EQUALS: a six-part documentary series by UEFA about Women’s Football.

If you still haven’t watched it, you better do!

Featuring Nadine Ke?ler , Ada Hegerberg , Beth Mead , Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Vivianne Miedema , Alexia Putellas, Leah Williamson, Magdalena Eriksson , Pernille Harder , Jule Brand, Julia Simic , Laure Boulleau, and other top stars of the game, the documentary brings you closer to the inside of the women’s game.

Each of the six episodes focuses on a certain subject. From handling pressure, to women’s football in the Nordic countries, passing by role/real models, ACL injuries to the importance of equal opportunities.

The documentary shows how much the women’s game has developed over the last years, how countries and clubs are showing interest in it, the rise in the number of youth participants and the role of media in promoting the sport.

I’ve decided to share with you some of my favorite quotes from the documentary and to give my opinion on that:

• "We will be devastated if there’s nothing behind this, if there’re no legacy left. It is so important to create role models and to use the visibility we’re having right now”. – Head of Women’s Football at UEFA, Nadine Kessler.

The recent rush that women’s football has been living, especially in Europe, is quite impressive. Historical clubs are investing in their women’s teams, fans are filling up the stadiums and media are covering the game like never before. But the danger remains out there. The game is in the developing stage and we, as women’s football experts, enthusiasts, and workers, have to make sure that it continues to grow. Young girls should be having no difficulties in finding local clubs, professional female footballers’ rights must be totally respected, and more researches should be conducted to help grow the game. And here, I cannot but think of the ACL injury!

• "The ACL injury in football is like cancer in life”. – Alireza Monajati, Director of Performance at Crystal Palace.

In 2022, 57 players from the top 6 women’s leagues in the world suffered an ACL injury. We’re talking about the Ballon d’Or Alexia Putellas, the French striker Marie Antoinette Katoto, Lyon and USWNT’s rising star Catarina Macario, the UEFA Women’s Euro wonder Beth Mead and many others. And this is definitely worrying.

• "The wave in Women’s Football is great but it needs to be sustained.” – Francesca Sullivan, Adidas Female player lead portfolio.

Because if we don’t build on such amazing tournaments, what exactly are we doing?

• "We’re not asking for equal salaries. We’re asking for equal access to facilities, to equal medical supervision, and all these items that allow me to do my job.” – Leah Williamson, Arsenal and England Captain.?
• " It is extremely important to give girls and boys equal opportunities.” Magdalena Eriksson.

Female footballers are reasonable. We do realize that the women’s game still doesn’t bring in cash as much as the men’s game… so, equal salaries are not what we’re currently looking for.

We’re looking for equal opportunities. Girls and boys should have the same chances to play the game and develop.

We’re looking for respect and dignity. If a female footballer wants to take a pause in her career to get pregnant and have a baby, then the club must help her through this! she shouldn’t be intimidated nor scared.

We’re also looking for good broadcasting opportunities and better fields. Recently, a match in France (D1 Arkema) was filmed in horrible conditions. Imagine if such things happen in men’s football! HA! Impossible!

• "I can’t wait for the day when I don’t have to talk about equality in every single interview.” – Linda S?llstr?m, Finland and Vittsj? GIK Player

This has got to be my favorite. If you think we enjoy talking over and over again about equal rights, discrimination, better representation, etc. you’re totally wrong. We’re simply and impatiently waiting for the day Women’s Football gets the recognition it deserves.