Watching Women’s Football Push On in 2023
Women’s football is growing, and the new levels being reached are there for all to see. From world attendance records between Barcelona and Real Madrid to rapid expansion of international tournaments, here’s some of our favourite topics from the world of women’s football that show 2023 is going to be a massive year for the growth of the game.
Scottish Women’s Football
We’ll start at home in Scotland, and it’s a bumper year which sees the 50th anniversary of the first Scottish Women’s International game vs England as the ban on women playing football was lifted. Fifty years on, Scotland’s women have qualified for major tournaments and many players such as Caroline Weir (Real Madrid) and Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea) are representing some of the biggest club teams in women’s football.
Domestically, competition is at an all time high. Glasgow City FC dominated for many years, however strong growth and development in women’s football teams at some of Scotland’s biggest clubs such as Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, and Partick Thistle have closed the gap. The top two teams this year will qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, building our sport in Scotland even more than ever before.
The FIFA Puskas Award
Each year, the FIFA Puskas Award (named after legendary Hungarian goalscorer Ferenc Puskas) is awarded to the best goal scored over the year. In 2023, there are 11 players on the shortlist, including 3 goals scored by women. In amongst star-studded names from the men’s game like Kylian Mbappe & Richarlison is England striker Alessia Russo. Russo’s backheel goal against Sweden in the Euro 2022 semi-final victory over Sweden will feature and be a favourite to win.
Record Breaking Transfers
Speaking of Russo, the Manchester United and England striker was the focus of a heated transfer battle, with Arsenal attempting to sign her for what would be a world record fee. Although the bids were rejected, it's understood they were higher than the previous women’s football transfer record when Barcelona parted with £400,000 for Kiera Walsh in 2022. It won’t be long before that first £1m transfer, and the sky’s the limit with the huge array of developing talent in the game.
Unbeaten Records Being Smashed
Teams at any level can go long unbeaten runs, but only truly special teams can maintain the standards and level of consistency and concentration to avoid slip ups. Barcelona Femeni lost 4-3 to Atletico Madrid in June 2021. Since then, they’ve conceded just 19 goals, scored 247, and in beating Levante 7-0 in January 2023, secured their 50th consecutive league win - a world football record.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Taking place in Australia & New Zealand in July & August 2023, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the biggest international women’s football event in the history of the sport. Defending champions the USA not only lead the march for women’s football on the field, but also off it, as their national popularity and protests ensured equal pay with the men’s team, leading the way for other countries to follow suit and blaze a trail for women’s football. The football on the way to winning was pretty spectacular as well.
Supporting Women’s Football
At Greaves, we aren’t just a sports shop, we’re sports enthusiasts. Helping all people get into sport, develop and learn, and become masters in their fields is something we are proud of and have been for over 70 years of business. We’ve long been champions of the developing women’s football game in our country, and are delighted to see our clubs and national team grow the game and inspire new generations of girls and young women into the sport. Fifty years ago, women couldn’t play football in our country. No one can tell women or anyone what they can’t do in our national sport any more, and we are loving seeing every stereotype and barrier smashed on and off the field.
Shop All Football at Greaves
If you are looking to get involved in women’s football, we have everything you need to get started, whether you are joining a club, or playing 5s with your friends. From the latest women’s football boots from Nike, adidas, and more, to women’s football kits from the best teams around the world, shop Greaves and get onto the pitch.
