Discover the transformative decade in women's football that began with the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award. Hear players like Ada Hegerberg and Lucy Bronze reflect on their journeys, the challenges of artificial pitches, and the fight for equality. Celebrate historic milestones, from World Cup triumphs to the rise of professional leagues, while exploring the emotional stories of players receiving awards and the collective push for recognition and investment in women's sports. It’s a powerful tale of growth, resilience, and hope.
Women's football has significantly evolved in the last decade, marked by increased visibility, media engagement, and star players advocating for equality.
Key events like the 2023 Women's World Cup emphasized emerging talents and unity among players, inspiring future generations and further professionalizing the sport.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Women's Football
Since 2015, women's football has experienced significant growth and transformation, catapulting it onto the global stage. Major events, such as the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 and the Women’s World Cup, have showcased rising attendance numbers and increasing media interest. Star players like Carly Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe have not only achieved sporting success but have also raised their voices for equality and better treatment in the sport. The establishment of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award further highlights the evolution and recognition of women's contributions to football.
Rise of Global Recognition and Sponsorship
The past decade has seen substantial increases in sponsorship deals and public engagement with women's football. Landmark events like the 2019 Women's World Cup drew unprecedented attention and attendance, leading to significant changes in how women's football is perceived. The USA women's team's success paved the way for other national teams and leagues to invest in female talent, and stars like Sam Kerr have emerged as household names. This growing recognition has encouraged a new generation of female players to pursue careers in football, reflecting the sport's increasing maturity and professionalism.
Cultural Shift Towards Equality
The fight for equality in women's football has been a central theme, as athletes have advocated for equal pay and better working conditions. The USA women's national team made headlines for their legal battles seeking equal pay, which culminated in a historic deal being struck in 2022. Similarly, as seen with Norway's national team, women's teams around the world are now negotiating fairer contracts and conditions. The development of women’s football alliances aims to ensure that the momentum is maintained, pushing for more representation and resources.
Impact of Major Global Tournaments
The 2023 Women's World Cup showcased the growing competitiveness of women's football, with emerging talent challenging traditional powerhouses. Teams like Spain and England demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, leading to unexpected victories. Moreover, the event highlighted the unity among players and their shared commitment to driving change within the sport. These tournaments not only draw fans globally but also serve as pivotal moments for promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of female athletes.
Back in 2015, BBC World Service launched the first BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, to raise the profile of the women’s game but also highlight key issues within the sport.
Ten years ago, the current Champions League winners Barcelona and the Women’s Super League in England still weren’t professional, the Women’s World Cup was about to kick off in Canada using artificial pitches, much to the dismay of players and coaches – something which has never been repeated!
To mark an historic 10th year of the award, past winners including Norway’s Ada Hegerberg, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala and England’s Lucy Bronze reflect on winning the trophy. Along with previous nominees, they discuss key moments in the last decade and the challenges still ahead for the women’s game.
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