Women’s football, despite being overshadowed for decades by its male counterpart, has a vibrant and fascinating history that deserves recognition. From its early beginnings in the 19th century to becoming a global phenomenon in the 21st, the sport has gone through cycles of growth, suppression, and revival. Understanding the history of women’s football isn’t just about knowing when and where games were played—it’s about exploring resilience, societal shifts, and the unyielding spirit of women athletes who refused to be sidelined. The path was anything but easy, but it’s a journey that transformed the sporting landscape forever.
Early Beginnings of Women’s Football
The earliest known instances of women playing football date back to the late 1800s. In 1895, a recorded match between the “North” and “South” teams in England marked the first time women played in an organized format. This game drew thousands of spectators, showing early signs of public interest. But the roots run even deeper, with anecdotal evidence of women kicking a ball around in Scotland as early as the 17th century. These early matches often received mixed reactions—while some spectators were curious and supportive, others mocked and criticized the idea of women engaging in such a “rough” sport.
Society at the time had rigid expectations for women, and playing football clashed with the traditional notions of femininity. Yet, women found joy, freedom, and camaraderie on the pitch. These were not professional athletes, but everyday women—teachers, factory workers, and homemakers—coming together to play the game they loved. Even with limited access to equipment and no formal coaching structures, their passion drove them to organize teams and matches in their communities.
This era laid the groundwork for the organized movement of women’s football, showing that even in a restrictive environment, the desire to play couldn’t be silenced. It was the first spark in a fire that would eventually blaze worldwide.
Women’s Football in the UK
England, particularly, was a cradle for early women’s football development. The sport began to find more structure and enthusiasm around the early 20th century. Matches were often held for charitable causes, drawing massive crowds. The most iconic of these early teams was the Dick, Kerr Ladies FC, formed in 1917 at a munitions factory in Preston.
At their peak, the Dick, Kerr Ladies were more popular than some men’s teams, drawing crowds of over 50,000 spectators. These women played skillful, fast-paced football that impressed fans and defied critics. Their matches were not just games—they were statements of capability and empowerment.
The success of teams like Dick, Kerr Ladies proved that women could compete and entertain at high levels. These early pioneers challenged gender norms and laid a strong foundation for the future of women’s football in the UK and abroad. Even with societal barriers, they showcased undeniable talent, and their legacy continues to inspire today.
The Rise During World War I
World War I became an unlikely catalyst for women’s football. With many men away fighting on the front lines, women took over roles in factories, hospitals, and even football pitches. Factories formed teams, and inter-factory matches became common. Football became a way to boost morale, raise funds for war efforts, and provide a much-needed escape from the grim realities of war.
The most famous wartime team, the Dick, Kerr Ladies, played their first official match on Christmas Day in 1917. They quickly rose to fame and toured not just in the UK but also internationally, traveling to France and later the United States. Their matches weren’t just games—they were packed with energy, patriotism, and pride. These women played with passion, cheered by crowds who had never imagined women could play so fiercely.
This era saw the sport reach new heights in popularity. Newspaper coverage, posters, and word-of-mouth brought huge turnouts. Football became a symbol of women’s expanding roles in society—not just in the workforce, but in public life. For many, this was the first time they saw women outside the domestic sphere excelling in such a visible way.
Dick, Kerr Ladies and Their Impact
No discussion about the history of women’s football is complete without highlighting the legacy of the Dick, Kerr Ladies. What began as a factory team turned into a global symbol for women in sport. Their talent was undeniable, their influence unparalleled. Led by iconic figures like Lily Parr, who would go on to score over 900 goals in her career, they smashed stereotypes one goal at a time.
Lily Parr became the face of women’s football in the 1920s. Standing tall at 5’10”, she had a left foot so powerful that even male players took notice. She was tough, skilled, and unapologetically passionate about the game. Today, she’s enshrined in the English Football Hall of Fame—the first woman ever to receive the honor.
But the impact of Dick, Kerr Ladies wasn’t just on the field. They broke ground off it, too, advocating for the legitimacy of women’s football, raising funds for wounded soldiers, and challenging the status quo. Their tours helped plant the seeds of the sport in other countries, influencing a global movement.
