Here is a list of the most influential African female footballers for the year 2024.
The horizon of football on the global scale has continued to expand with more people showing interest in all levels to participate in the sport. Women are taking on bigger roles after seeing how far and how well their peers who took a big step in the field are faring at all levels.
It is safe to say female footballers have served as a motivation to get others to participate in the game of football in any capacity or level. This means women can now commentate, officiate, visualize (with pictures) and also play football.
Africa is not left out of this phenomenon which is why we have compiled a list of female footballers who have influenced and motivated others to actively participate in the sport called football today.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Asisat Oshoala is a true icon in the world of African women’s football. Having won the African Female Footballer of the Year award six times, she has undoubtedly left her mark on the sport. Her influence, however, extends far beyond her impressive accomplishments on the pitch.
Oshoala has dedicated herself to inspiring and empowering girls and women to participate in football through various initiatives and words of encouragement. Her dedication to the sport has made her a role model for aspiring young female footballers across the continent. Oshoala’s commitment to promoting women’s football has seen her become a respected advocate for the game, and her passion for the sport is infectious.
One of the most significant moments of her career came when she made the move to the US football club Bay FC. This transfer was a landmark moment for African female footballers, as it marked a new era of opportunities for women in the sport. Oshoala’s move to Bay FC sparked a wave of interest from other African female footballers, who began following in her footsteps and pursuing similar opportunities.
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Thembi Kgatlana has also played a huge role in influencing girls and women’s participation in football today and it is no surprise she is on the list of the most influential African Female footballers of 2024. Thembi’s story of how she found her way to football representing her country South Africa on the biggest of stages such as the World Cup has been one many would continue to reference for days to come.
The challenges she also overcame were part of the things that motivated her to strive to be one of the very best. She has also set up a foundation for women and girls who want to engage and participate in football today.
Michelle Alozie (Nigeria)
Michelle Alozie’s outstanding performance at the 2023 World Cup made her a household name in Nigeria. Not only did she play a crucial role in the Super Falcons’ success on the pitch, but she also made headlines for her off-field work as a medical practitioner. Michelle’s dedication to both her sport and her profession shone a new light on the capabilities of female footballers. Her achievements served as a source of inspiration to many young women who aspire to excel in male-dominated fields.
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
In 2021, Racheal Kundananji, a professional footballer from Zambia, made headlines globally when she signed a deal with Bay FC of the American National Women’s Soccer League. The deal was worth a whopping $860,000, which made Racheal the most expensive women’s football player in the world. This move was considered a game-changer for African women in football, as it not only set a new record for the most expensive African female player but also created a new benchmark in the global football arena.]
Racheal’s rise to fame started when she made her debut on the Zambian team in 2015, at the young age of 17. Over the years, she has honed her skills and demonstrated her talent, which eventually led to her signing with Madrid CFF, a top-tier Spanish club. However, her move to Bay FC marked a significant shift in the way African female footballers are being recognized and valued in the industry.
This groundbreaking move highlighted the worth and potential of African female footballers and also created a new direction in the football world, as more and more female players are being recognized for their talent and skills on the pitch
Nouhaila Benzina (Morocco)
In the second match of Morocco’s Women’s World Cup campaign in 2023, defender Nouhaila Benzina made history as the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level global tournament. This was a significant moment for Muslim women across the world who had been previously excluded from the sport due to the FIFA ban on religious head coverings in sanctioned games for “health and safety reasons.”
The ban had been in place for many years, but it was overturned in 2014 following advocacy from activists, athletes, government officials, and soccer authorities who recognized the need for inclusivity in sports. Nouhaila Benzina’s decision to wear a hijab while playing football was a game-changer, and it had a big influence on other women and girls who had been considering a career in football. Her bold move paved the way for others to follow and showed that diversity in sports is essential.
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