For a long time, football was considered a “man’s game.” Television coverage was non-existent, funding was zero, and the general attitude was one of dismissal. Today, the reality is drastically different. We see 91,000 fans packing the Camp Nou for a women’s Champions League match. We see transfer fees smashing records. We see household names like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, and Aitana Bonmatí becoming global superstars. The rise of women’s football is not just a trend; it is a revolution. But to appreciate where we are today, we must understand the incredible obstacles that were overcome.
The “Golden Age” and the Shocking Ban (1921)
Many fans are surprised to learn that women’s football was incredibly popular in the early 20th century.
During World War I, while men were fighting on the front lines, women took over the factories—and the football pitches. The famous Dick, Kerr Ladies FC drew a crowd of 53,000 people at Goodison Park in 1920. The sport was thriving.
However, the (male) football authorities felt threatened. In 1921, the English FA banned women’s football from being played on professional grounds, calling the sport “quite unsuitable for females.”
This ban lasted for 50 years (until 1971). It effectively killed the momentum of the women’s game for half a century, a setback that took decades to recover from.
The Rebirth: The 1991 World Cup
The modern era began in 1991, when the first official FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in China.
The United States won the tournament, sparking a cultural phenomenon in North America. This laid the foundation for the “99ers”—the iconic US team of 1999, led by Mia Hamm, who filled NFL stadiums and proved that women’s soccer was a commercially viable product.
Icons Who Paved the Way
While the infrastructure was growing, individual brilliance captured the fans’ hearts.
- Marta (Brazil): Often called “Pelé in a skirt” (a nickname she owns with pride), Marta is the all-time top scorer in World Cup history (men or women). Her flair and skill showed the world that women could play with the same technical quality as men.
- Birgit Prinz (Germany): The dominance of European powerhouses began with players like Prinz, who combined physical strength with clinical finishing.
The Explosion: 2019 to Present
The real tipping point for the rise of women’s football occurred in the last five years.
The 2019 World Cup in France was a watershed moment. It broke viewership records. Then came the Euro 2022 in England. The final at Wembley Stadium saw England beat Germany in front of 87,192 fans—a record for any European Championship match, men’s or women’s.
Clubs like FC Barcelona and Arsenal began playing their women’s team matches in their main stadiums (as mentioned in our list of Intimidating Stadiums), proving that the demand for tickets was real.
Closing the Gap: Tactics and Fitness
Critics used to argue that the women’s game was “too slow” or “tactically weak.” That argument is dead.
Professionalization means that female players now train full-time, have access to elite nutrition, and work with top coaches. The tactical complexity of the 2023 World Cup in Australia/New Zealand was indistinguishable from the men’s game. Goalkeeping standards, often a point of criticism, have improved exponentially.
Africa’s Role in the Revolution
The growth isn’t just in Europe and America. African nations are making history. In the 2023 World Cup, three African teams (Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco) reached the knockout stages for the first time.
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been dominant for years.
- Zambia’s Barbra Banda has become one of the world’s most feared strikers.
This global competitiveness proves the sport is healthy worldwide.
Conclusion
The rise of women’s football is the single biggest growth opportunity in the sports industry. Sponsors are lining up, TV deals are increasing, and young girls finally have heroes they can see on television every week. The ban of 1921 is a distant memory. The future of football is inclusive, and it is exciting. Do you follow your club’s women’s team? Who is your favorite female player? Let us know in the comments!