Post-War Backlash and the FA Ban
Unfortunately, with the return of male soldiers after World War I, women were pushed back into traditional roles, and their growing prominence in football was seen as a threat. In 1921, the English Football Association (FA) dealt a crushing blow—it banned women from playing on any FA-affiliated pitch, citing dubious health concerns and claiming the sport was “unsuitable for females.”
This was more than just a ban—it was an institutional erasure. Clubs were dissolved, matches canceled, and players sidelined. The decision came at the height of the sport’s popularity, especially frustrating considering that the Dick, Kerr Ladies had just drawn tens of thousands of fans in a single game.
Despite the ban, women didn’t stop playing. Matches were moved to rugby grounds and parks, and unofficial leagues began to take shape. But the lack of official recognition and support made it difficult to sustain momentum. For decades, women’s football was forced into the shadows.
This period symbolizes the resilience of women athletes. Even when institutions turned their backs, the passion remained alive in grassroots communities, keeping the dream afloat until the tide turned again.
Struggle and Resistance
The decades following the FA ban were tough, but they weren’t without resistance. Women continued organizing informal leagues, often self-funded and unsupported. Across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, similar movements took shape. Women’s football was kept alive through sheer determination, a community effort led by players, coaches, and fans who refused to accept the imposed silence.
During the 1960s and 70s, feminist movements and civil rights activism helped reignite the push for equality in sports. The conversation around women’s rights, including equal access to sports, began to shift. In countries like Italy and France, informal leagues gained traction. Meanwhile, in the United States, the passing of Title IX in 1972 mandated equal opportunities for women in education and athletics, laying the foundation for a new generation of female footballers.
It would take until 1971 for the FA to lift the ban—50 years after it was imposed. That same year, UEFA urged all its member nations to support women’s football. This was a turning point, a slow but steady reintroduction of the sport into the mainstream.
Global Expansion and Milestones
Once the ban was lifted and the tides began to change, women’s football grew rapidly. Countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and South America began forming national teams and domestic leagues. In 1991, FIFA finally held the first official Women’s World Cup in China, which marked a new era of international competition and legitimacy.
The United States emerged as a powerhouse, with stars like Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, and later Abby Wambach inspiring millions. In 1999, the Women’s World Cup hosted in the US broke attendance records and media coverage barriers. Brandi Chastain’s famous celebration after scoring the winning penalty in the final became an iconic image of women’s sports empowerment.
In Brazil, players like Marta redefined skill and excellence in the game. In Asia, Japan’s 2011 World Cup win stunned the world and showcased tactical brilliance. Africa, too, saw growth, with Nigeria becoming a dominant force on the continent.
Leagues like the NWSL in the US, FA Women’s Super League in England, and others in Spain, France, and Mexico have become global stages for elite players. Sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and professional contracts have improved, though disparities remain.
Women’s Football in Europe and Beyond
After the ban was lifted in 1971, women’s football began gaining steady traction across Europe. While countries like England, France, and Italy led the way in formalizing leagues, others slowly joined the movement. In the Nordic countries—Sweden and Norway in particular—women’s football was embraced more rapidly, partly due to more progressive social policies around gender equality. Sweden’s Damallsvenskan and Norway’s Toppserien became some of the earliest stable women’s leagues, producing talent that would go on to dominate the European and global scenes.
France established its Division 1 Féminine, while Germany soon created the Frauen-Bundesliga—both of which remain among the top leagues in the world. These leagues nurtured stars like Wendie Renard and Birgit Prinz, giving visibility to women’s football in ways never seen before. What made Europe so crucial to the game’s development was the investment in club-level infrastructure and youth development, often integrating women’s teams into historic men’s clubs like Lyon, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.
The UEFA Women’s Championship, launched in the 1980s, became the continent’s premier international tournament. It helped fuel rivalries, elevate standards, and attract bigger audiences. Over time, UEFA increased funding, visibility, and prestige around the women’s game—factors that were instrumental in improving professionalism and competitiveness.
Still, disparities in wages, media coverage, and resources remain a challenge. Even top-tier players often juggle part-time jobs or rely on secondary income. But the growth is undeniable. Packed stadiums during Euro tournaments, record-breaking ticket sales, and increasing broadcast deals are indicators of a sport that is finally getting the attention it always deserved.
