The growth of women’s football in Spain has been exponential in recent years. Just a decade ago, in 2014, there were only 44,873 girls playing football at a federated level, and sports like basketball, golf, mountain and climbing, and volleyball had more participants than football. However, by the end of 2023, football had become the second most practiced sport by women in the country, with 107,853 federated players, right behind basketball with 138,267 licenses. This increase can be attributed to the success of teams like Barcelona, who have won three Champions League titles in the last four years, and the Spanish national team, who won the World Cup in 2023. These achievements have contributed to the record number of women playing football this season, surpassing six figures for the first time in history.
The rise of women’s football in Spain has seen significant growth in the last decade. The number of federated players has increased every year since 2015 (except in 2021 due to the pandemic), the Women’s First Division (Liga F) was declared professional for the first time in the 2022/2023 season, more teams are creating women’s sections, and young girls now have role models like Aitana Bonmatí, the current Ballon d’Or winner. Additionally, all major games are televised, providing more visibility and encouraging more girls to take up the sport. Female football has surpassed other sports like mountain climbing in terms of licenses, and while still lower than the number of male players, the growth is evident.
The road to growth for women’s football has not been easy, as pioneers faced marginalization from the dictatorship and the Spanish Football Federation, which resisted accepting women’s football for many years. The RFEF finally acknowledged women’s football in 1980, but conditions were poor until recently. Players often had to sacrifice money and vacation time to play for the national team, balancing work with sports. However, their perseverance and advocacy paved the way for improvements in all aspects, from training and preparation to better playing conditions. Despite the challenges, women’s football in Spain is thriving and continuing to grow, with more support and opportunities than ever before.
The success of the Spanish national team and clubs like Barcelona has been a driving force behind the increasing popularity of women’s football in Spain. Winning the World Cup in 2023 and other international titles, along with the professionalism of the Liga F, has attracted more fans and players to the sport. The visibility of women’s football has also improved, with more games being broadcast on television and more media coverage, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of female players. As a result, the number of girls and young women participating in football is expected to continue growing in the coming years, inspired by the achievements of their role models.
In conclusion, the growth of women’s football in Spain is a testament to the dedication and talent of female players, as well as the increasing support and recognition of the sport. With more opportunities, resources, and visibility, women’s football is reaching new heights in Spain, with record numbers of players and fans. The achievements of the Spanish national team and clubs like Barcelona have played a significant role in popularizing the sport and inspiring a new generation of female players. Despite the challenges faced in the past, the future looks bright for women’s football in Spain, with continued growth and success on the horizon.
