Was speaking to
@DawnScott06
about
@JeffKassouf
’s and my book and how I hadn’t had a hard copy yet. An hour later and a knock on the door sees a few copies delivered.
Incredibly proud moment for me, but more important, I’m delighted publishers are giving women’s football a space.
Luis Rubiales and the Spanish federation discovering very quickly how united the women’s football community is when one of their own is mistreated.
Players from various countries coming out in support of Jenni Hermoso.
This is one battle they have chosen to pick, Gianni.
Reminder before I go to bed that Spain won the Women’s World Cup last week. Feels a long time ago.
A week completely overshadowed by the actions of a power crazy man, supported by equally power crazy men.
But also a week where women fought back, and will continue to do so.
Only one Greenwood we should be talking about today.
She’s in a World Cup Final and has been one of the Players of the Tournament.
Ten years ago she broke into the Everton team and was voted FA Young Player of the Year.
She’s making a very strong claim to be Senior POTY.
Jenni Hermoso has had the greatest moment of her career completely overshadowed by the actions of Luis Rubiales.
She should be spending the week celebrating with friends and family, soaking up her team’s achievement. And instead, she’s in the middle of a shit show.
That well known women’s football ally, Novak Djokovic!
If it’s not models who couldn’t tell you the difference between Sam Kerr and and Sam Mewis, it’s men who have no footprint in the women’s game. Can’t believe we are still getting this wrong in 2023.
A little anecdote about Nigel Pearson. As some will know, I lost a family member to COVID-19 in April. A week before they passed, Nigel had learned through the club that they were in hospital and phoned me out of the blue. Family member was a Watford fan.
Should really be applauding the achievements of a very talented Spain team making their first Women's World Cup Final. But when I see no Mapi Leon, no Patri Guijarro, and remember 15 players were on strike five months ago, I feel quite conflicted.
Sam Mewis and Abby Dahlkemper have only been professional for 5 seasons. In that time they’ve played in 4 NWSL Championship Finals, won three NWSL titles and a won a World Cup.
Both have gone onto become, in my mind, world class in their respective positions too.
Not bad!
I see Phil Neville's wife had to close down her Twitter account due to abuse following his appointment and tweets that he has since apologised for. If you abused her, than frankly, you're actions are no better (probably worse) than what he posted. Keyboard warriors, grow up.
Megan Rapinoe has been, and will continue to be, one of the athletes I admire most in any sport.
A sad way for her career to end, but she’s a winner and a warrior.
Unlike most slamming her, I’ve been in her company a number of times. She’s ace. Respect to you Pinoe.
I’m at the point now where I don’t know what Luis Rubiales hopes to achieve by staying.
Government aren’t backing him. Players have made position clear. Legends Xavi and Iniesta have spoken out against him. He’s trying to play the victim - nobody is buying it. Time to go!
Mid-Monday Rubiales / RFEF / Jenni catchup:
·FIFA suspended Rubiales, but still refuses to resign
·Spanish football in self-sabotage mode - (more on that in thread below)
·Rubiales' mom on hunger strike, locks her self in a local church, demands Jenni Hermoso "tells the truth"
.
@lottewubbenmoy
is one of those players we’ll look back on after she retires ( a long way off) for the impact she made off the field as well as on it. Very socially aware, intelligent and empathetic. The definition of a role model.
Kobe Bryant was a well know supporter of the USWNT. He once described the team as “great role models for my daughters.”
His biggest support however was in 2014 when Sydney Leeoux posted a picture after playing on turf. Having his support was huge for the sport and the team.
Emma Hayes absolutely right on ITV. Number of players playing professionally at club level means matches like Colombia v Germany are not a forgone conclusion.
We saw in the past the haves would bully the have nots. Fitness levels, football IQ, goalkeeping - all so much better now
“I don’t know the ins and outs of this controversy.”
There are a pack of women’s football journalists who do, which is why they haven’t written such an ill informed piece.
The growth of our game continues to attract opinions from people who don’t have the knowledge to give them.
"Jorge Vilda’s sacking was a violation of natural justice. Most disturbing is that almost nobody has come to his defence, terrified they too might catch the eye of the mob. This isn’t only the age of woke; it's an age of moral cowardice" | ✍️
@matthewsyed
Credit to Casey Stoney, Emma Hayes and Sarina Weigman for being patient with Lauren James, and nurturing her until really ready.
How many times have we seen young players not given the protection and guidance they need to excel?
For those in the replies asking “How much were the tickets?” Let me know if you like paying the prices we see lots of clubs in the PL and EFL charge. You’re criticising competitive pricing, why? So you can brag that you’re paying between £40/£50-£100 for a ticket for your club?
