Controversial motherhood on the football field: a cross-analysis between France and England

Abstract

High-level women’s football highlights the ongoing feminist struggle for freedom of choice regarding motherhood and work-life balance. Inadequate institutional policies in football contribute to the invisibility of pregnancy, rendering it “abnormal”. The risk of losing their job or fear of discrimination pushes female football players to delay or abandon their plans for motherhood. Far from being a simple individual choice, implicit and explicit pressures underlie this decision, making motherhood a new battleground for the recognition of female athletes. This article illustrates the shared experiences of players in France and England in relation to the perception and treatment of pregnancy, and how these perpetuate gender inequalities and norms related to parenthood