A United States women’s national team member takes a shot during a FIFA Women’s World Cup send-off soccer match in San Jose, Calif., on July 9, 2023. Sponsorship and marketing deals with women athletes are often performative and exploitative.
(AP Photo/Josie Lepe)
While positive change has been seen, especially surrounding this year’s Women’s World Cup, there is still much work to be done by organizations governing women’s professional sports.
France’s Estelle Cascarino, right, kicks the ball past Australia’s Mary Fowler during their friendly soccer match in Melbourne, on July 14, 2023, ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
(AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
While the 2023 Women’s World Cup might be the best yet for women in terms of investments and viewership, there is still room for improvement for the 2027 World Cup.
Dele playing for England in 2018.
Dokshin Vlad/Shutterstock
Dele discussed a range of shocking experiences including being a victim of sexual abuse, dealing drugs at the age of eight, and being hung off a bridge by an adult at the age of 11.
England prepare to face Portugal in July 2023.
EPA-EFE/VINCE MIGNOTT
The successful Australia-New Zealand bid for the Women’s World Cup made much of the tournament’s potential to build the game for girls and young women. History suggests this is easier said than done.
Declan Rice playing for England.
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Anti-racist programs and fines have failed to end racism in European soccer. Part of the problem is that Black players have little representation higher up the sport’s hierarchy.
Donnell Wallam of the Diamonds scores the match-winning point during the netball match between the Australian Diamonds and the England Roses.
Darren Pateman/AAP
Ellen van Neerven cleverly invites us to question what it means to play sport on a ‘Country that is rich in story’, on a playing field that’s almost always uneven for Blackfullas.
The French international football player Paul Pogba has been outspoken about his Muslim faith.
Marco Bertorello/AFP
The French Football Federation has recently ruled against breaks for religious motives. But if French players’ attitude during the 2023 Ramadan are anything to go by, the debate is far from closed.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds in celebratory mood.
Martin Rickett/PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo
Where once religion was a dominant force in society, now many more people reserve their faith for sport. But could the church use this to build a new following?