-gaat-de-wijk-in-voor-de-feyenoord-foundation/|title=Oranje-topscorer gaat de wijk in voor de Feyenoord Foundation|trans-title=Oranje top scorer makes the rounds for the Feyenoord Foundation|date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214080407/https://www.defeijenoorder.nl/2017/05/19/oranje-topscorer-gaat-de-wijk-in-voor-de-feyenoord-foundation/|archive-date=14 February 2021|language=nl|work=De Feijenoorder|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/55498/melis-een-%C3%A9chte-thuiswedstrijd|title=Melis: 'Een échte thuiswedstrijd'|trans-title=A real home match|date=22 November 2013|language=nl |website=Ons Oranje |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507153107/https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/55498/melis-een-%C3%A9chte-thuiswedstrijd|archive-date=7 May 2021|url-status=live}} The Royal Dutch Football Association soon suggested that Melis play with and against boys, a scheme the association had introduced in 1986.{{cite web|url=https://www.vrouwenvoetbalnederland.nl/tag/be-quick28/|title=Tag Archives: Be Quick'28 |website =vrouwenvoetbalnederland.nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214082243/https://www.vrouwenvoetbalnederland.nl/tag/be-quick28/|archive-date=14 February 2021 |date=17 September 2018|language=nl}}{{cite web| url=https://www.knvb.nl/themas/meiden--en-vrouwenvoetbal/breedtesport/geschiedenis|title=Geschiedenis|trans-title=History|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507153522/https://www.knvb.nl/themas/meiden--en-vrouwenvoetbal/breedtesport/geschiedenis|archive-date= 7 May 2021|url-status=live}} She enjoyed the more challenging environment up to the highest youth teams. Girls playing football was still somewhat unusual at the time and she later said that her direct opponents were often ridiculed by their teammates for having to compete against a girl.{{cite web|first=Steven |last=van der Gaag|url=https://npokennis.nl/longread/7578/sinds-wanneer-kunnen-vrouwen-voetballen#id-1512|title=Sinds wanneer kunnen vrouwen voetballen?|language=nl|trans-title=Since when do women play football?|publisher=NPO|access-date=17 August 2021|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828120149/https://npokennis.nl/longread/7578/sinds-wanneer-kunnen-vrouwen-voetballen|url-status=live}} Melis later said that most of her teammates on the senior national team had played on boys' teams in their youth.
During her childhood, Melis appeared as a ball girl during a national team match at the Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel. She supported Feyenoord, one of her father's clubs, from an early age and has said that Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Henrik Larsson were her favourite players during her youth.
Club career
=2004–2006: RVVH=
After turning 18 in 2004, Melis moved to the senior level. She continued to play for RVVH but was no longer allowed to play on mixed teams and had to switch to the club's women's team. She was joined by Leonne Stentler, who had also played for RVVH's mixed youth teams. Stentler, who went on to earn 16 caps for the Dutch national team, later said that the drop in level had negatively affected their motivation.{{cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/nl/article/d3knpx/leonne-stentler-laat-niets-heel-van-de-vooroordelen-over-vrouwenvoetbal|title=Leonne Stentler laat niets heel van de vooroordelen over vrouwenvoetbal|trans-title=Leonne Stentler destroys women's football prejudices|first=Sam|last=van Raalte|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214082708/https://www.vice.com/nl/article/d3knpx/leonne-stentler-laat-niets-heel-van-de-vooroordelen-over-vrouwenvoetbal|archive-date=14 February 2021|date=24 August 2016|language=nl|publisher=Vice Media|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/speler/19290|title=Leonne Stentler|language=nl |website=Ons Oranje |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507154042/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/speler/19290|archive-date=7 May 2021|access-date=26 December 2020|url-status=live}} Other internationals at the club were Jeanine van Dalen and Sandra Muller.{{cite news|url=https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/49993/Twee-RVVH-speelsters-bij-Oranje|title=Twee RVVH-speelsters bij Oranje|trans-title=Two RVVH players selected for national team|date=9 November 2005|publisher=Rijnmond|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214083729/https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/49993/Twee-RVVH-speelsters-bij-Oranje|archive-date=14 February 2021|language=nl|access-date=27 December 2020|url-status=live}} For two seasons she played in the Hoofdklasse, the Netherlands' highest amateur league of women's football. There was no professional league in the Netherlands at the time.{{cite news|url=https://www.nu.nl/sport/1014311/zes-profclubs-in-eredivisie-vrouwen.html|title=Zes profclubs in eredivisie vrouwen|trans-title=Six professional clubs in women's league|language=nl|date=20 March 2007|publisher=NU.nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214084220/https://www.nu.nl/sport/1014311/zes-profclubs-in-eredivisie-vrouwen.html|archive-date=14 February 2021|access-date=6 January 2021|url-status=live}} The women had to arrange their own travel to away games; unlike for the men, the club did not organise transport for them. RVVH did not win the league during Melis's tenure.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/ned-womchamp.html|title=Netherlands – List of Women Champions|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=7 May 2021|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507154610/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/ned-womchamp.html|url-status=live}}
=2006–2007: Be Quick '28=
In 2006, Melis received an offer to play in the German Frauen-Bundesliga, for Duisburg, but declined. She wished to focus fully on football, but this offer meant that she would also have to find other work, which seemed daunting because she was unable to speak German fluently. She decided to stay in the highest Dutch league and accept an offer from Be Quick '28 in Zwolle, because of their more intensive training regime.{{cite news|url=https://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/fc-twente-geeft-meisjes-zelfde-kans-als-jongens~b38a7c4b/|title=FC Twente geeft meisjes zelfde kans als jongens|first=Onno|last=Havermans|date=29 September 2006|access-date=27 December 2020|newspaper=Trouw|language=nl|trans-title=FC Twente offers girls same chance as boys}}{{cite news|url=https://www.destentor.nl/overig/be-quick-28-strikt-topscorer-manon-melis~a7c75991/|title=Be Quick'28 strikt topscorer Manon Melis|trans-title=Be Quick'28 signs top scorer Manon Melis|date=12 May 2006|work=De Stentor|access-date=27 December 2020|language=nl}} She joined Sylvia Smit, with whom she had played on the national team, in attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.hzvv.nl/wedstrijdverslag/0/2459/hzvv-vrouwen-verliezen-van-be-quick-28slug/|title=HZVV vrouwen verliezen van Be Quick '28|trans-title=HZVV women defeated by Be Quick '28|website=hzvv.nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214084824/https://www.hzvv.nl/wedstrijdverslag/0/2459/hzvv-vrouwen-verliezen-van-be-quick-28slug/|archive-date=14 February 2021|language=nl|access-date=23 December 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8090|title=Nederland 0–2 Japan|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030165303/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8090|url-status=live}} Melis only played for Be Quick for a few months.{{cite news|url=https://www.sydsvenskan.se/2007-01-28/oavgjort-for-mff-i-traningspremiaren|title=Oavgjort för MFF i träningspremiären|trans-title=Crowds show up for first MFF training|date=28 January 2007|publisher=Sydsvenskan|access-date=30 December 2020|first=Heidi|last=Silvander|language=sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214085601/https://www.sydsvenskan.se/2007-01-28/oavgjort-for-mff-i-traningspremiaren|archive-date=14 February 2021|url-status=live}}
=2007–2011: LdB FC Malmö=
In January 2007, at age 20, Melis moved abroad to play professionally for LdB FC Malmö in the Swedish Damallsvenskan. She later recalled that the women's game was far more advanced in Sweden than in the Netherlands, both in terms of professionalism, exemplified by the frequency and intensity of training, and media coverage. Malmö had finished in fourth place in the twelve-team league the previous season and signed her to challenge defending champions Umeå IK. Among the other players on the team were Ásthildur Helgadóttir, an Iceland international, and Caroline Jönsson, Sweden's goalkeeper.{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/p6B4PV/umea-ar-inte-lika-bra-som-forra-aret|date=11 April 2007|access-date=28 December 2020|work=Aftonbladet|language=sv|title=Umeå är inte lika bra som förra året|trans-title=Umeå is not as good as last year|first=Zendy|last=Svärdkrona|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144710/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/p6B4PV/umea-ar-inte-lika-bra-som-forra-aret|url-status=live}} In Melis's first home game, against Örebro in front of 1,013 spectators, she scored twice.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/04/18/sweden/damallsvenskan/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/karlslunds-idretts-forening-orebro-damfotbollsforening/435908/|title=LdB FC Malmö 5–0 KIF Örebro DFF|website=Soccerway|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915134614/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/04/18/sweden/damallsvenskan/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/karlslunds-idretts-forening-orebro-damfotbollsforening/435908/|url-status=live}} In her first season she scored ten goals, and finished as the club's top scorer, ahead of Helgadóttir, but her tally was surpassed by Lotta Schelin of Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC who scored 26.{{cite web|url=https://www.voetbaluitslagen.com/de-carriere-van-manon-melis/| title=De carrière van Manon Melis|trans-title=Manon Melis's career|date=29 September 2020|access-date=24 December 2020|publisher=voetbaluitslagen.com|language=nl|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507162757/https://www.voetbaluitslagen.com/de-carriere-van-manon-melis/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttsport/sport/a/nAAxr5/historien-bakom-storlaget|title=Historien bakom storlaget|language=sv|date=6 November 2020|trans-title=The story behind the big team|publisher=Aftonbladet|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915141417/https://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttsport/sport/a/nAAxr5/historien-bakom-storlaget|url-status=live}} Malmö finished third as Umeå retained the championship.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2007/tabell/|title=Tabell och resultat – Damallsvenskan 2007|trans-title=Table and results – Damallsvenskan 2007|access-date=28 December 2020|language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024114620/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2007/tabell/|url-status=dead}}
