Not long ago, West Ham Women’s midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdottir may have wondered if she would ever receive another call up to represent her country Iceland.

The experienced midfielder’s last international call up was nearly two years ago, back in April 2023, prior to welcoming her second child Andreas into the world last February.

Brynjarsdottir made her return to the West Ham first team last summer when she played in their pre season match against French giants PSG. Playing against PSG was the midfielder’s first appearance in 15 months.

It was a long journey back to the football pitch for the Iceland international, one which required plenty of dedication and resilience. The 33 year old marked another special moment in her Hammers return back in December. Brynjarsdottir scored for West Ham in their 3-0 win against Southampton in the Women’s League Cup, her first goal for the Club since the birth of her second son.

The West Ham midfielder has recently experienced her greatest achievement in her return to competitive football. Brynjarsdottir, who has won more than 100 caps for Iceland has now earned a place back in the Iceland squad. She is one of 18 players away on international duty, a record for the Women’s side.

Brynjarsdottir was understandably delighted to have the opportunity to represent her country again: “I’m very proud to get the call up again. For any athlete, representing their country is the biggest honour and I’m just thankful I get to do it again after giving birth to my younger son. I’ve put a lot of work in.” said the Hammers midfielder.

She went on to add: “I didn’t know if I would have this opportunity again, so I’m extra thankful for that.”

The 33 year old’s return to international football is a remarkable story. Her recent call up is a reward for all of her hard work and dedication to making her way back to the pitch after childbirth. Balancing family life and the demands of professional football while raising young children is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, Brynjarsdottir’s story and her return to both club and international football will serve as an inspiration to many.