To commemorate Women's History Month and International Women's Day on 8 March, we've rounded up 10 women who have had a huge impact on the trajectory of women's football throughout history, both on and off the pitch.
lily parr
Parr is best known as one of the pioneering women's football players for Dick Kerr's Ladies team.
Amid the constraints of World War I in England, Parr fought fiercely for her place on the field and continued to fight through the ban on women's football in 1921.
She left an indelible mark, scoring over 900 goals during her time with the team.
Her remarkable achievements were formally recognized when she was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, cementing her status as an iconic figure for female footballers around the world.
Nettie Honey Ball
Although Nettie Honeyball is believed to be a pseudonym, there is no doubt that she has had a huge impact on women's football.
In 1894, she founded the British Women's Football Club, organizing matches and using the proceeds to support local charities, challenging the general perception that women were merely ornamental and powerless beings as portrayed to men. We challenged the concept of
Honeyball is widely known as a pioneer in women's soccer organization, even though over time it faced criticism that stunted its growth as both organizers and players.
She deserves a place on our list as a pioneer in reshaping the future of women's football.
Mia Hamm
As a central figure in the golden age of women's soccer in the United States, Hamm and her influential team brought women's soccer to the forefront of sports discourse.
As the star forward for the 1999 World Cup-winning Dream Team, Hamm not only excelled on the field, but also led the way in media appearances for female athletes.
Her appearance in a commercial that drew similarities between her and Michael Jordan garnered public attention and sparked a discussion about the increased visibility of female athletes.
Hamm's remarkable career has seen her break numerous records and remains one of the top strikers in USWNT history.
Lydia Nsekela
Ms. Nsekela made history in 2012 as the first woman to be appointed to FIFA's highest governing body, marking a significant milestone as the organization marks more than a century since its founding.
Her influence extends beyond her groundbreaking role in soccer governance, including also founding Burundi's first women's soccer team.
She continues to champion women's rights, solidifying her position as a prominent champion of gender equality in sport and society today.
Ada Hegerberg
Emerging as a front-runner in the debate for the title of best female footballer in the world between 2016 and 2019, Hegerberg made history by becoming the first winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminine in 2018.
Hegerberg, who won the vote ahead of Pernille Harder and Jennifer Marozin, flew the women's flag as women were finally allowed to receive the same award as men.
But Hegerberg's influence extends beyond the field of soccer, where she is known for her outspoken advocacy in the fight for equality in women's soccer.
In a bold move, she chose not to represent Norway at the 2019 World Cup, using her position to protest her country's treatment of women's football.
“I've always admired the income of male footballers. The difference is huge, but at the same time we need to give young women and girls the same opportunities as men. That's where we need to make changes. That’s where it is,” Hegerberg said. In a 2019 interview.
malta
Considered by many to be the undisputed greatest player in women's soccer history.
Having achieved an impressive feat of winning the World Player of the Year award five years in a row from 2006 to 2010, Marta remains unparalleled in that honour.
She holds the record for the most goals in Women's World Cup history, and also made history as the first soccer player, male or female, to score in five consecutive World Cups.
If a Ballon d'Or award for women had been created during Malta's heyday, she would have matched Messi and Ronaldo in terms of the number of trophies won.
Bibiana Steinhaus
Steinhaus is widely recognized as one of the top referees in world football, both male and female, and secured a position as a Bundesliga official in 2017.
Her glittering career culminated with her officiating the German Super Cup showdown between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, a captivating end to one of the sport's most influential non-playing careers. brought about.
Jill Ellis
Ellis, who took over the USWNT in 2015, played a pivotal role in fostering the success of women's soccer, achieving the unprecedented feat of winning back-to-back World Cups as a first-time manager.
Her influence extends far beyond coaching, and upon stepping down from that position in 2019, she transitioned into an ambassador role for the sport, with a particular focus on promoting women's participation in coaching around the world. did.
Bend it like Beckham's Jess
Ask any sports fan about “Bend It Like Beckham,” and they'll likely recall its influence.
The film, which depicts the journeys of two women trying to break into the soccer world against the backdrop of a patriarchal industry, was highly influential for teenage girls.
Released in 2002 and directed by Gurinder Chadha, Bend It Like Beckham definitely inspired viewers to pursue the sport for themselves.
The main character, Jess Bumrah, dreams of a career as a professional soccer player, despite facing resistance from her traditional Indian parents and societal gender norms that prevent women from playing soccer.
Jess's story resonated deeply, especially among brown girls, and highlighted the challenges faced by second-generation women in Britain.
Beyond sexism, Bend it Like Beckham explores themes of race, social class, and cultural differences in a predominantly white male environment.
Through its depiction of Jess's struggles, the film serves as a poignant exploration of these multifaceted issues, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
megan rapinoe
This list can't end without including 2019 Ballon d'Or winner Megan Rapinoe.
Pineau's contributions on and off the field have elevated her to the status of a modern-day hero in women's soccer.
She is known for her advocacy in the fight for equal pay and representation, and has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in sports.
At the same time, Rapinoe broke records as a forward on the pitch, further cementing her legacy as a formidable athlete and symbol of progress in women's soccer.
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