In her second season at Malmö, Melis scored the first equalising goal in a 2–2 draw with Umeå, who ended up winning the league again, their fourth consecutive title.{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/G1rqom/marta-sparkade-motstandare-i-magen|title=Marta sparkade motståndare i magen|date=11 June 2008|access-date=28 December 2020|work=Aftonbladet|language=sv|trans-title=Marta kicked opponent in the stomach|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507163026/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/G1rqom/marta-sparkade-motstandare-i-magen|url-status=live}} Malmö finished the season third, but having closed the gap with Umeå they had in Melis's first season.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/tabell-resultat/|title=Tabell och resultat – Damallsvenskan 2008|trans-title=Table and results amallsvenskan 2008|access-date=28 December 2020|language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=1 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701212310/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/tabell-resultat/|url-status=dead}} Melis, playing in the number 14 jersey, was the league's joint-top-scorer that season with Umeå's Marta, each of them scoring 23 times, although 6 of Marta's goals were scored on the last day of the season in an 11–1 win over already-relegated Bälinge.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/|title=UIK guldfirade & LFC till Europa|trans-title=UIK celebrates gold & LFC into Europe|access-date=28 December 2020|language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507163414/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/tabell-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=731914|title=LdB FC Malmö 4–0 Bälinge|access-date=24 September 2021|language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429052131/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/tabell-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=731914|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01dc-0e11a800f2ac-fa2a8d0fdf82-1000--melis-matured-by-swedish-experience/|title=Melis matured by Swedish experience|date=17 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214090206/https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01dc-0e11a800f2ac-fa2a8d0fdf82-1000--melis-matured-by-swedish-experience/|archive-date=14 February 2021|publisher=UEFA|access-date=24 December 2020|first=Berend|last= Scholten|url-status=live }} In November 2008, Melis was nominated for the Forward of the Year award at the annual Swedish Football Gala but she lost to Marta.{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/8wG41d/pele-pa-vag-till-globen|title=Pelé på väg till Globen|date=1 November 2008|access-date=28 December 2020|work=Aftonbladet|language=sv|trans-title=Pelé on his way to the Globe|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323162931/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/8wG41d/pele-pa-vag-till-globen|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/J1raK6/nanne-bergstrand-arets-tranare|title=Nanne Bergstrand årets tränare|date=17 November 2008|trans-title=Nanne Bergstrand coach of the year|access-date=28 December 2020|work=Aftonbladet|language=sv|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144711/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/J1raK6/nanne-bergstrand-arets-tranare|url-status=live}}
In the 2009 season Melis played 20 games, scoring 10 goals.{{cite web|url=http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/person/?playerid=5524|title=Manon Melis|access-date=15 September 2021|language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=14 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111214194738/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/person/?playerid=5524|url-status=dead}} She shared the club's top scorer spot with Frida Nordin.{{cite web|url=http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/person/?playerid=5380|title=Frida Nordin|access-date=15 September 2021|language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=24 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024233550/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/person/?playerid=5380|url-status=dead}} Early in the season Malmö scored seven goals three games in a row, with Melis scoring a hat-trick in one of them, against Piteå.{{cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/xRJJ5Q/overkorning-malmo|title=Överkörning, Malmö|language=sv|trans-title=Overrun, Malmö|access-date=15 September 2021|publisher=Aftonbladet|date=18 April 2009|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915112637/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/xRJJ5Q/overkorning-malmo|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/qnOvyE/malmo-i-topp-igen|title=Malmö i topp igen|trans-title=Malmö on top again|access-date=15 September 2021|publisher=Aftonbladet|language=sv|date= 3 May 2009|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915122110/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/qnOvyE/malmo-i-topp-igen|url-status=live}} They finished the season in fourth place, as Linköping took the title.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2009/|title=Linköping klara mästare|trans-title=Linköping clear champions|access-date=28 December 2020|publisher=Swedish Football Association|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127202051/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2009/|language=sv|url-status=live}}
In Melis's fourth season at Malmö the club won the league, thus securing a place in the 2011–12 UEFA Women's Champions League. She surpassed her 2008 goal tally of 23 by scoring 25 goals in 22 games and was the 2010 Damallsvenskan top scorer.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=stats&ftid=27294&sortby=teamname&fleid=246723|title=Statistics – Damallsvenskan 2010|access-date=28 December 2020|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144739/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=stats&ftid=27294&sortby=teamname&fleid=246723|url-status=dead}} Malmö finished 11 points ahead of the second-place team Göteborg. Melis scored hat-tricks in two matches: in the 5–3 victory over Göteborg early in the season, and in the 4–0 away win over Umeå in June.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/05/23/sweden/damallsvenskan/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/kopparbergs-goteborg-football-club/888157/|title=LdB FC Malmö 5–3 Kopparberg/Göteborg FC|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Soccerway.com|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144733/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2010/tabell-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=1375244|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/06/06/sweden/damallsvenskan/umea-idrottsklubb/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/888175/|title=Umeå 0–4 LdB FC Malmö|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Soccerway.com|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144733/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2010/tabell-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=1375261|url-status=live}} She also scored the opening goal in a 2–1 win over defending champions Linköping.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/08/29/sweden/damallsvenskan/linkopings-fotboll-club/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/888207/|title=Linköping 1–2 LdB FC Malmö|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Soccerway.com|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144715/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2010/tabell-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=1375292|url-status=live}} In the final game of the season Melis scored twice in a 5–0 victory over Umeå.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/10/16/sweden/damallsvenskan/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/umea-idrottsklubb/888241/|title=LdB FC Malmö 5–0 Umeå|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Soccerway.com|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721144717/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2010/tabell-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=1375327|url-status=live}} In November 2010, Melis won the awards for Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the Damallsvenskan. In their description of the history of Damallsvenskan, the Swedish Football Association wrote that the 2010 season saw some stars leaving the league and, consequently, audience numbers declined, prompting a decrease in sponsor funds needed to attract new stars.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2010/|title=Resultat 2010|access-date=28 December 2020|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|trans-title=Results 2010|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121015506/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2010/|url-status=live}}
In her first Supercup, held just prior to the start of the 2011 Damallsvenskan season between league champions Malmö and cup winners Örebro, Melis scored the winning goal in extra time. It was a simple tap-in goal after a Sarah Storck shot rebounded off the crossbar.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/cuper-och-serier/supercupen-damer/2011/|title=LdB supercupsvinnare på övertid|access-date=30 December 2020|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|trans-title=LdB super cup winner in overtime|archive-date=9 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709005927/http://svenskfotboll.se/cuper-och-serier/supercupen-damer/2011/|url-status=live}} This Supercup win was followed by Melis being part of Malmö successfully defending their title. With three games to play Melis scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Kristianstad, keeping Malmö close to league leaders Tyresö and rivals Göteborg and Umeå.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2011/|title=Resultat 2011|access-date=29 December 2020|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|trans-title=Results 2011|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127203940/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2011/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/10/02/sweden/damallsvenskan/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/kristianstad-damfotbollsforening/1057000/|title=Malmö 2–1 Kristianstad|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Soccerway.com|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915134717/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/10/02/sweden/damallsvenskan/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/kristianstad-damfotbollsforening/1057000/|url-status=live}} Tyresö lost their last two games, whereas Malmö won both, staying ahead of Göteborg by one point. In the domestic cup, Malmö again lost in the quarter-finals. Despite Melis's opening goal putting Malmö in the lead before half-time, Linköping came from behind to win 2–1.{{cite web|title=Linköping 2–1 Malmö|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/07/20/sweden/svenska-cupen-women/linkopings-fotboll-club/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/1114324/|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915095619/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/07/20/sweden/svenska-cupen-women/linkopings-fotboll-club/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/1114324/|url-status=live}} Melis finished the season as Damallsvenskan's top scorer, with 16 goals from 21 games, sharing the honour with Kristianstad's Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir.{{cite web|trans-title=Statistics/league|title=Statistik/ligor| url=http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2011/statistikligor/|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030171419/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2011/statistikligor/|url-status=dead}} She has been Malmö's top scorer for five straight seasons. Melis played her first ever Champions League game on 29 September 2011 in Italy against Tavagnacco, losing 2–1 in the first leg of a two-legged tie. In the return game she scored twice to help secure a 5–0 win and progress to the next round, where they faced SV Neulengbach from Austria. Melis scored once in the away game, helping her club to a 3–1 win. The return match, on 10 November 2011, was her last game with the club. Melis scored the only goal of the match. As a result, Malmö progressed to the quarter-finals, scheduled for March 2012 after Melis left the team.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/01fb-0e138059485a-d2c401a2d0d8-1000/|title=Frankfurt aim to move past Malmö|date=14 March 2012|first1=Markus |last1=Juchem |first2= Paul |last2=Saffer|publisher=UEFA|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507163901/https://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/01fb-0e138059485a-d2c401a2d0d8-1000/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/4795184|date=10 November 2011|access-date=29 December 2020|language=sv|title=Melis mål säkrar Malmös kvartsfinal|trans-title=Melis's goal secures Malmö's quarter final|publisher=Sveriges Radio|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145146/https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/4795184|url-status=live}}
=2011–2012: Sky Blue FC=
