women leading European football

 We highlight a fifth group of women leading the development of European football as we look ahead to a huge 12 months.

Earlier this year, UEFA launched a new campaign to highlight the game-changing impact that women are making on the European football community.

Over the past five months, we have focused on five individuals whose dedication is helping to shape the present and future of football – at all levels of the game.

Whether on the pitch, on the touchline or in the boardroom, each of our featured trailblazers has an inspiring story to tell, setting the perfect example for more women and girls to make their own mark in the game.

With less than a year until the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England and the launch of the new UEFA Women's Champions League format, featuring a global broadcast deal, it promises to be a huge 12 months. Here are five women who will ensure the game continues to grow on a steep trajectory.

• Caroline Seger, Rosengard midfielder and record-setting Sweden international

• Zahra Khamisa, FA city partnership development officer, Women's EURO 2022

• Wendie Renard, Olympigue Lyonnais captain and France international

• Carolina Morace, Italian legend, broadcaster and head coach of Lazio Women

• Katrien Jans, Royal Belgian FA women's football manager

Caroline Seger: 'Have a lot of fun, fight hard and believe in yourself!'

The only active European with over 200 caps, midfielder Seger made a record 215th appearance for the Swedish national team in June. A UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and a veteran of 11 major tournaments, she could still add at least the Olympic Games and Women’s EURO 2022 to that total over the next 12 months.

What changes have you seen in the women's game since you started playing, and what do you think is to come?

"Everything has changed, I would say, both technically and physically. When I started, we were playing long balls, but a lot of improvement has happened and the World Cup in 2019 showed how good the level is now, and not only in countries that have always been successful. I wish I was 20 again and could play my best years now but I'm happy that I've been along for this ride and experienced both ups and downs in women's football and contributed to the development and growth of the game. Looking ahead, the game will be even faster and better. This will attract more fans, more sponsors, more money. This is what we need to further grow women’s football.

What will that tournament mean for you and for the game?

"UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 will show how much potential there is in women's football. All over the continent, the women's game is growing but especially in England there is a huge development, and it’s great that the Women’s EURO will take place there. They’re putting a lot of money into the league right now. I think for the fans and for us players, it's going to be one of the biggest tournaments we have ever experienced. I am still motivated, and I keep my body in shape. There's still a gold medal that I would like to win with the national team."

What does it feel like to be a role model for girls and women?

"It's cool that the young people have someone to look up to. Nowadays, they can see us on TV and follow us around the world. I try to do my best and to be a good role model every day, on and off the field. Girls can see that they can become the very best of themselves if they want to, and they have dreams. So I'm very proud to call myself a role model. If other people say I am. My advice for girls is to have a lot of fun, fight hard and believe in yourself. It's going to be tough to be successful, but you have all the possibilities to be and become your very best."

Zahra Khamisa: 'I want other people to know that there’s a place for them in sport!'

Zahra Khamisa is helping to create 500,000 new opportunities for women and girls to get involved with football

Canadian-born Zahra Khamisa is a host city development officer for UEFA Women's EURO 2022, also leading on diversity and inclusion work to help create a legacy for the tournament that will attract thousands more women and girls to the game. After studying kinesiology, she also worked in both cycling and cricket before joining The Football Association. 

How motivating is it to know that UEFA Women's EURO 2022 will create a brighter future for girls and women in football?

"It’s exciting to be working on something that’s never been done before. There are endless possibilities for the Women's EURO to change women’s and girls’ football in local areas all over the country. We launched our legacy programme with the overall ambition to create 500,000 new footballing opportunities by 2024, across five categories: earl