This summer, Switzerland is hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro—an event that reminds us how far women’s football has come. Today, millions tune in to watch fierce, fast, and professional women athletes battle for the title. But not so long ago, the idea of women playing football was, quite literally, banned.
And yet, here we are. Women’s football is growing in popularity, earning headlines and drawing crowds. Still, the players often earn less than their male counterparts—and fight harder for visibility and respect.
Early Kicks: Football in Corsets
Women have been kicking balls around for centuries. In 1580, women reportedly played a version of football, calcio storico, in Florence, Italy. In the 1890s, football matches between women drew curious crowds in Scotland and England.
During World War I, women took on factory jobs with men away at war—and, soon, the football field. The most famous team was the Dick, Kerr Ladies, founded in 1917. They played in front of tens of thousands, raising money for war charities.
But in 1921, the English Football Association banned women from playing on its fields, declaring:
“The game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.”
(Yes. Corsets were apparently more suitable.)
The Long Climb: From Bans to Breakthroughs
That ban lasted 50 years. By the time it was lifted in 1971, women were already organizing their leagues and international matches. The first UEFA Women’s Championship occurred in 1984, and the first FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in 1991.
Still, growth was slow. Many national associations offered little funding or support, and some countries didn’t even allow women to play competitively until the 1990s.
Unequal Play: The Pay Gap
Despite the growing popularity of women’s football, the financial gap remains massive. For example, the total prize money for the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro was €16 million. The men’s equivalent? €331 million.
Even top-tier players speak out. U.S. football star Megan Rapinoe said:
“We’re not asking for extra—we’re asking for equal.”
Some women players still hold second jobs to support their careers. Can you imagine a picture: a man, a top player from Manchester United, has a side job as a barista.
From Gibson Girls to Game Changers
Women’s physical appearance was tied to ideals of fragility, elegance, and passivity for centuries. Sports were “unfeminine,” and female athletes were often criticized for being too muscular or competitive.
Today, women in football are redefining what strength, femininity, and athleticism mean. Whether they wear braids, buzzcuts, or bold makeup, they play with pride—and that’s changing culture on and off the pitch.
Still Kicking—and Rising
The UEFA Women’s Euro in Switzerland isn’t just about winning. It’s about history, visibility, and the right to play. Women’s football has come a long way from the drawing rooms and factory fields. It’s time the world gave it the full recognition—and pay—it deserves.