In November 2011, Melis announced she was moving from Malmö to Sky Blue FC, based in Harrison, New Jersey, to play in the American Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league.{{cite news|url=https://corren.se/5839360|title=Ingen Melis i LFC|trans-title=No more Melis at Malmö|language=sv|date=11 November 2011|access-date=6 January 2021|newspaper=Corren|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830143152/https://corren.se/5839360|url-status=live}} Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra said that because the WPS defences were quick and physical he needed a fast forward player like Melis. Daphne Koster, with whom Melis played for the Dutch national team, played for Sky Blue the year before.{{cite news|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/30710/melis-naar-amerikaans-sky-blue|title=Melis naar Amerikaans Sky Blue|language=nl|trans-title=Melis off to American Sky Blue|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|date=17 November 2011|access-date=24 December 2020|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145148/https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/30710/melis-naar-amerikaans-sky-blue|url-status=live}} Before Melis could start her first game for Sky Blue, the WPS suspended operations in January 2012 because of a legal dispute with an ousted owner. This left many players, including Melis, in need of a new club.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/women-s-professional-soccer-suspends-2012-season-1.1130857|title=Women's Professional Soccer suspends 2012 season|date=30 January 2012|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145106/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/women-s-professional-soccer-suspends-2012-season-1.1130857|url-status=live|agency=The Associated Press}}
=2012: Linköpings FC=
In February 2012, Melis returned to the Damallsvenskan and signed with Linköping, ahead of the 2012 season starting in April. Coach Jörgen Petersson called her "a strong addition to an already very interesting player squad".{{cite news|title=Manon Melis till Linköping|url=https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/4968698|language=sv|trans-title=Manon Melis to Linköping|newspaper=Sveriges Radio|access-date=30 December 2020|date=16 February 2012|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145121/https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/4968698|url-status=live}} Her colleague in attack was the Australian Lisa De Vanna. Reflecting on her years of experience in the Swedish league Melis said, "I think the league is more equal and harder than previous years. There are so many internationals and good players in the league." She was assigned the number 9 jersey. The club did not start the season well, winning two of the first eight games, but she scored all four of her side's goals in their 4–1 victory
over Piteå.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=fixturelist&ftid=35359|title=Spelprogram – Damallsvenskan|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706121757/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=fixturelist&ftid=35359|url-status=dead}} She also scored four times in Linköping's 11–0 defeat of Djurgården.{{cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttsport/sport/a/G1jARx/linkoping-krossade-djurgarden|title=Linköping krossade Djurgården|publisher=Aftonbladet|language=sv|date=10 June 2012|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915072626/https://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttsport/sport/a/G1jARx/linkoping-krossade-djurgarden|url-status=live}} In June she faced her old club Malmö at the Malmö IP stadium, where she scored the game's opening goal in a 2–1 defeat.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=result&fmid=1776847|title=LdB FC Malmö 2–1 Linköping|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705040130/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=1776847&html5=1|url-status=dead}} In August, she scored once in the home match against Malmö, who won 5–3, with their German international Anja Mittag scoring a hat-trick.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/08/26/sweden/damallsvenskan/linkopings-fotboll-club/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/1233667/|title=Linköping 3–5 LdB FC Malmö|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915134206/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/08/26/sweden/damallsvenskan/linkopings-fotboll-club/lait-de-beaute-fc-malmo/1233667/|url-status=live}} Linköping finished third in the league, 16 points behind title-winners Tyresö.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2012/|title=En Perlskog summerar 2012|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127210529/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2012/|url-status=live}} Melis scored 16 goals in 21 games, finishing third on the top scorers list behind Mittag and Göteborg's Christen Press.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2012/tabell-och-resultat/?scr=scorers&ftid=35359|title=Skytteliga – Damallsvenskan|trans-title=Top scorers 2012|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927051321/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2012/statistikligor/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/person/?playerid=5524|title=Manon Melis 2012|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=24 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024232026/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/person/?playerid=5524|url-status=dead}}
=2013: LdB FC Malmö=
Melis agreed to return to Malmö in December 2012 for the 2013 Damallsvenskan season, regaining her number 14 jersey and joining Mittag in attack.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=result&fmid=1993991|title=LdB FC Malmö 1–0 Jitex BK|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020223332/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=1993991|url-status=dead}} In the home game against her former club, Linköping, Melis scored the second goal of a 4–0 victory, on an assist from Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=result&fmid=1994063|title=LdB FC Malmö 4–0 Linköping|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025003807/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=1994063|url-status=dead}} The away match at defending champions Tyresö was a turning point for the club's season. Although Malmö were behind 2–1, and had a player sent off with about 20 minutes to go, they achieved a 3–2 win.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2013/tabell-och-resultat/?scr=result&fmid=1994041|title=Tyresö 2–3 LdB FC Malmö|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928083829/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=1994041|url-status=dead}} In her last home game at the Malmö IP stadium, against old rivals Umeå, Melis scored the opening goal in front of more than 2,500 spectators; Malmö won 2–0.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=result&fmid=1994075|title=LdB FC Malmö 2–0 Umeå|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020223321/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=1994075|url-status=dead}} Melis collected her third Damallsvenskan winner's medal, as her team finished seven points ahead of second-placed Tyresö.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2013/|title=LdB FC Malmö fick höja bucklan 2013|trans-title="LdB FC Malmö had to close the gap in 2013|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145220/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2013/|url-status=live}} She scored 11 goals in 21 league matches, two goals fewer than her teammate Mittag and twelve fewer than the league's top scorer, Press.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=scorers&ftid=39646|title=Skytteliga – Damallsvenskan|trans-title=Top scorers Damallsvenskan|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=24 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024202230/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=scorers&ftid=39646|url-status=dead}}
=2014–2015: Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC=
File:Manon Melis.jpg in 2014]]
Although Melis wanted to stay at Malmö, when Göteborg in November 2013 came in with an offer she decided to accept it for financial reasons.{{cite news|title=Manon Melis lämnar Malmö|newspaper=SVT Nyheter|url=http://www.svt.se/nyheter/regionalt/sydnytt/manon-melis-lamnar-malmo|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=26 November 2013|date=15 November 2013|language=sv|trans-title=Manon Melis leaves Malmö|archive-date=19 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119082849/http://www.svt.se/nyheter/regionalt/sydnytt/manon-melis-lamnar-malmo|url-status=live}} Göteborg had seen several key players depart, notably midfielders Yael Averbuch, Marie Hammarström, Anita Asante and Johanna Almgren, and needed to invest in players to compete for the title again.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2014/|title=Guld Rosengård! Örebro tvåa|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=1 January 2021|trans-title=Gold Rosengård! Örebro second|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430084023/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2014/|url-status=live}} The club's subsequent signings included Dutch internationals Lieke Martens and Loes Geurts.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/lieke-martens/99223/|title=Lieke Martens|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428201946/https://int.soccerway.com/players/lieke-martens/99223/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/loes-geurts/18160/|title=Loes Geurts|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428204207/https://int.soccerway.com/players/loes-geurts/18160/|url-status=live}} Göteborg started the 2014 Damallsvenskan season with a 5–0 away win over Vittsjö GIK; Melis scored a hat-trick, including two goals on assists from long-term Göteborg player Sara Lindén.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=result&fmid=2658403|title=Vittsjö GIK 0–5 Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014001330/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=2658403|url-status=dead}} Coach Stefan Rehn said that the team benefitted from Melis and Martens's many years of experience together on the Netherlands national team.{{cite web|url=http://www.damfotboll.com/nyheter/2014/04/lieke-martens-tillfor-touch-och-teknik|title=Lieke Martens tillför touch och teknik |trans-title=Lieke Martens adds touch and technology|date=22 April 2014|access-date=29 May 2014|publisher=Damfotboll.com|language=sv|first=Fredrik|last=Hasselgren}} In the 4–0 win over Jitex BK in July 2014, Melis scored all four goals in the first 20 minutes.{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/ddGwlw/manon-melis-fyramalsskytt|title=Manon Melis fyramålsskytt|language=sv|date=3 July 2014|access-date=27 December 2020|work=Aftonbladet|trans-title=Manon Melis four-goal shooter|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818013118/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/ddGwlw/manon-melis-fyramalsskytt|url-status=live}} In the penultimate game of the season, with Rosengård (Malmö's new name after merging with FC Rosengård 1917) already title winners, Göteborg lost second place to Örebro as a result of a 3–2 defeat at Kristianstad, despite Melis scoring twice.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/information/?scr=result&fmid=2658522|title=Kristianstad 3–2 Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014051603/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/match/?scr=result&fmid=2658522|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/0EWLL2/byter-namn-till-fc-rosengard|title=Byter namn till FC Rosengård|date=9 October 2013|publisher=Aftonbladet| access-date=25 September 2021|language=sv|trans-title=New name FC Rosengård |first=Andreas |last=Käck|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925072906/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/0EWLL2/byter-namn-till-fc-rosengard}} Melis ended the season in second place on the top scorers' list with 16 goals, behind Mittag, who scored 23. The two foreigners shared the honours for most assists in the season with 11.
