Some women footballers have had a first hand experience with mental health issues – a global medical problem with overarching impact on individuals and communities.
Here, we will take you through a list of some women footballers that have experienced mental health issues and also used their sports platform to speak about the menace.
- Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil)
Marta is one of the greatest female footballers of all time, and she has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. In 2019, she wrote an open letter about her own struggles with anxiety and depression.
- Lieke Martens (Netherlands)
Lieke Martens is a Dutch winger who is known for her creativity and her ability to score goals. In 2020, she revealed that she had been struggling with anxiety for several years. She has since become an ambassador for mental health awareness in the Netherlands.
- Lucy Bronze (England)
Lucy Bronze is an English defender who is known for her athleticism and her attacking ability. In 2022, she spoke about her experience of burnout and depression. She has since become an advocate for mental health awareness in the women’s game.
- Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands)
Vivianne Miedema is a Dutch striker who is known for her scoring ability. In 2023, she spoke about her experience of anxiety and panic attacks. She has since become an advocate for mental health awareness in the women’s game.
- Sam Kerr (Australia)
Sam Kerr is an Australian forward who is known for her pace and her finishing ability. In 2023, she spoke about her experience of impostor syndrome. She has since become an advocate for mental health awareness in the women’s game.
These are just a few of the many female footballers who have spoken openly about their mental health struggles. By sharing their stories, they are helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek help.
