Women's football 2022

The UEFA Women's Euro 2022, hosted in England, was undoubtedly the highlight of the year. It shattered attendance records, viewership numbers, and demonstrated the increasing popularity of the women's game. England's Lionesses, led by Sarina Wiegman, clinched the title on home soil, defeating Germany in a thrilling final at Wembley Stadium. This victory not only marked England's first major trophy in women's football but also sparked a surge of interest and investment in the sport within the UK and beyond.

The tournament average attendance was a record-breaking 18,544, far exceeding previous editions. The final itself drew a crowd of 87,192, the highest ever for a Women's European Championship final. This illustrates the growing commercial viability of women's football and the increasing willingness of fans to support their national teams.

2022 saw several players solidify their positions as global stars, while also witnessing the emergence of new talents. Players like Alexia Putellas (Barcelona and Spain), despite missing the Euros due to injury, continued to dominate club football. Beth Mead (Arsenal and England) had a breakout year, winning the Golden Boot at the Euros and showcasing her prolific goalscoring ability. Sam Kerr (Chelsea and Australia) remained a consistent force, leading the line for both club and country.

Beyond these established names, young players like Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg and Germany) emerged as future stars. Oberdorf's commanding presence in midfield and tactical awareness belied her young age. The continued development of youth academies around the world promises a bright future for the women's game, with new talent constantly emerging.

The year 2022 saw further strides in the professionalization of women's leagues around the world. The Women's Super League (WSL) in England and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States continued to attract top talent and secure lucrative broadcast deals. Increased investment in infrastructure, player development, and marketing contributed to the growth and competitiveness of these leagues.

However, challenges remain. Disparities in pay and resources compared to men's football are still significant. Efforts to address these inequalities are ongoing, with players and organizations advocating for equal pay, improved training facilities, and better working conditions.

FIFA continued to emphasize the importance of women's football in its development strategy. Increased funding for women's football programs, coaching education, and tournament development was evident in 2022. The organization also highlighted the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 as a pivotal moment for the sport.

FIFA's commitment to growing the women's game extends beyond financial investment. They are also actively promoting the sport through marketing campaigns, media partnerships, and initiatives aimed at increasing participation at all levels. However, scrutiny remains regarding FIFA's governance and its commitment to addressing issues such as human rights and player welfare.

While women's football made significant progress in 2022, challenges remain. Issues such as pay inequality, limited media coverage in some regions, and the need for greater investment in grassroots development continue to hinder the sport's full potential. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governing bodies, clubs, players, and fans.

Looking ahead, the future of women's football appears bright. The upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup promises to be another landmark event, further showcasing the talent and excitement of the women's game. The ongoing professionalization of leagues, increased media coverage, and the growing popularity of women's football suggest a continued upward trajectory for the sport.