In Melis's final season in Sweden, the 2015 Damallsvenskan, Göteborg achieved a sixth-place finish, as her former club Rosengård won the title again.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2015/|title=SM-guldet till Rosengård|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=1 January 2021|trans-title=The Swedish Championship gold to Rosengård|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022005610/https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2015/|url-status=live}} In October 2015, she played her last match in Sweden, a home game against Örebro, with 373 spectators. The club's fourth Dutch international, Daniëlle van de Donk, opened the scoring early on with an assist by Melis, but the away team won the game 4–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/match/g%C3%B6teborg-v-kif-%C3%B6rebro/commentary-result/ams2myn8uuymf8c1ojbhz7ill|title=Göteborg 2–4 KIF Örebro|website=Goal.com|access-date=14 September 2021|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914212003/https://www.goal.com/en/match/g%C3%B6teborg-v-kif-%C3%B6rebro/commentary-result/ams2myn8uuymf8c1ojbhz7ill|url-status=dead}} Melis ranked sixth on the top scorers list, scoring 9 goals, more than any of her teammates; leader Gaëlle Enganamouit of Eskilstuna scored 18.{{cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2015/tabell-och-resultat/?scr=scorers&ftid=57126|title=Skytteliga – Damallsvenskan|trans-title=Top scorers Damallsvenskan|publisher=Swedish Football Association|language=sv|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413132739/http://svenskfotboll.se/damallsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2015/statistikligor/?scr=sl|url-status=dead}} At the end of the season, she considered retirement from professional football.
=2016: Seattle Reign FC=
File:Estelle Johnson.png during Seattle Reign FC vs Washington Spirit]]In November 2015, Melis signed a one-year contract with Seattle Reign FC in the American National Women's Soccer League for the 2016 season, and was assigned the number 14 jersey, stating that it was a dream come true to play in the US.{{cite web|title=Seattle Reign sign Netherlands' all-time leading scorer|url=http://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2015/11/24/9792616/seattle-reign-sign-dutch-forward-manon-melis|publisher=Sounder at Heart|access-date=23 March 2016|date=24 November 2015|archive-date=11 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411182824/http://www.sounderatheart.com/seattle-reign/2015/11/24/9792616/seattle-reign-sign-dutch-forward-manon-melis|first=Susie |last=Rantz|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/04/18/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/seattle-reign/jersey-sky-blue/2210982/|title= OL Reign vs. Sky Blue 1–2|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=6 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=16 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916110531/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/04/18/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/seattle-reign/jersey-sky-blue/2210982/}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/64442/video-droom-komt-uit-voor-melis|title=Video: Droom komt uit voor Melis|language=NL|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=17 January 2021|trans-title=Video: Dream comes true for Melis|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145126/https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/64442/video-droom-komt-uit-voor-melis|url-status=live}} Of her signing, Seattle's head coach Laura Harvey said, "Manon is a fantastic talent who will bring something new to our attack next season. We're thrilled to have a player with her experience and consistent record of success at the highest levels of club and international football join our club next season."{{cite web|title=Reign ink Netherlands international Manon Melis|url=http://equalizersoccer.com/2015/11/24/reign-ink-netherlands-international-manon-melis/|publisher=The Equalizer|access-date=23 March 2016|date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510074328/http://equalizersoccer.com/2015/11/24/reign-ink-netherlands-international-manon-melis/|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=live}} Melis was surprised at the popularity of women's football in the US, exemplified by how her teammate Hope Solo had to travel wearing a hoodie and sunglasses to avoid attention. Seattle's season started with a defeat to Melis's former club Sky Blue, ending their streak of 24 undefeated home games, in front of a crowd of 4,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/4/17/11449104/seattle-reign-open-season-with-loss-to-sky-blue|title=Seattle Reign open season with loss to Sky Blue|date=17 April 2016|first=Suzie|last=Rantz|publisher=Sounder at Heart|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410154547/https://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/4/17/11449104/seattle-reign-open-season-with-loss-to-sky-blue|url-status=live}} In the next game, away at Boston Breakers, she scored her first goal in the US, in a 3–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/04/25/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/boston-breakers/seattle-reign/2210987/|title= Boston Breakers vs. OL Reign 0–3|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=6 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=16 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916110918/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/04/25/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/boston-breakers/seattle-reign/2210987/}} In May, in a game against Portland Thorns FC, she fractured her tibia after a bad landing on the pitch. She joined Rapinoe and Jess Fishlock on Seattle's injury list and missed the following four games.{{cite news|url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/5/20/11723604/seattle-reigns-manon-melis-suffers-tibia-fracture|title=Seattle Reign's Manon Melis suffers tibia fracture|date=20 May 2016|first=Suzie|last=Rantz|publisher=Sounder at Heart|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426173753/https://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/5/20/11723604/seattle-reigns-manon-melis-suffers-tibia-fracture|url-status=live}} Coming back from injury she scored five goals in five matches.{{cite news|url=https://www.womenssoccerunited.com/manon-melis-announces-retirement/|title=Former Netherlands international and Seattle Reign FC forward Manon Melis has announced her retirement from professional women's soccer|date=7 November 2016|publisher=Women's Soccer United|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121145437/https://www.womenssoccerunited.com/manon-melis-announces-retirement/|url-status=live}} On 25 September 2016, she played the last game of her career, in front of over 5,500 people and scored in the 60th minute to help Seattle to a 3–2 away win over Houston Dash.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/09/26/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/houston-dash/seattle-reign/2211077/|title=Houston Dash vs. OL Reign 2–3|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=28 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928195355/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/09/26/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/houston-dash/seattle-reign/2211077/|url-status=live}} Seattle finished the season in fifth place, narrowly missing out on a spot in the play-offs.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/2016/regular-season/r34741/|title=NWSL|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=6 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006021536/https://int.soccerway.com/national/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/2016/regular-season/r34741/|url-status=live}} In 16 appearances she scored seven times and was the club's leading scorer that season.{{cite news|url=https://medium.com/@ReignFC/2016-team-awards-golden-boot-and-goal-of-the-year-d9a2aec1572a#.67zt6hq1w|publisher=Reign FC|date=5 October 2016|access-date=1 January 2021|title=2016 Team Awards: Golden Boot and Goal of the Year|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118005911/https://medium.com/@ReignFC/2016-team-awards-golden-boot-and-goal-of-the-year-d9a2aec1572a#.67zt6hq1w|url-status=live}} In November 2016, Melis announced her retirement from professional football.{{cite news|url=https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/oranje/oranjeleeuwinnen/21573/manon-melis-hangt-kicksen-aan-de-wilgen|title=Manon Melis hangt kicksen aan de wilgen|date=9 November 2016|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=2 January 2021|language=nl|trans-title=Manon Melis ends football career|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145526/https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/oranje/oranjeleeuwinnen/21573/manon-melis-hangt-kicksen-aan-de-wilgen|url-status=live}}
International career
=Debut and early years: 2003–2009=
