- Women's football has witnessed a remarkable surge
- There are stark disparities in available remuneration and support
- European clubs continue to lag behind their American counterparts
Women’s football has witnessed a remarkable surge in the past decade, marked by significant strides toward growth, professionalization, and equality.
Domestic and national teams are increasingly investing in specialized support staff to better understand the unique needs of female athletes, enabling them to perform at their peak.
However, despite these advancements, adequate care and support for women footballers seeking to have children often remains lacking.
There are stark disparities in available remuneration and support, largely influenced by the country and league in which athletes compete.
European clubs, in particular, continue to lag behind their American counterparts in terms of maternity pay and care.
However, recent developments, such as a comprehensive guide from FIFPRO, the global union for professional footballers, have outlined essential guidelines for players and clubs regarding pregnancy.
As former Lyon and Juventus midfielder Sara Björk Gunnarsdottir emphasized in an X Spaces discussion, “There are practical aspects that need to be normalized, especially in Europe, to allow us as players to feel comfortable and focused on our performance.”
“We need to create an environment where players can feel confident on the pitch and fully concentrate during training, knowing that their well-being is taken care of,” she added.
“The normalization of players having children and families is still a work in progress in Europe, and we are only just beginning to take the necessary steps.”
