When I first started covering women's volleyball professionally about eight years ago, I never imagined I'd be writing about female athletes dominating their sport with the same enthusiasm and depth as traditional male-dominated sports coverage. Yet here we are, watching an incredible generation of female football players who aren't just participating—they're completely transforming the game. I've followed numerous sports throughout my career, but what's happening in women's football right now feels particularly special. These athletes are redefining excellence while facing unique challenges that their male counterparts rarely encounter.
Just last week, I was analyzing game footage from the Philippine Volleyball League, and I couldn'thelp but notice how the landscape has shifted. There's this fascinating parallel between what's happening in volleyball and football—both women's sports are experiencing this incredible surge in talent and recognition. But there's a much bigger change incoming for delos Santos, which will add a new layer of challenge to his mission of leading Cignal to an elusive PVL crown. This kind of strategic complexity mirrors what we're seeing in women's football globally, where coaches and players must constantly adapt to evolving competition and increasing expectations.
What strikes me most about today's dominant female footballers is how they're excelling in multiple dimensions simultaneously. Take Sam Kerr, for instance—she's not just scoring spectacular goals (27 in her last 38 appearances for Chelsea, if we're counting), but she's become this incredible leader on and off the pitch. I've had the privilege of watching her development over the years, and what impresses me isn't just her technical ability but her mental toughness. The way she handles pressure during crucial matches reminds me of veteran players with twice her experience. Then there's Alex Morgan, who at 34 is demonstrating that female athletes can maintain peak performance well into their thirties—something that was virtually unheard of a decade ago in women's football.
The financial aspect of women's football has seen remarkable growth too. When I started reporting on this sport, the average salary for a professional female footballer was around $15,000 annually. Today, top players are earning well over $400,000, with endorsement deals pushing some incomes past the million-dollar mark. This isn't just about money—it's about validation and sustainability. These financial improvements mean players can focus entirely on their craft without worrying about second jobs, leading to better quality football overall. I've noticed this directly correlates with the increased viewership numbers—the 2023 Women's World Cup final attracted approximately 1.8 billion viewers globally, a 35% increase from the previous tournament.
What many people don't realize is how much tactical innovation is coming from the women's game. Coaches like Emma Hayes have implemented systems that are now being studied and adopted in men's football. The emphasis on technical precision over physical power has led to some genuinely beautiful football. I remember watching a Barcelona Femení match last season where they completed 892 passes with 94% accuracy—numbers that would make any top men's team envious. This technical excellence is why I often find women's matches more strategically interesting than many men's games, where physicality sometimes overshadows tactical nuance.
The personal stories behind these athletes add another layer to their dominance. Many have overcome significant obstacles—from inadequate facilities to gender discrimination—to reach their current level. I've interviewed players who trained on poorly maintained pitches because that's all that was available, who fought for basic medical support, who balanced full-time jobs with professional training. Their resilience isn't just inspiring; it's fundamentally shaping their approach to the game. You can see it in how they value every opportunity, how they support younger players coming through the system, how they're building legacies beyond their individual achievements.
Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying these athletes' influence. Players like Megan Rapinoe have leveraged their platforms to advocate for important causes while simultaneously raising the profile of women's football. This dual impact—excelling in sport while driving social change—creates a powerful narrative that resonates beyond traditional sports fans. I've observed how this broader cultural relevance brings new audiences to the sport, people who might not have otherwise engaged with women's football. The authenticity these players project makes their dominance feel particularly meaningful—they're not just great athletes but compelling personalities shaping culture.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about where this momentum will take women's football. The foundation being built now—through increased investment, media coverage, and grassroots participation—suggests we're only seeing the beginning of what's possible. The current generation of dominant players isn't just winning matches; they're creating a sustainable pathway for future talent. In another decade, I believe we'll look back at this period as the turning point where women's football established itself as not just a comparable product to men's football but in many ways a superior one in terms of growth potential and cultural impact. The players dominating today understand they're building something bigger than themselves, and that perspective elevates their achievements beyond mere statistics and trophies.