Melis represented the Netherlands at the youth levels, making her debut in the under-17 team in May 2001 and in the Under-19 team in January 2003. In a combined total of 30 games she scored 16 goals for the youth teams.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/210484/speler/19218|title=Manon Melis: Jeugd vrouwen onder 19|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=17 January 2021|trans-title=Manon Melis: Women under 19|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124063424/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/210484/speler/19218|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/210486/speler/19218|title=Manon Melis: Jeugd vrouwen onder 17|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=17 January 2021|trans-title=Manon Melis: Women under 17|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122014702/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/210486/speler/19218|url-status=live}} She played her first match for the senior Netherlands women's national football team on 25 April 2004, aged 17, in an away game against Belgium.{{cite news|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/65602/manon-melis-stopt-als-international|title=Manon Melis stopt als international|date=29 March 2016|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=2 January 2021|trans-title=Manon Melis retires from international football|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145526/https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/65602/manon-melis-stopt-als-international|url-status=live}} The Dutch were in the middle of UEFA Women's Euro 2005 qualifying, a double round-robin tournament with four groups. Melis came on at half-time and scored the Netherlands' second goal in a 3–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8098|title=EK 2005 Kwalificatie|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=2 January 2021|trans-title=UEFA Women's Euro 2005 qualification|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201143259/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8098|url-status=live}} In the next qualification match, at home against Norway in front of 2,000 fans, she again came on as a substitute, playing for the last three minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8094|title=EK 2005 Kwalificatie|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=2 January 2021|trans-title=UEFA Women's Euro 2005 qualification|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121092045/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8094|url-status=live}} The Dutch finished qualifying in fourth out of five teams as Denmark and Norway were the only teams to qualify from their group.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eur-women05.html|title=European Women Championship 2005|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=3 January 2007|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103175955/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eur-women05.html|url-status=live}} She appeared in the starting line-up for the first time in her 4th cap, a friendly against England.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8086|title=EK 2005 Kwalificatie|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=2 January 2021|trans-title=UEFA Women's Euro 2005 qualification|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203074133/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8086|url-status=live}} Only in her 16th cap did she score again, in a friendly in preparation for the 2007 World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web|title=Nederland 6–0 Zwiterland|trans-title=the Netherlands 6–0 Switzerland|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8042|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=19 December 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028063317/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/8042|url-status=live}} She did not score in any of the qualifiers and the Dutch again did not qualify, which consequently meant they would not participate in the 2008 Olympics either.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/organisation/media/newsid%3D589029.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001150320/http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/organisation/media/newsid%3D589029.html|archive-date=1 October 2007|title=Three European teams will book their spot to Beijing 2008|publisher=FIFA|date=6 September 2007|access-date=29 October 2018}} Not until almost three years after her debut, in her 34th cap, did she score her third goal for her country, in a 2–0 home win over Italy.{{cite web|title=Nederland 2–0 Italië|trans-title=the Netherlands 2–0 Italy|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/7974|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=19 December 2020|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145524/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/7974|url-status=live}}
In qualification for the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 the Dutch were drawn in the same group as reigning World Cup champions Germany. The Germans won all eight of their qualifier matches, leaving the Dutch to vie with the Swiss and Belgians for a spot in the play-offs.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eur-women09.html|title=European Women Championship 2009|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=19 October 2006|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019150034/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eur-women09.html|url-status=live}} Melis scored in six of the eight matches, only failing to score against the world champions. In the final qualification game, she scored twice in a 3–0 win over Belgium to ensure the Dutch progressed to the play-offs.{{cite web|title=Nederland 3–0 België|trans-title=the Netherlands 3–0 Belgium|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/7850|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124071033/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/7850|url-status=live}} They beat Spain 2–0 in both legs of their play-off tie to qualify for a major tournament for the first time in their history.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01d2-0e10c275aab3-34678aa38536-1000--women-s-euro-play-offs-reach-conclusion/|title=WOMEN'S EURO play-offs reach conclusion|date=29 October 2008|publisher=UEFA|first=Paul|last=Saffer|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115002955/https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01d2-0e10c275aab3-34678aa38536-1000--women-s-euro-play-offs-reach-conclusion/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01d2-0e10c335b31e-57d798cd87e7-1000--finalists-decided-for-women-s-showpiece/|title=Finalists decided for women's showpiece|date=31 October 2008|first=Paul|last=Saffer|access-date=3 January 2021|publisher=UEFA|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145535/https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01d2-0e10c335b31e-57d798cd87e7-1000--finalists-decided-for-women-s-showpiece/|url-status=live}} Prior to Euro 2009 the team competed at the Cyprus Cup, where Melis scored four times, twice in their victory over Russia and twice in the match for fifth place against South-Africa, which the Netherlands won 5–0. At the end of the tournament Melis had moved into second position on the all-time top scorer's list of the national team, having scored 17 goals.{{cite web|title=Rusland 1–2 Nederland|trans-title=Russia 1–2 the Netherlands|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/11422|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=27 September 2021|archive-date=20 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720192558/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/11422|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/1996357/voetbalsters-vijfde-bij-cyprus-cup.html|title=Voetbalsters vijfde bij Cyprus Cup|language=nl|trans-title=Women's team fifth at Cyprus Cup|date=12 March 2009|publisher=NU.nl|access-date=27 September 2021|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927155952/https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/1996357/voetbalsters-vijfde-bij-cyprus-cup.html|url-status=live}}
At Euro 2009 in Finland, the Dutch were drawn in a group with Ukraine, Denmark, and the hosts, Finland. They started well, with a 2–0 victory over Ukraine. Melis, playing in the number 9 jersey, did not score, but played the whole 90 minutes.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/oranjevrouwen-maken-indruk-in-finland|title=Oranje-vrouwen maken indruk in Finland|date=23 August 2009|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje women impress in Finland|work=Voetbal International|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145623/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=1A30C5C2BA9B1DF55DE2E347C106F3DA|url-status=live}} The second group match, against Finland in front of a crowd of 15,000, resulted in what the Dutch press called a well-deserved 2–1 loss, meaning elimination or progression depended on the final group game against Denmark.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/angstig-oranje-kansloos-tegen-finland|title=Angstig Oranje kansloos tegen Finland|date=26 August 2009|language=nl|trans-title=Fearful Oranje without a chance against Finland|work=Voetbal International|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145526/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=F0409A9E081CC5DA3CF5EF08731FF0D0|url-status=live}} Despite the Danes having more attacking chances and outplaying the Dutch, goals by Smit and Melis sent them through to the quarter-finals with a 2–1 win.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/oranje-stunt-in-finland-tegen-denemarken|title=Oranje stunt in Finland tegen Denemarken|date=29 August 2009|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje pull off a surprise win stunt over Denmark in Finland|work=Voetbal International|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145521/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=1195EE798903788C9A69B5D77F54AB05|url-status=live}} Looking back at her career after it ended, Melis singled out this goal as the most special of all her goals for the national team. The quarter-final against the French was scoreless after 90 minutes, mostly due to strong defending by Dutch captain Koster and to French goalkeeper Céline Deville pushing aside a dangerous shot by Melis. In extra time Melis almost scored but her shot just missed the net. A penalty shoot-out was needed to decide the winner. The first eight penalties, including the third, taken by Melis, were all converted. The next five players failed to score. Finally, Anouk Hoogendijk converted her penalty and put the Dutch into the semi-finals against England.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/vrouwen-oranje-blijven-stunten-in-finland|title=Vrouwen Oranje blijven stunten in Finland|date=3 September 2009|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje women keep surprising in Finland|work=Voetbal International|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145539/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=F0576BBA1AC03C2E549CC4FE853AE87C|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01dd-0e11b7462318-6251bff5009d-1000/|title=Oranje through after shoot-out|date=3 September 2009|first=Chris|last= Burke|publisher=UEFA|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105012132/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/woco/fixturesresults/round=15047/match=2001417/report=rp.html#selection-99.0-99.30|archive-date=5 January 2013}} In another close game, the Dutch mostly defended. Melis was nearly on the receiving end of a long through ball but it was intercepted by goalkeeper Rachel Brown. England scored first, but the Dutch struck back almost immediately. Melis made room for herself on the right and played across to Marlous Pieëte who equalised. In extra time the English missed several chances before a Jill Scott header gave England a 2–1 win and a place in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/vrouwen-oranje-gaan-strijdend-ten-onder|title=Vrouwen Oranje gaan strijdend ten onder|date=6 September 2009|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje women go down with a fight|work=Voetbal International|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145541/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=07F79DAB14C2B623781F4C931D2425F4|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01dd-0e11b9d390ae-6eccee030fed-1000/|title=Scott seals final berth for England|date=6 September 2009|first=Chris|last= Burke|publisher=UEFA|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507162300/https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/01dd-0e11b9d390ae-6eccee030fed-1000/}}
