Women’s Football

The rise of women’s football in recent decades has been a profound shift in the landscape of global sports. Once marginalized and overlooked, women’s football has gained increasing attention, funding, and viewership across the world. This transformation has been driven by a combination of social, political, and economic factors, along with the dedication and excellence of female athletes. Real-world examples from national teams, domestic leagues, media coverage, and institutional changes help to illustrate the growth and reasons behind the surge in popularity and recognition.

Historical Background and Slow Beginnings

Women’s football has existed for over a century, but it faced serious institutional and cultural barriers. In England, women’s matches in the early 20th century drew large crowds, such as the 1920 Boxing Day match between Dick, Kerr Ladies and St. Helen’s Ladies, which attracted over 53,000 spectators at Goodison Park. However, in 1921, the Football Association (FA) banned women from playing on affiliated grounds, claiming the sport was “unsuitable for females.” Similar restrictions existed in other countries. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that formal recognition and organization of women’s football began to emerge more widely.

Institutional Support and FIFA’s Role

A major turning point came in 1991 with the launch of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. Despite limited publicity, the event marked the start of institutional backing for women’s football on a global scale. Since then, every subsequent tournament has seen increased attendance, media coverage, and competitive quality.

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France was a landmark event. With over 1.12 billion viewers globally and 24 teams participating, the tournament showcased the growing popularity of the sport. The final, where the United States defeated the Netherlands, drew more viewers in the U.S. than the 2018 men’s final, according to Fox Sports. This proved that there was a strong appetite for high-level women’s football when given proper exposure.

National Teams Driving Popularity

Successful national teams have been pivotal in inspiring fanbases and setting standards. The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is a prime example. With four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals, the USWNT has not only excelled on the pitch but also championed social causes, including gender pay equity. Their lawsuit against U.S. Soccer in 2019 brought international attention to the gender pay gap in sport and culminated in a 2022 settlement and a historic collective bargaining agreement establishing equal pay.

In Europe, teams like England, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands have seen a significant surge in support. England’s victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, hosted on home soil, captured national attention, with a record crowd of 87,192 attending the final at Wembley Stadium. This was not only the largest crowd for a women’s Euro final but also the highest attendance for any Euro final, male or female. The Lionesses became national icons, sparking increased participation among girls and greater investment in grassroots programs.

Domestic Leagues and Club Success

Women’s club football has also grown substantially. The Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) in England, Spain’s Liga F, France’s Division 1 Féminine, and the NWSL in the United States are becoming more competitive and commercially viable.

FC Barcelona Femení, in particular, has become a symbol of excellence in the sport. The team won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2021 and 2023, showcasing technical brilliance and tactical sophistication. In 2022, Barcelona set a world record for attendance at a women’s football match, with 91,648 fans watching them play Real Madrid at Camp Nou. This proved that club-level women’s football could attract massive crowds under the right conditions.

Similarly, clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Lyon, and Bayern Munich have invested heavily in their women’s sides, drawing large attendances and increasing broadcast revenues. The growth of the WSL, for example, has been fueled by broadcasting deals with BBC and Sky Sports, giving fans easy access and increasing the league’s visibility.

Media Coverage and Sponsorship

Increased media exposure has been crucial in elevating the profile of women’s football. Until recently, women’s matches received minimal coverage. Now, major media outlets provide regular features, interviews, and highlights. Social media has also allowed players to build their own followings and connect directly with fans.

Sponsorship has followed the rising visibility. Major brands like Nike, Visa, Barclays, Adidas, and Budweiser have become prominent sponsors of women’s competitions and athletes. These endorsements have validated the commercial potential of the women’s game and encouraged further investment. The branding around Euro 2022 and the Women’s World Cup 2023 showed a clear shift toward treating women’s football as a premium product, not just a secondary version of the men’s game.

Changing Social Attitudes and Gender Equality Movements

A major factor in the rise of women’s football is the changing social landscape. Movements for gender equality, particularly in the last 20 years, have opened doors for women in many sectors, including sport. Increased awareness of gender bias, combined with advocacy from players and fans, has challenged outdated stereotypes.

Campaigns like #EqualGame (UEFA), #SheBelieves (USWNT), and global days like International Women’s Day have been used as platforms to promote female empowerment through sport. The visibility of women in football—both as players and coaches—provides role models for young girls and reinforces the idea that football is for everyone.

Schools and community programs have also evolved. Many now actively encourage girls to take up football. In England, the FA’s “Gameplan for Growth” aimed to double participation and create a sustainable structure for women’s football. After Euro 2022, the government committed to giving equal access to sports in schools for girls and boys.

Challenges That Remain

Despite progress, challenges remain. Pay disparity is still a significant issue in many countries. While some federations, like those in Norway, Brazil, and the U.S., have moved toward equal pay, others lag behind. In club football, many female players still earn wages that are not sustainable without secondary employment.

Facilities, media coverage, and medical resources can also be lacking in lower leagues or in developing football nations. Further, there is a gap between elite-level investment and grassroots access, particularly in poorer communities.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, women’s football is poised for continued growth. FIFA has committed to expanding the Women’s World Cup to 32 teams (starting in 2023) and doubling prize money by 2027. More broadcasters are vying for rights, and clubs are beginning to see long-term value in investing in their women’s teams.

In the long run, the normalization of women’s football as part of mainstream culture, combined with persistent advocacy, will likely lead to more professional opportunities, greater fan engagement, and improved financial equality. The rapid acceleration seen in just the last five years suggests that the sport’s upward trajectory is far from over.

Conclusion

The rise in women’s football is a result of decades of perseverance, social change, and increasing institutional support. From landmark tournaments like the 2019 Women’s World Cup and Euro 2022 to club-level milestones such as FC Barcelona’s record-breaking crowds, women’s football has proved its legitimacy and commercial potential. With continued efforts to close gender gaps, provide equal opportunities, and amplify female voices, the future of women’s football looks brighter than ever.