It is not just Germany these days … countries like Italy, Switzerland and Poland are finding their feet in women’s game
A
documentary is currently being broadcast on German TV. In it, former players talk about how they were prevented from playing football – by the association, their parents and society. Listening to the pioneers of our sport made me realise even more how privileged I had been. I received support from all sides throughout my career.
Women have been playing football for generations but, because it was made difficult or even forbidden in many countries, the level of performance struggled to evolve for a long time. That has changed, as the Euros in Switzerland has shown once again. It offers great sport and exciting entertainment.
Why does women’s football inspire many more people than it did 10 or 20 years ago? Because it is developing rapidly in many countries. In Switzerland, the trend set by the Australia-New Zealand 2023 World Cup and the 2022 Euros in England is continuing. Even in recent weeks, we have seen well-organised teams, technical skills and great goals.