=Mid career: 2010–2013=
At the 2010 Cyprus Cup Melis scored in three of the four games, ending up joint top scorer of the tournament with New Zealand's Amber Hearn, both with four goals. The Dutch finished in third place.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/wom-cypcup08.html|title=Cyprus Women's Cup|access-date=28 September 2021|archive-date=7 August 2021|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807140924/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesw/wom-cypcup08.html#10|url-status=live}} To qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Melis and her teammates had to win a group with Norway, Macedonia, Belarus and Slovakia. Norway won the group without losing a game. After a defeat to Norway in their away game, the Netherlands drew the Scandinavians 2–2 at home, with Melis scoring the opening goal. The Dutch failed to qualify and consequently also missed out on the 2012 Olympics, since only the best performing teams at the World Cup would qualify.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/0205-0e15d18c4210-f9bc7a51a154-1000--norway-know-way-to-win-against-netherlands/|title=Norway know way to win against Netherlands|date=1 January 2013|publisher=UEFA|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145550/https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/0205-0e15d18c4210-f9bc7a51a154-1000--norway-know-way-to-win-against-netherlands/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eur-women-qual2011.html|title=European Qualifying for Women's World Cup 2011|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=24 November 2020|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124183745/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eur-women-qual2011.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=2012 Olympics football: Was it worth it for Team GB? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/19236354 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=6 June 2021 |date=12 August 2012 |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606073409/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/19236354 |url-status=live }} In the final qualifier game, against Belarus in August 2010, Melis scored twice, her 29th and 30th international goals, which made her the national team's all-time top goalscorer.{{cite web|url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1001/AD-Sportwereld/article/detail/1923519/2010/08/21/Melis-topscorer-aller-tijden-Oranje-vrouwen.dhtml|title=Melis topscorer aller tijden Oranje-vrouwen|trans-title=Melis all-time top scorer national women's team|work=Algemeen Dagblad|access-date=25 July 2013|date=21 August 2010|language=nl|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927125917/http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1001/AD-Sportwereld/article/detail/1923519/2010/08/21/Melis-topscorer-aller-tijden-Oranje-vrouwen.dhtml|url-status=live}} She overtook Marjoke de Bakker's goal tally of 29, scored between 1979 and 1991.{{cite news|url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2010/08/23/ik-ben-niet-echt-met-statistieken-bezig-11934370-a1066418|title=Ik ben niet echt met statistieken bezig|language=nl|trans-title=I do not concern myself with the statistics|date=23 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219225834/https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2010/08/23/ik-ben-niet-echt-met-statistieken-bezig-11934370-a1066418|archive-date=19 December 2020|newspaper=NRC Handelsblad}}
Early in 2011 Melis scored three times at the Cyprus Cup, which the Dutch finished in second place.
She scored four goals in a 6–0 win over Serbia in the opening match of the UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifying group matches.{{cite web |title=Nederland 6–0 Servië |trans-title=the Netherlands 6–0 Serbia |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/17378 |language=nl |website=Ons Oranje |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |access-date=19 December 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802040829/http://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/17378 |url-status=live }} A draw and a loss in their two matches against England left the Dutch competing for second place.{{cite news |title=England women earn Euro 2013 win against Netherland |first=Tony |last=Leighton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18449757 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=31 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731055552/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18449757 |url-status=live }} Eight goals in total by Melis helped her team qualify directly as best runners-up of all groups.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/020a-0e15d85efae6-0b73366f1c74-1000--melis-netherlands-are-an-attacking-force/|title=Melis: Netherlands are an attacking force|date=27 June 2013|first=Paul|last=Saffer|publisher=UEFA|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145521/https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/020a-0e15d85efae6-0b73366f1c74-1000--melis-netherlands-are-an-attacking-force/|url-status=live}} Prior to Euro 2013 in Sweden, she described the host country as her second home. Melis was asked by the Swedish media to introduce the Dutch team to the Swedish public in a video clip. In the Dutch media she said that Sweden was more advanced in terms of media coverage of women's football.{{cite news|url=https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/manon-melis-speelt-ek-in-tweede-vaderland~bf0b1342/|title=Manon Melis speelt EK in tweede vaderland|date=8 July 2013|language=nl|newspaper=Trouw|trans-title=Manon Melis in Euros in her second motherland|access-date=23 December 2020}} The draw put the Dutch in a group with reigning champions Germany, Iceland and Norway. Melis played in all three group games.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/toernooien/1490/overzicht|title=EK 2013 Eindronde|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=26 December 2020|trans-title=Euro 2013|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129010709/https://www.onsoranje.nl/toernooien/1490/overzicht|url-status=live}} The opening match against Germany ended in a 0–0 draw. The second game, against Norway, finished 1–0 to the Scandinavians. In the final game the Dutch failed to score again, as Iceland defeated them 1–0, with Dagný Brynjarsdóttir scoring Iceland's winning goal. Melis had a chance to score on a rebound when Martens hit the crossbar but failed to do so, thus ending the tournament for the Netherlands.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/roemloze-aftocht-improductieve-oranjevrouwen-op-ek|title=Roemloze aftocht improductieve Oranje-vrouwen op EK|date=17 July 2013|language=nl|trans-title=Inglorious exit for unproductive Oranje women|access-date=3 January 2021|work=Voetbal International|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145532/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=260FC50A81D1726D3FC60F9374A9C614|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/1371915/nederlandse-vrouwen-uitgeschakeld-op-ek-voetbal-in-zweden|title=Nederlandse vrouwen uitgeschakeld op EK voetbal in Zweden|date=16 July 2013|language=nl|publisher=Omroep Brabant|trans-title=Dutch women eliminated at Euros in Sweden|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145523/https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/1371915/nederlandse-vrouwen-uitgeschakeld-op-ek-voetbal-in-zweden|url-status=live}}
=Final years and retirement: 2013–2016=
File:Netherlands womens national football team May 2014.jpg
In the opening game of their 2015 World Cup qualification matches, Melis scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 victory over Albania.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/18994|title=Albanië 0–4 Nederland|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107101505/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/18994|url-status=live}} A loss and a draw in home games with Norway and Belgium respectively put them in third place in the group, but victories in all remaining group matches, against Portugal, Greece, Albania, Belgium and group-winners Norway put them through to the play-offs, with Melis scoring five goals in total. Their opponents in the semi-finals of the play-offs, a two-legged tie, were Scotland.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eur-women-qual2015.html|title=European Qualifying for Women's World Cup 2015|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=7 January 2021|website=RSSSF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107094121/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eur-women-qual2015.html|url-status=live}} Martens opened the score early on and Melis converted a penalty in the 23rd minute. Kim Little, who later would be Melis's teammate at Seattle, scored for Scotland from the penalty spot as well, but no further goals were scored.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/20278|title=Schotland 1–2 Nederland|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107145442/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/uitslagen/wedstrijd/20278|url-status=live}} In the return leg, Martens and Melis scored again while goalkeeper Geurts kept a clean sheet, sending the Netherlands through to a play-off final against Italy.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/toernooien/8508/wedstrijd/20274|title=Nederland 2–0 Schotland|language=nl|website=Ons Oranje|publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107171932/https://www.onsoranje.nl/toernooien/8508/wedstrijd/20274|url-status=live}} The first leg ended in a 1–1 draw, the second in a 2–1 victory for the Netherlands, which meant they qualified for their first World Cup tournament. Melis later said they had made history with this qualification, which was one of the highlights of her career.
