From Megan Rapinoe calling out Donald Trump to Eni Aluko speaking out against racism in her own dressing room, these women are making a difference
Goal has rounded up the most inspiring women in football, from those who take to the pitch to those who report from the sidelines and, in doing so, encouraging young girls to do the same.
These women are record-breaking international stars to acclaimed media personalities; from female referees breaking the glass ceiling to professionals using their platform to advocate for equality across the boards of gender, race and beyond.
GettyMegan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe is probably one of the most important and impactful footballers in the world right now, for her on-pitch and off-pitch contributions.
How many athletes can you name who managed to win a World Cup and be named the tournament’s best player, all the while sparring with the president of the United States – and coming out on top?
Rapinoe is an openly gay footballer and a vocal LGBTQ+ advocate, and is outspoken about social and political issues.
At a time where so many high-profile figures are wary of intersecting their personal politics with their platform, Rapinoe didn’t bat and eyelid when she publicly refused an invitation to the White House in the event that the USWNT win the World Cup (they did).
She was the first white footballer to kneel while the U.S. national anthem was played, following in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick, and continues to fight the battle for equal pay in the women’s team. Every athlete should strive to be like Megan Rapinoe.
AdvertisementGettyMia Hamm
Arguably the most famous and recognisable female footballer of her time, Mia Hamm was a household name to even non-sports fans due to her success with the U.S. national women’s team in the ‘90s to early ‘00s.
A football icon of the women’s game, Hamm held the record for most international goals scored – by a woman or man – until 2013 and remains in third place behind former team-mate Abby Wambach and Christine Sinclair.
She is frequently quoted as a huge influence and inspiration for both professional and amateur players alike, inspiring young girls to take up the sport – perpetuating the idea that representation, in all industries, is vital. You can't be who you can't see.
GettyMarta
When you’re rattling off the likes of Pele, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as your GOATs, Marta deserves a mention in the same breath. She has scored more World Cup goals than any man or woman alive (17) and was christened “Pele in skirts" by Pele himself.
Minutes after her Brazil side were eliminated by France in the 2019 World Cup, she gave an impassioned speech that implored young Brazil girls to take up the sport.
“Women's football depends on you to survive," said the 33-year-old, with tears in her eyes. "Think about it, value it more. It's about wanting more, it's about training more, it's about looking after yourself more, it's about being ready to play 90 minutes and then 30 minutes more.
"So that's why I am asking the girls. There's not going to be a Formiga forever, there's not going to be a Marta forever, there's not going to be a Cristiane. We are trying to represent women and show how women can play any type of role.”
WarnerJess and Jules from Bend it Like Beckham
Ask a sports-mad woman of a certain age and they'll probably tell you that Bend it Like Beckham had some sort of influence on them.
Teenage girls are extremely impressionable, and if you were a teenage girl watching Gurinder Chadha’s 2002 classic about two women as they try to make it as footballers against the backdrop of the patriarchal industry, you were bound to be a little bit inspired to take up the sport, too.
Bend it Like Beckham follows Jess Bhamra as she dreams of playing football professionally, though hindered by her traditional Indian parents and the gendered social norms surrounding women playing football.
Jess’ plight as a character – more specifically, that of a brown girl – was particularly enlightening. The film, which navigates the struggles of a second-generation woman living in the UK, explores not just gender discrimination, but issues of race, social class and differing cultures in a predominantly white male environment.