Anyone following my feed recently will have seen a lot of RTs and content relating to the
@BarclaysFAWSL
and
@FAWC_
.
To confirm, I’m now working as Communications Manager at the FA for the two leagues. A real honour and something I’m really looking forward to.
Some will laugh at this, and understandably. But I honestly cringe when I see this. I and others haven't invested time and money into the women's game to see players put at risk because of conditions such as these. Absolutely appalling - we should be miles past this.
For that reason, I’ll always be grateful to Nigel. A small gesture, I know, but we were grateful for his time and the last message I actually had from family member read “I’ve just had a message from Nigel Pearson.”
Thank you Nigel.
Emma Hayes adores Chelsea and is fiercely loyal. I know she’s not won a UWCL (yet) but she has nothing else to prove here.
I’ve only ever thought there was one job to tempt her away, and that’s the USWNT. It’s the biggest job in the women’s game, and she deserves a crack at it.
Longtime Chelsea coach Emma Hayes is in advanced discussions to become the next head coach of the
#USWNT
, multiple sources tell me. Chelsea just confirmed she will leave her role at the end of the season.
🔗 on
@EqualizerSoccer
:
Just seen West Ham’s
@JackWilshere
on Sky Sports News having launched an academy for girls today - with 65 girls in attendance. He already has one for boys.
“I’ve got two daughters and one of them wants to play, but there aren’t many opportunities.”
Nice work Jack. 👏🏽
Alex Scott:
- Represented her country 140 times.
- Scored a winning goal in a UEFA club final.
- Won every club trophy going in England.
- Gained a broadcast degree while still playing.
Thanks for attending my TED Talk.
What I’m confident about now is the public in Australia knew Sam Kerr - she was the poster girl of the tournament.
But after the team’s run, they now know Mary Fowler, now know Claire Hunt, now know penalty hero Courtnee Vine.
Stick with them. I hear the next gen is also special.
The most disappointing thing about the Ballon d’Or isn’t who won or who even came 10th or whatever position. The most disappointing thing, is that Julie Ertz didn’t even make the top 20 - which is a massive oversight, and frankly a little embarrassing.
Bit of news from me.
Some will know that I have covered women’s football alongside a full-time job as a PR Manager for a charity.
After 7 years, I handed my notice in last week. My next role will be in the women’s game, which I hope to give more info on in the next week or two.
Congratulations to the Moroccan Federation for highlighting exactly why players in the women’s game continue to not be able to concentrate just on football.
Today was my last day in my charity PR role and I’m delighted to confirm I will be joining FIFA in the lead up to and during the
@FIFAWWC
. I couldn’t be more excited to work with
@SarBareman
and her team. An incredible opportunity to continue covering a sport I love.
First FIFPro Women's World XI:
Sari van Veenendaal (NED)
Lucy Bronze (ENG)
Wendie Renard (FRA)
Nilla Fischer (SWE)
Kelley O'Hara (USA)
Amandine Henry (FRA)
Julie Ertz (USA)
Marta (BRA)
Rose Lavelle (USA)
Megan Rapinoe (USA)
Alex Morgan (USA)
#TheBestAwards
There is no question Sam Kerr has come to Europe because she wants to be considered the best in the world. She conquered Australia, she conquered America, now its Europe. Not a criticism, but some media in Europe know little about her - that will change.
I’ve seen some iconic images in women’s football before, and this is up there with them.
- Nike unveiling new kits
- FIFAWWC 🏆 currently touring 24 countries
- World Cup less than 3 months away.
What a time to be involved in women’s football. 🔥⚽️
New for
@TheAthleticUK
.
I sat down with
@ArsenalWFC
’s
@VivianneMiedema
and showed her five goals from her career. We asked her to talk us through them and really break them down in detail. Fascinating insight from one of the very best in the world.
Start of the decade - Spent my own money to cover women’s football. (Pic from 2011 earliest I have)
End of the decade - Got paid to cover women’s football. (2019 Women’s World Cup Final)
Work hard. Build a knowledge. Respect the players and the game. Opportunities now exist.
Inbox: The FA is to launch a new live streaming platform, exclusively dedicated to women’s football, from the start of the 2019/20 season. The FA Player, which will be free to use and available online and via a dedicated mobile app, will provide unprecedented live access.
This image posted by
@7AFL
was removed because of misogynist comments underneath.
I’m reposting to show:
1. The absolute power and athleticism in the athlete.
2. That misogynists won’t win.
3. Some guys do appreciate and respect female athletes
Don’t let the trolls win.
As she prepares to play her last game this Sunday after a World Cup triumph, 3x Olympic Gold Medals, and most importantly, respect and admiration from her peers,
@HeatherOReilly
reveals the teammates and opponents that make up her perfect player.
