UEFA has presented its Unstoppable strategy, a long-term plan aimed at revolutionizing women’s football in Europe. With this initiative, the organization intends to establish football as the most practiced team sport among women and girls on the continent, setting concrete goals for 2030. Aleksander Čeferin, president of UEFA, and Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s director of women’s football, expressed their enthusiasm for this vision, which promises to change the landscape of women’s football in Europe.
The strategy, developed with the involvement of key football stakeholders, aims to create a solid foundation for the development of players, coaches, and referees, while attracting an increasingly diverse fan base. “Our mission is simple: to help women’s football take center stage in the European sports community,” declared Čeferin. Unstoppable is the next step on the path initiated by Time for Action, launched in 2019, and seeks to leverage its momentum to further strengthen women’s football.
INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH
One of the key aspects of Unstoppable is UEFA’s financial commitment, which will allocate €1 billion to support national team competitions, youth tournaments, club leagues, and development programs. With this investment, UEFA aims to build a competitive environment that helps European players reach the highest level.
“As we enter this exciting new era, we must continue with the same passion that has brought us here,” Čeferin remarked, emphasizing UEFA’s determination to support the growth of women’s football. The plan sets the goal of having six fully professional leagues in Europe and developing a base of 5,000 professional players across the region by 2030.
THE IMPACT OF AN INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SPORT
UEFA has also emphasized making women’s football a sustainable and investable sport, promoting competitions that break audience records and celebrate the unique values of this discipline. According to Nadine Kessler, women’s football has reached a strong position in Europe: “Women’s football in Europe has never been in a better situation. National teams and clubs are excelling thanks to significant investments and better competition structures.”
Kessler highlighted that the growth of women’s football in Europe is due to the unwavering support of national federations, clubs, players, and commercial partners who are committed to the expansion of this sport. “We are committed to continuing to invest and to collectively lead this sport,” Kessler added. Together with its partners, UEFA seeks to build a community that inspires and celebrates the diversity and positive impact of women’s football.
SUPPORT FROM GREAT FIGURES
UEFA has the backing of some of the top stars in European football to raise awareness of the Unstoppable strategy. Players like Aitana Bonmati, winner of the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or, and Ada Hegerberg, the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, support this initiative. The launch campaign for Unstoppable includes a film featuring Jill Scott, Lauren James, Giulia Gwinn, and Tess Olofsson, who share their commitment to the growth of women’s football in Europe.
“The women’s football community in Europe is an example of effort and dedication, and with Unstoppable, we are joining forces to give this sport a new boost,” commented Jill Scott. UEFA hopes that the commitment of these figures will inspire more women and girls to participate in football, promoting a sport that continues to grow in both fan numbers and social impact.
