The presence of the future king, the resounding chant of “Three Lions On A Shirt” echoing from the stands, and the dominance of the front pages of newspapers this morning all point towards the celebration of women’s football reaching the same level of adoration as men’s football. However, for the England Lionesses who clinched victory in the Euros for the second time in three years, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
If it had been the Lions lifting the cup, the scenario would have been vastly different. There would have been royal spectators, a unique anthem, and a reception hosted by the Prime Minister rather than the deputy. The spotlight wouldn’t just shine on them in victory but also in personal milestones like marriages, births, retirements, or casual moments of leisure.
The disparity extends to the national recognition too. A bank holiday would have been declared without hesitation, regardless of the economic implications, treating the victory as a monumental national event akin to royal celebrations. The Lionesses have indeed been honored, with their manager set to receive an honorary title, but the contrast in treatment between the men’s and women’s teams is stark.
The issue of pay equality also comes to the forefront. While there has been equal pay for both Lions and Lionesses since 2020, the prize discrepancies are glaring. The men’s prize pot is substantially larger than the women’s, despite similar achievements. The Lionesses are fighting not just on the field but also for equitable compensation and recognition.
The narrative surrounding women’s football reflects a broader societal challenge where women often have to prove themselves repeatedly despite their accomplishments. The double standards persist not just in football but in various aspects of life, where men receive accolades for mediocrity while women have to excel to earn recognition.
The journey of women in football, like in many other domains, symbolizes the ongoing struggle for gender equality and fair treatment. As victories mount for the Lionesses, the hope remains that societal perceptions will evolve to value achievements over outdated biases. Perhaps a showdown between the Lionesses and Lions could finally settle the debate, revealing the true extent of progress towards gender equality in sports.
Despite the achievements and efforts of the Lionesses, the unequal treatment persists, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and change.