He told me how sorry he was and asked if he could have family member’s number so that he could message them on behalf of himself and the team.
I gave it to him, and he kept his word. That message was one of the last received before family member went on a ventilator.
I think people are allowed to admire the ruthlessness of the USA and also feel sympathy for Thailand. This is a World Cup where the top players want to showcase their talent, while those from the smaller nations, just want to wear their nation’s flag on their heart.
#FIFAWWC
Vivianne Miedema is shoving my 'Sam Kerr for the Ballon d'Or comments' right down my throat right now. Incredible performance from one of the very best, probably not just of this era, but of any. And a reminder that she is still only 23.
#FAWSL
Main sports (not just football) headline on the BBC Sport website.
Exciting things happening in the
@BarclaysFAWSL
and at our clubs - we welcome you along for the journey.
#BFAWSL
Let’s be honest,
@alahue
is the MVP of the NWSL season. I can’t think of a better recent example of a club getting so much bad press, to one that is having to move stadiums because of ticket demand. I tip my hat to you and your team Alyse.
#NWSL
The responses to this range from hilarious to ignorant. So tired of the bashing of Rapinoe’s character. Genuinely one of the most inspiring and empowering people I’ve interviewed in 10 years of covering the sport. Genuinely, those criticising her have zero clue.
She's won the World Cup, the golden boot and was named the Best Fifa Women's player for 2019.
Now you can vote for USA and Reign FC’s Megan Rapinoe as the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 👉
Voting closes at 0900 GMT on Monday, 2 March 2020
#bbcwfoty
Lots of announcements, and i have one of my own.
I'm honoured to be joining the newly launched
@TheAthleticUK
as their Women's Football Writer.
Subscribe today for 50% off: .
Such a good time to be involved in the women's game.
Congratulations to Spain’s players, but perhaps not to their social media admin.
Vilda hasn’t received criticism because people don’t like him. He’s received criticism because 15 players were on strike in March, some of which missed out today.
Hope this win creates change.
We’ve been proving people wrong in the women’s game for years. Don’t let the views of those not on the journey with us distract you from the impact you’ve had contributing to how far we’ve come. The EUROs is a prime example of what our sport is about.
#WEUROS2022
As our game grows it will attract more scrutiny and criticism. We know that.
But please don’t tag players in negative social media posts. They will already know if they’ve had a good / bad game, they don’t need to see hateful messages.
Thanks for tuning in this weekend. 👍🏽
Beth Mead - Didn’t make Olympics Squad last year.
- Wins Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot at the EUROs.
Chloe Kelly. Misses the Olympics after tearing her ACL.
- Scores the winner in a EUROs Final.
Two incredible stories.
#WEURO2022
.
@HeatherOReilly
was in Orlando yesterday for the US Soccer Presidential Elections. She flew back last night, then played over an hour for Arsenal in a 4-0 win over Yeovil today.
Comes as no surprise to me having got to know HAO. Unquestionable commitment.
Not sure where to begin with today’s announcement.
First off, welcome
@SkySports
, a game changing investment and commitment to our sport. And thank you
@BBCSport
for your unquestionable desire to show the game to even more.
A proud day for a lot of people. A watershed moment.
People (including me) rightfully angry with Martin Solveig ‘twerk’ question last night, but today needs to be about recognising
@AdaStolsmo
. She’s only 23 and has already achieved league titles, cups, Champions League, UEFA Best Player, BBC WPOTY and Ballon d’Or.
I’m really pleased to announce that today I officially start with
@TheAthleticUK
to lead on their women’s football coverage.
You can join me on the journey by subscribing at . You’ll currently get 50% off.
Here’s why I joined.
Significant moment for women's football. Women's Player of the Year is being handed out AFTER the men's award. For years, the women's game has had to play second to the men's game, and while there's still a lot of work to do, tonight it gets its moment in the spotlight.
If you need a case study for why the US have chosen Emma Hayes as their new coach, Niamh is one of them. Huge potential at Liverpool as a more attack minded winger. She has developed into a very fine full back that can impact the game at both ends of the field.
First and only time I’ll mention this on Twitter because I want people to take care as lockdown is eased and places begin to open.
Having personally been affected by COVID-19 with the loss of a family member in April, I’d plead that you don’t take any risks. Keep yourself safe.
Don’t like this at all. Surely you give Casey time to turn things around after the year they had last year? Not saying it’s a reason to keep her on but showed her commitment to the club by moving her family over. Where’s club commitment to her?
Wave FC announces the club has parted ways with Head Coach Casey Stoney.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Casey and wish her all the best for the future.