The Dutch had a good start with their group games at the 2015 World Cup in Canada. They defeated New Zealand 1–0; Martens, Melis's teammate at Göteborg, scored the only goal.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/32222338|title=New Zealand 0–1 Netherlands|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 June 2015|access-date=5 January 2021|archive-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609040520/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/32222338|url-status=live}} In the next game China started defensively, and despite a few attempts by Melis, kept the Netherlands from scoring before making the winning goal in injury time.{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/collectie/2930/artikel/2040862-nederland-in-slotfase-onderuit-tegen-china|title=Nederland in slotfase onderuit tegen China|language=nl|trans-title=Netherlands beaten by China in final minutes|date=12 June 2015|access-date=5 January 2015|publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145533/https://nos.nl/collectie/2930/artikel/2040862-nederland-in-slotfase-onderuit-tegen-china|url-status=live}} In the final group game, hosts Canada led 1–0 for nearly 80 minutes. The Dutch needed a draw to advance. Melis had an opportunity to equalise late on but missed. In the last minutes of the game Kirsten van de Ven scored the equaliser, sending them through to the round of 16.{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/collectie/2930/artikel/2041628-oranje-pakt-belangrijk-punt-tegen-canada|title=Oranje pakt belangrijk punt tegen Canada|date=16 June 2015|access-date=5 January 2015|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje wins important point in Canada match|publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145544/https://nos.nl/collectie/2930/artikel/2041628-oranje-pakt-belangrijk-punt-tegen-canada|url-status=live}} The Dutch started the match against Japan well. Melis had a chance to open the score off a pass from Martens, but could not get a shot in. Soon after, Japan scored and the Netherlands missed chances to equalise as both Vivianne Miedema and Martens failed to connect with a Melis pass. In the second half, Japan scored on the counter, and although van de Ven scored after a mistake by Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori, the game ended 2–1 for Japan, who would later make it to the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/oranje-leeuwinnen-verlaten-wk-na-nederlaag-tegen-japan|title=Oranje Leeuwinnen verlaten WK na nederlaag tegen Japan|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje Lionesses exit World Cup after Japan defeat|date=24 June 2015|access-date=5 January 2015|work=Voetbal International|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145603/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=643D7B548505722DD774213002E286BD|url-status=live}} Melis did not score at the World Cup.
In March 2016, the Dutch played the final game of their qualifying tournament for the 2016 Olympics, against Sweden. Miedema scored after five minutes from a pass by Melis. After Melis missed a chance, Sweden equalised and qualified for the Olympics.{{cite news|url=https://www.nu.nl/sport/4227850/oranjevrouwen-definitief-niet-spelen-gelijkspel-zweden.html|title=Oranjevrouwen definitief niet naar Spelen na gelijkspel tegen Zweden|date=9 March 2016|language=nl|trans-title=Dutch women not going to the Olympics|access-date=30 September 2021|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311230622/https://www.nu.nl/sport/4227850/oranjevrouwen-definitief-niet-spelen-gelijkspel-zweden.html|url-status=live|work=NU.nl}} Melis said the Dutch team were still too inconsistent. She was disappointed that the young team would miss the opportunity to gain experience from playing the world's best.{{cite news|url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/4228112/melis-vindt-oranje-zich-nog-net-niet-kan-meten-met-wereldtop.html|title=Melis vindt dat Oranje zich nog 'net niet' kan meten met wereldtop|date=10 March 2016|language=nl|trans-title=Melis thinks Oranje just short of able to match world's elite|publisher=NU.nl|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024031707/https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/4228112/melis-vindt-oranje-zich-nog-net-niet-kan-meten-met-wereldtop.html|url-status=live}} On 29 March 2016, Melis announced her retirement from international play to focus fully on her club football in the US league. She had earned 136 caps and scored 59 goals. In November 2016, she retired from professional football altogether. A few days later she performed the draw for the Euro 2017, to be held in the Netherlands.{{cite news|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/oranjevrouwen-treffen-het-niet-bij-loting-voor-eigen-ek|date=8 November 2016|title=Oranjevrouwen treffen het niet bij loting voor 'eigen' EK|work=Voetbal International|access-date=22 December 2020|language=nl|trans-title=Unlucky draw for Oranje women in 'home Euros'|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145547/https://www.vi.nl/cookies/;jsessionid=D5CCA5C5F34C416ABF29DB9C9BF33DE9|url-status=live}} The Dutch went on to win the title without her.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/miedema-fires-netherlands-to-euro-2017-title/1vnuc2rl4qtma13gdrv6nizyfo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103122513/https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/miedema-fires-netherlands-to-euro-2017-title/1vnuc2rl4qtma13gdrv6nizyfo|archive-date=3 January 2021|title=Miedema fires Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory|website=Goal|first=Dom|last=Farrell|date=6 August 2017|access-date=2 December 2020}}
For nearly nine years Melis held the all-time goal-scoring record, until 15 June 2019, when Miedema surpassed Melis by scoring her 60th goal in a 3–1 win over Cameroon at a group stage match at the World Cup tournament in France.{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/wk2019/artikel/2289197-recordhouder-miedema-na-dubbelslag-blij-dat-ik-dit-aan-het-team-kan-geven.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616141746/https://nos.nl/wk2019/artikel/2289197-recordhouder-miedema-na-dubbelslag-blij-dat-ik-dit-aan-het-team-kan-geven.html|archive-date=16 June 2019|title=Recordhouder Miedema na dubbelslag: 'Blij dat ik dit aan het team kan geven'|trans-title=Record holder Miedema after double hit: 'Glad I can give this to the team'|language=nl|publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|date=15 June 2019|access-date=2 November 2020}} As of July 2023, Melis ranked third on the all-time goal scoring list for the Netherlands women's football team.{{cite web|url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/80889/oranjevrouwen-vol-vertrouwen-naar-wk-na-ruime-uitzwaaizege-op|title=Oranjevrouwen vol vertrouwen naar WK na ruime uitzwaaizege op België|language=nl|trans-title=Dutch full of confidence on way to World Cup after defeating Belgium|access-date=3 July 2023|publisher=Ons Oranje|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703124917/https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-vrouwenelftal/80889/oranjevrouwen-vol-vertrouwen-naar-wk-na-ruime-uitzwaaizege-op}}
Managerial career
After her playing career, Melis started working for Feyenoord, initially doing social outreach for the Feyenoord Foundation and training young girls for the Feyenoord Soccer Schools. In 2017, she was appointed Feyenoord's manager of women's football development.{{cite news|url=https://www.feyenoord.nl/nieuws/nieuwsoverzicht/manon-melis---we-zijn-met-meidenvoetbal-al-ver-gekomen---050920|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214090554/https://www.feyenoord.nl/nieuws/nieuwsoverzicht/manon-melis---we-zijn-met-meidenvoetbal-al-ver-gekomen---050920|archive-date=14 February 2021|title=Manon Melis: 'We zijn met meidenvoetbal al ver gekomen'|date=9 September 2020|publisher=Feyenoord|access-date=23 December 2020|language=nl|trans-title=Manon Melis: 'We have come a long way in women's football}} In 2013, she had expressed her wish for Feyenoord to have a professional team so that she could play for them. In interviews throughout her playing career she stressed the importance of the national team doing well for the development of Dutch women's football in general, for "local competition, financially, sponsors, and everything". While it was somewhat unusual for her as a girl in the 1990s to play football, that was no longer true for Dutch girls towards the end of her career. She said that the Dutch team's successful Euro 2017 in the Netherlands had been pivotal for the development of the women's game in the country. She was tasked by Feyenoord with building a girls' football academy for all age groups. By 2019, Feyenoord had set up girls' teams competing in the under 13, under 15, and under 17 leagues, as well as a reserve team in the newly established women's reserve league.{{cite news|url=https://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/feyenoord-breidt-het-meidenvoetbal-uit~af5dfd4c/|title=Feyenoord breidt het meidenvoetbal uit|language=nl|trans-title=Feyenoord expands girls' teams|work=Algemeen Dagblad|date=30 March 2018|access-date=19 January 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/feyenoord-komend-seizoen-ook-actief-in-beloftencompetitie-voor-vrouwen~a95095ff/|title=Feyenoord komend seizoen ook actief in beloftencompetitie voor vrouwen|trans-title=Feyenoord to play in next season's reserves league|language=nl|work=Algemeen Dagblad|date=12 April 2019|access-date=19 January 2021|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417110727/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/feyenoord-komend-seizoen-ook-actief-in-beloftencompetitie-voor-vrouwen~a95095ff/|url-status=live}} In 2019, she spoke publicly of her desire to bring Vivianne Miedema to Feyenoord in the future, given that Miedema is a Feyenoord fan.