Emergence in the Americas and Asia
While Europe played a pivotal role, some of the most influential stories in women’s football came from across the Atlantic. In the United States, women’s soccer experienced a unique evolution. Thanks to Title IX, introduced in 1972, American girls gained equal access to school sports. This created a strong pipeline from youth to college-level soccer. Unlike in most countries, where boys dominate the youth scene, in the U.S., soccer became a “girl’s game,” with millions of participants nationwide.
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) quickly rose to prominence, winning the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 and cementing their dominance with victories in 1999, 2015, and 2019. Icons like Mia Hamm, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe became household names, using their platforms to advocate for equal pay and gender equity.
In South America, Brazil stood out thanks to the brilliance of Marta Vieira da Silva. Known simply as Marta, she is widely regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time, winning FIFA World Player of the Year six times. However, despite Marta’s stardom, institutional support for women’s football in Brazil lagged behind. It wasn’t until the late 2010s that significant investments were made to develop the domestic league and national team infrastructure.
Asia, too, carved out its place in the sport. Japan’s victory at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup showcased tactical finesse and composure, earning admiration from across the globe. China, a strong contender in the 1990s, produced notable talents like Sun Wen, while South Korea has recently become a force to reckon with. These countries emphasize discipline, technique, and youth development—a recipe that has brought them consistent international success.
Institutional Recognition and the First Women’s World Cup
The turning point came in 1991 when FIFA organized the first official Women’s World Cup in China. It was a monumental moment—finally, the global football authority recognized what fans and players had known for years: women’s football deserved its own stage. Although the tournament lacked the media hype and funding of its male counterpart, it was a massive success. Twelve teams competed, and the U.S. emerged victorious, laying the foundation for their future dominance.
This event was more than just a tournament—it was a statement. It gave players a platform, offered global exposure, and validated the decades-long struggle for legitimacy. In the following editions, the Women’s World Cup grew in scale and stature. The 1999 edition in the U.S. became a cultural phenomenon, culminating in a dramatic final where Brandi Chastain scored the winning penalty and celebrated by ripping off her jersey—an image that symbolized freedom, strength, and defiance.
Each successive tournament pushed boundaries. New countries qualified, underdogs challenged traditional powers, and viewership numbers skyrocketed. The 2019 tournament in France attracted over 1 billion viewers globally, with the final watched by more than 260 million people. Sponsors, brands, and media companies could no longer ignore the draw of women’s football.
Olympic Games and Women’s Football
Another key milestone came with the inclusion of women’s football in the Olympic Games. The sport was added to the Olympic roster in 1996 during the Atlanta Games. Once again, the U.S. took center stage, winning the gold medal on home soil. This victory, along with their World Cup success, helped galvanize support for the sport in America and globally.
The Olympics offered another global platform for women to shine, particularly in countries where the World Cup was not yet a significant draw. Teams from Nigeria, Japan, Canada, and Germany made deep runs in various editions, showcasing the sport’s competitive diversity. The Olympic tournament brought high-level competition and increased visibility during a time when women’s leagues were still developing.
Gold medals at the Olympics carry significant prestige and have become as coveted as the World Cup trophy. For countries with limited resources for women’s sports, an Olympic win can be a game-changer, prompting government funding, sponsorships, and youth development programs.
Challenges and Continued Advocacy
Despite all the achievements, women’s football continues to face significant hurdles. Pay inequality remains a pressing issue. For years, the U.S. Women’s National Team—arguably the most successful women’s team in history—fought for equal pay with their male counterparts, finally reaching a landmark agreement in 2022. The struggle resonated worldwide, sparking similar movements in Australia, Norway, Ireland, and more.
Media coverage is another major concern. Women’s matches still receive a fraction of the airtime and promotional push that men’s games do. This lack of visibility affects everything—from sponsorship deals to grassroots participation. But players are no longer silent. With massive followings on social media, athletes like Megan Rapinoe, Ada Hegerberg, and Sam Kerr have become outspoken advocates for fairness, inclusion, and representation.
Issues like racism, sexism, and lack of infrastructure persist in many regions. In some countries, women still struggle to even find safe spaces to play. The fight isn’t over, but the voices are louder, the platforms are bigger, and the world is starting to listen.