New for
@TheAthleticUK
.
“Anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend a ball like Beckham?”
I spoke to
@GurinderC
,
@parmindernagra
and a host of others about Bend it Like Beckham. Original ideas, battle for financing and cultural influence + much more.
I remember not so long ago when I would have been pleased just to see a women’s football nominated for SPOTY.
Now we’ve seen winners two years in a row.
Congratulations Mary! 🦁
Many of these women pictured grew up being told that being a professional footballer wouldn't be possible. They persevered regardless, and now go into a World Cup as one of the favourites. Don't let anyone present a dead end before you've even begun the journey.
#DayOfTheGirl
Scheduling of the Women's Nations League games in the middle of Men's Euros is so bad. Lionesses play tomorrow, but the game will be buried in build up to Sunday's Final. Players should have had the chance to go to Berlin. They'll be in Gothenburg instead preparing for Sweden.
When you’ve turned a club that was a PR disaster into one that people can see is heading in the right direction, you deserve these moments.
@alahue
.
#NWSL
FIFA has announced that 1.12 billion people watched the
@FIFAWWC
. Over 82 million watched the final. England v USA third most watched match with over 43 million.
Breakdown of the details are at the following link.
I’ve read a lot about Megan Rapinoe this week and so much of it is untrue.
Megan has been one of the leading figures of women’s football this decade, so wouldn’t those criticising her for being arrogant have known about that supposed arrogance before?
in 2007
@JacquiOatley
took to the commentary box on
@BBCMOTD
to become the first female to do so - she received a tirade or abuse.
Here in France, now one of UK’s most recognised presenters, she’s back in the commentary box. I spoke to her about her role.
Had so much fun at Jamaica v Chile match here in Montego Bay. Really hope some of these fans make it over to France. It’ll be one big party if they do. Finished 3-2 to the home team - Bunny Shaw is some player.
Pia Sundhage overcome with emotion in Brazil.
Realisation that she is now in charge of a team that historically has had some of the best players in the world.
They now have one of the best coaches in the world - CBF needs to back her and give best possible chance of success.
Megan Rapinoe deserves endless awards for her humility, her grace and using her platform to speak about important issues. But she wasn't the best player of 2019.
Winning the Ballon d'Or isn't on her, it's on a system that still has problems. My piece:
If you didn’t know Maria, then you do now. Go to an Arsenal Women’s match and you’ll always hear her when she’s there - often sings on her own but doesn’t care one bit. A friendly, warm individual who just loves Arsenal. Typifies why people love attending the game.
Aww bless Julie Ertz. Choosing to play for her insignificant, number one ranked team in the world (with lots of competition in her position) in their first match of the year, instead of cheering and clapping her husband. Good for you Julie.
Have to respect the dedication of Julie Ertz: with her husband playing for a trip to the Super Bowl she was with the national team for a friendly vs Denmark. (And she scored.)
I think Gotham is one of the most incredible stories in sport. Journalist colleagues a few years ago were regularly writing about Sky Blue and how the club was crumbling.
Now, club has just won the league, and is attracting World Cup winners (4 in the last week).
One year ago today. 🇫🇷 v 🇰🇷 in Paris at the
@FIFAWWC
. Incredible memories of an incredible month that followed. Grateful to
@SarBareman
for giving me the opportunity to work the entire tournament. Met so many wonderful members of the women’s football community along the way.
Delighted to see my mate
@HeatherOReilly
coming out of retirement to compete in the
@UWCL
- the one thing missing on her CV. Little jaunt over to Dublin a must.
Sometimes versatility can be a curse, because it doesn’t allow you to establish yourself in a position. The fact Rachel won an international title playing LB, and to be in contention to lead England’s attack, shows just how good she is. Congrats Rachel. You’ve been phenomenal.
😍
Over 50,000 tickets sold for Atletico Madrid’s top of the table clash with FC Barcelona later this month. What an incredible atmosphere that is going to be.
Jesus sort this crap out. International athletes in cold showers. The stuff I’ve read on the women’s six nations this week has been absolute garbage. These women are treated terribly - federations should be embarrassed.
Christina Unkel is so, so good. She’s on a panel where the four other people don’t agree with the decisions made and while she’s there to explain the rules, she’s also having to make sure her points are heard, which isn’t easy. She’s an excellent communicator.
#EURO2024
BOOM!!!
FIFA for the first time will hand out a Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and produce a FIFPro Best XI at the FIFA Best Awards. For the first time awards will mirror those of the men.
#TheBest
Alex Morgan training at seven months pregnant. Absolute pro, and for anyone unsure of the safety of this would be advised to read the piece I wrote recently on pregnancy in football.