Megan Rapinoe’s Fifa awards speech was inspiring – football has the power to make changes
MEGAN RAPINOE’S speech at the Fifa awards on racism, sexism and homophobia in football was inspiring — and not just for the football industry but for the world.
She touched on the racist abuse suffered by Raheem Sterling and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
And both Megan and Fifa president Gianni Infantino mentioned the death of Iranian Sahar Khodayari, nicknamed the ‘Blue Girl’, who set herself on fire outside a court in Tehran.
She was charged after trying to enter a football stadium without a hijab and dressed as a man, disobeying the nation’s ban on women in stadiums.
Now, as of the next international break, women can attend football matches in Iran.
This is when football is so important because it has the power to make these changes.
Issues like racism do not only affect football but all society.
Football has so many role models, if we start taking a stance it sends a strong and clear message.
Over the last year I’ve felt it’s my responsibility to use the visibility I’ve been given by the BBC to use it in the right way.
It is a privilege for me to be able inspire young girls and important I deliver the right message.
Now I feel the conversation needs to move forward in the women’s game.
Yes, we’ve spoken enough about equal pay, but talk is cheap and we now need to focus on what we are actually doing.
The perception of the women’s game is definitely becoming more positive.
My dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, Neil Jones, asks me about it because he watched the World Cup and is a huge Liverpool fan.
His niece played for Chelsea Women when she was younger so we talk about football a lot.
I’m excited for the WSL games this weekend and the big one today between West Ham and Spurs.
They’re going to make history playing their first ever WSL match at the London Stadium.
And I think Manchester United’s Lauren James is one to watch.
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I saw her when she played for Arsenal, she’s got a great family background, her brother Reece James plays for Chelsea.
And her dad Nigel, a Uefa licensed football coach, has had a strong influence on her career.
Lauren has shown no matter how much talent you have, it is hard work that gets you to the top.