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/1750583296/miedema-kan-belletje-van-feyenoord-verwachten|date=10 July 2019|newspaper=De Telegraaf|access-date=23 December 2020|language=nl|title=Miedema kan belletje van Feyenoord verwachten|trans-title=Miedema can expect a Feyenoord call|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122002952/https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/1750583296/miedema-kan-belletje-van-feyenoord-verwachten|url-status=live}} Melis confirmed in March 2021 that Feyenoord Women would field a team in the Eredivisie Vrouwen for the first time in the 2021–22 season.{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2374824-vrouwen-feyenoord-doen-volgend-seizoen-mee-aan-eredivisie-logische-vervolgstap.html|title=Vrouwen Feyenoord doen volgend seizoen mee aan eredivisie: 'Logische vervolgstap' |trans-title=Feyenoord Women to participate in Eredivisie as of next season|language=nl|date=31 March 2021|access-date=31 March 2021|publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507155935/https://nos.nl/artikel/2374824-vrouwen-feyenoord-doen-volgend-seizoen-mee-aan-eredivisie-logische-vervolgstap|archive-date=7 May 2021}} On the same day, Miedema expressed the hope to one day join the team.{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2374844-feyenoord-vrouwen-eindelijk-in-eredivisie-soort-garantie-dat-we-miedema-gaan-zien.html|title=Feyenoord-vrouwen 'eindelijk' in eredivisie: 'Soort garantie dat we Miedema gaan zien' |trans-title=Feyenoord Women 'finally' in Eredivisie: 'Almost guaranteed we will see Miedema' |language=nl|date=31 March 2021|access-date=31 March 2021|publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507155630/https://nos.nl/artikel/2374844-feyenoord-vrouwen-eindelijk-in-eredivisie-soort-garantie-dat-we-miedema-gaan-zien|archive-date=7 May 2021}} Feyenoord finished their first season in fifth position, and their second in seventh position.{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2429605-het-wonder-van-de-toekomst-blijft-uit-twente-vrouwen-voor-achtste-keer-kampioen|title=Het wonder van De Toekomst blijft uit: Twente Vrouwen voor achtste keer kampioen|work=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|date=20 May 2022|access-date=21 May 2022|language=nl}}{{cite news|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2492227-ondanks-slechte-start-wil-feyenoord-jagen-op-de-top-moeten-ambitieus-zijn|title=Ondanks slechte start wil Feyenoord jagen op de top: 'Moeten ambitieus zijn'|language=nl|trans-title=Despite poor start Feyenoord aims for the top: 'We have to be ambitious’|work=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|date=29 September 2023|access-date=29 September 2023}} As recognition for her "tireless work", the club awarded her the Willem van Hanegem Award.{{cite news|url=https://www.ad.nl/regiosport-rotterdam/drijvende-kracht-manon-melis-krijgt-van-feyenoord-willem-van-hanegem-trofee~aa334d80/|title='Drijvende kracht' Manon Melis krijgt van Feyenoord Willem van Hanegem Trofee |work=Algemeen Dagblad|date=21 January 2022|access-date=21 May 2022|language=nl}}
In December 2023, Melis started taking a Dutch Football Association training course for technical directors.{{cite news|url=https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/organisatie/knvb-academie/68475/nieuw-ontwikkelprogramma-voor-technisch-directeuren-van-start|title=Nieuw ontwikkelprogramma voor technisch directeuren van start|language=nl|trans-title=New development program for technical directors to start|work=KNVB|date=5 December 2023|access-date=20 October 2024}}
Style of play
File:België - Nederland (14183324704).jpg
Melis was known for her speed, which earned her the nickname 'The Flying Dutchman' in the US.{{cite web|url=http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/ny/news/press_releases/111115-manon-melis.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117234716/http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/ny/news/press_releases/111115-manon-melis.aspx|title= Top Swedish League Scorer Joins Sky Blue FC|website=WPS |date=15 November 2011|access-date=24 December 2020|archive-date=17 November 2011|url-status=dead}} Her father was also known for his speed. His ex-teammates observed his daughter ran in the same way as he did.{{cite news|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/oranjevrouwen-genen-van-hun-vader~a4619e6d/|title=Oranjevrouwen: Genen van hun vader|date=4 June 2015|first= Daniel |last=Dwarswaard |newspaper=Algemeen Dagblad|language=nl|trans-title=National women's team: their fathers' genes|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507152640/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/oranjevrouwen-genen-van-hun-vader~a4619e6d/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2F|url-status=live}} She focused more on the differences, stressing that she is a centre forward while he was a winger. Sky Blue assistant coach Emma Hayes noted that apart from being "lightning quick", she was also "technical and with a wonderful eye for goal". Dutch national team coach Arjan van der Laan said Melis was a "superfast" attacker, with excellent goalscoring skills and the ability to set up goals with assists.{{cite news|url=https://www.nu.nl/sport/4238357/oranje-topscorer-manon-melis-zet-punt-achter-interlandloopbaan.html|title=Oranje-topscorer Manon Melis zet punt achter interlandloopbaan|language=nl|trans-title=Oranje all-time top scorer ends international career|date=29 March 2016|access-date=23 December 2020|publisher=NU.nl|archive-date=10 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710131504/http://www.nu.nl/sport/4238357/oranje-topscorer-manon-melis-zet-punt-achter-interlandloopbaan.html|url-status=live}} Martens, her teammate both on the national team and for one season at Göteborg, said Melis had a "killer instinct". Of her goalscoring records Melis has said they seemed more important to others than to her. She was more concerned with winning games and titles.
Personal life
Melis married Dutch professional basketballer Ties Theeuwkens in 2016, prior to the start of her last season.{{cite news|url=https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/148397/Manon-Melis-stopt-met-voetballen|title=Manon Melis stopt met voetballen|trans-title=Manon Melis ends career|language=nl|publisher=Rijnmond|date=8 November 2016|access-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429144628/https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/148397/Manon-Melis-stopt-met-voetballen|archive-date=29 April 2021}} At the announcement of her retirement from professional football, she said that after ten years abroad it was time to return home to be with her husband.{{cite news|url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/4347572/oranje-topscorer-manon-melis-30-beeindigt-voetbalcarriere.html|title=Oranje-topscorer Manon Melis (30) beëindigt voetbalcarrière|language=nl|trans-title=Top scorer Manon Melis (30) ends football career|date=8 November 2016|publisher=NU.nl|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106182043/https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/4347572/oranje-topscorer-manon-melis-30-beeindigt-voetbalcarriere.html|url-status=live}} Melis is fluent in Swedish.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/node/2498316|title=Manon Melis blijft een Hollandse meid|date=17 July 2013|publisher=RTL Nieuws|access-date=23 December 2020|language=nl|trans-title=Manon Melis stays Dutch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507155145/https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/node/2498316|archive-date=7 May 2021}}
Career statistics
=Club=
Statistics not available for amateur clubs RVVH and Be Quick '28, and for 2007–08 domestic cup games. Sky Blue FC did not play while Melis was under contract.
=International=
{{Main|List of international goals scored by Manon Melis}}
During her 12-year international career Melis scored 59 goals from 136 caps.{{Featured article}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/speler/19218 |language=nl |title=Manon Melis |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |access-date=20 December 2020 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109170459/https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/207834/speler/19218 |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable" "plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | ||
| scope="col" | National team
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Apps ! scope="col" | Goals | ||
|---|---|---|
| rowspan=13|Netherlands
|2004 | 7 | 1 |
| 2005 | 11 | 1 |
| 2006 | 15 | 0 |
| 2007 | 8 | 5 |
| 2008 | 6 | 6 |
| 2009 | 16 | 9 |
| 2010 | 8 | 8 |
| 2011 | 12 | 10 |
| 2012 | 10 | 4 |
| 2013 | 11 | 5 |
| 2014 | 14 | 4 |
| 2015 | 13 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 | 2 |
| colspan="2"|Total||136||59 |
Honours
LdB FC Malmö
- Damallsvenskan: 2010, 2011, 2013{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/manon-melis/7688/|title=M. Melis|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305132326/https://int.soccerway.com/players/manon-melis/7688/|url-status=live}}
- Swedish Supercup: 2011
Individual
- Damallsvenskan's Most Valuable Player Award: 2010{{cite web|url=https://svff.svenskfotboll.se/om-svff/historik/fotbollsgalan/ovriga-utmarkelser/|title=Övriga utmärkelser|language=sv|access-date=30 December 2020|trans-title=Other awards|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125131952/https://svff.svenskfotboll.se/om-svff/historik/fotbollsgalan/ovriga-utmarkelser/|publisher=Swedish Football Association|url-status=live}}
- Damallsvenskan's Forward of the Year: 2010
Records
- Damallsvenskan top scorer: 2008 (shared with Marta), 2010, 2011 (shared with Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir)
- Netherlands all-time top goalscorer from 2010 to 2019
Footnotes
{{notelist-ua}}
See also
{{portal|Women's association football|Netherlands|Sports}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Damallsvenskan top scorers}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Netherlands squads
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{{Netherlands squad UEFA Women's Euro 2009}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Women's Euro 2013}}
{{Netherlands squad 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Melis, Manon}}
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