In recognition of Women's History Month and International Women's Day on March 8th, here is a compilation of 10 women who have significantly impacted the trajectory of women's soccer throughout history, on and off the pitch!
Lily Parr
Parr is best known for being one of the pioneering female soccer players for Dick Kerr's Ladies team.
Amidst the constraints of World War I in England, Parr fiercely contested for her spot on the field, persevering even through the ban on women's soccer in 1921.
She left an indelible mark by scoring more than 900 goals during her tenure with the team.
Her remarkable achievements were duly recognized when she was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, solidifying her status as an iconic figure for female soccer players worldwide.
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Nettie Honeyball
Nettie Honeyball is believed to be a pseudonym, yet her profound influence on women's soccer remains unquestionable.
In 1894, she established the British Women's Football Club, orchestrating matches whose proceeds supported local charities, challenging the prevailing notion of women as merely decorative and ineffectual beings as portrayed by men.
Honeyball is widely acknowledged for pioneering the organization of women's soccer, despite facing criticism that hindered her progress as both an organizer and a player over time.
She rightfully earns a place on our list as a trailblazer who reshaped the future of women's soccer.
Mia Hamm
As a pivotal figure in the golden age of women's soccer in the States, Hamm and her influential team propelled women's soccer into the forefront of the sports discourse.
As a star forward of the 1999 dream team who won the World Cup, Hamm not only excelled on the field but also spearheaded advancements in media opportunities for female athletes.
Her appearance in a commercial drawing a parallel between her and Michael Jordan captured public attention, sparking discussions about increased exposure for women athletes.
Hamm's remarkable career saw her shattering numerous records, and she remains one of the top strikers in the history of the USWNT.
Lydia Nsekera
Nsekera made history by becoming the first female appointed member of FIFA's highest governing body in 2012, marking a significant milestone over a century after its establishment.
Her impact extends beyond her groundbreaking role in soccer governance, as she also founded the first women's soccer team in Burundi.
She continues to champion women's rights, solidifying her position as a prominent advocate for gender equality in sports and society today.
Ada Hegerberg
Emerging as a frontrunner in discussions for the title of the best female soccer player globally from 2016 to 2019, Hegerberg etched her name in history by becoming the inaugural recipient of the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2018.
Winning the vote ahead of Pernille Harder and Dzsenifer Marozsan, Hegerberg was flying the flag for women as they were finally recognized with the same award as men.
Yet, Hegerberg's impact extends beyond the soccer field, as she is renowned for her outspoken advocacy in the fight for equality within women's soccer.
In a bold stance, she opted not to represent Norway in the 2019 World Cup, using her platform to protest against her country's treatment of women's soccer.
"I've always respected men's footballers for what they earn. The gap is enormous, but at the same time you need to give young women and girls the same opportunity as the men. That's where we need to do the change,” said Hegerberg in an interview in 2019.
Marta
Considered by many as the undisputed greatest player in the history of women's soccer.
With an impressive streak of five consecutive World Player of the Year awards from 2006 to 2010, Marta remains unmatched in her accolades.
Holding the record for the most goals in the history of the Women's World Cup, she also made history as the first soccer player, regardless of gender, to score in five consecutive World Cup tournaments
Had the Ballon d'Or award for women been established during Marta's prime, she would have rivaled the duo of Messi and Ronaldo in terms of the number of trophies earned.
Bibiana Steinhaus
Steinhaus earned widespread recognition as one of the top referees in world soccer, regardless of gender, securing a position as an official in the Bundesliga in 2017.
Her illustrious career culminated with officiating the German Super Cup showdown between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, marking a captivating conclusion to one of the most impactful non-playing careers witnessed in the sport.
Jill Ellis
Assuming leadership of the USWNT in 2015, Ellis played a pivotal role in advancing the success of women's soccer and achieved the unprecedented feat of winning back-to-back World Cups as the first manager to do so.
Her impact extended far beyond coaching, and upon stepping down from her position in 2019, she transitioned into an ambassadorial role for the sport, with a particular emphasis on promoting women's involvement in coaching worldwide.
Bend it Like Beckham’s Jess
If you ask a sports enthusiast about Bend It Like Beckham, chances are they'll recall its influential impact.
For teenage girls, the film held significant sway, portraying the journey of two women striving to break into soccer against the backdrop of a patriarchal industry.
Released in 2002 and directed by Gurinder Chadha, Bend It Like Beckham undoubtedly sparked inspiration among its viewers to pursue the sport themselves.
The protagonist, Jess Bhamra, dreams of a professional soccer career, despite facing resistance from her traditional Indian parents and societal gender norms that discourage women from playing soccer.
Jess's story resonated deeply, particularly among brown girls, shedding light on the challenges faced by second-generation women in the UK.
Beyond gender discrimination, Bend it Like Beckham delves into themes of race, social class, and cultural differences within a predominantly white male environment.
Through its portrayal of Jess's struggles, the film serves as a poignant exploration of these multifaceted issues, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
Megan Rapinoe
You can’t finish up this list without including the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner, Megan Rapinoe.
Pinoe’s contributions both on and off the field have elevated her to the status of a modern-day hero in women's soccer.
Renowned for her advocacy in the battle for equal pay and representation, she has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the sport.
Simultaneously, Rapinoe has shattered records as a forward on the pitch, further solidifying her legacy as a formidable athlete and a symbol of progress in women's soccer.
